Rats, cockroaches and filthy conditions - ten enforcement orders served on food businesses

Rodent infestations, cockroaches and dirty premises were cited among the reasons for ten enforcement orders served on food businesses last month.

The orders were issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) following unannounced inspections throughout September.

Commenting on the closures FSAI chief executive Dr Pamela Byrne said the authority was rolling out plans to publish extra information about enforcement orders in an effort to “increase transparency” and raise food safety and hygiene standards in the industry.

She said the orders were served for a range of different reasons including: 

• Rodent infestation
• Failure to maintain temperatures of foodstuffs
• Filthy conditions with aged dirt and debris
• Unsuitable food storage facilities
• Evidence of extensive cockroach infestation
• Raw chicken stored on a dirty floor

“Enforcement orders are served on food businesses only when a serious risk to consumer health has been established or where there are a number of ongoing serious breaches of food legislation,” said Dr Byrne.

She said publishing greater detail surrounding the orders will “help to dispel any misinformation regarding the reasons why enforcement orders are served and will also let other food businesses know some of the things to avoid in their premises.”

In total six Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on: 

• Glebe Gardens and Café (Part closed: Bakery Storeroom), Baltimore, Cork
• Spar (retailer), 23 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4
• Akash (restaurant/café), 7 George's Avenue, Blackrock, County Dublin
• Larry's Marino Fair (Part closed: Food storage at rear of 203 Philipsburgh Ave, Marino, Dublin 3) (butcher), 205 Philipsburgh Ave, Marino, Dublin 3
• Caspian Pizza (restaurant/café), Main Street Car Park, Donegal Town, Donegal
• Alfredos (take away), Unit 9, Ballybane Shopping Centre, Ballybane Road, Galway 

Four Closure Orders were served under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2010 on: 

• Chens Oriental Taste (restaurant/café), Unit 1 and Unit 2, Main Street, Rochfortbridge, Westmeath
• Harrys Bar and Restaurant Ltd (manufacturer), Bridgend, Donegal
• The Village Store/Kelly's Last Chance Bar (retailer), Rathcabbin, Nenagh, Tipperary
• Corrib Catering, Leisureland, Salthill, Galway 

Meanwhile the Health Service Executive (HSE) carried out a successful prosecution in relation to the Beachcomber Bar in Kerrs Bay, Rathmullan, County Donegal. 

Full details of the enforcement orders can be found here.