Live cockroach and rat infestations found as several food businesses ordered to close across country

The Enforcement Orders were issued by Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Some of the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in November include: active cockroach infestation; rodent activity and rodent droppings; premises being used as accommodation; lack of hand washing facilities in a room where raw food is handled; grease leaking from a pipe underneath a food preparation sink; containers of cooked meat, raw meats and sauces in a cold room uncovered and with no expiry dates.

Two Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:

• Lotus Asian Food Takeaway, 2 The Hill, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin
• Indian Spices (Restaurant/Café), 138 Parnell Street, Dublin 1

Four Closure Orders were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:

• Shapla Indian Spice (Restaurant/Café), Hanover Court, Kennedy Avenue, Carlow
• FLC (Closed activities: sale and supply of milk shakes and desserts) (Takeaway),

8-10 Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

• Grill Kebab (Restaurant/Café) Main Street, Broadford, Limerick
• The Bankers (Closed area: All parts of the kitchen located in the basement) (Public house), 16 Trinity Street, Dublin 2

One Prohibition Order was served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:

• Big Discount.ie (Retailer/other), 12 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Louth

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Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, said that breaches of food safety legislation can pose a real danger to consumer health and there has to be a significant focus on maintaining food safety procedures by food businesses as they enter what is typically the busiest time of year.

“With the Christmas period already underway and the corresponding significant increase in demand for food services, food businesses must ensure that they maintain the highest food safety standards at all times, most especially at these busy times, when cutting corners or letting standards lapse could result in a health risk to consumers.

“Consumers have a right to safe food, and there is a personal responsibility on owners, managers and all employees to comply with food safety legal requirements at all times.

“Neglecting food safety demonstrates a disregard for the well-being of customers and potentially places their health at an unnecessary risk.

“There can be zero tolerance for negligent practices that put consumers’ health at risk, and the full powers of food law will be used if a food business is found to be in breach. Food businesses must ensure there is a strong food safety culture in place, including adequate training for all staff.

“This simply must be a top priority for food businesses,” said Dr Byrne.