Rodent Infestation Closes Dublin Pizza Shop
Rodent activity throughout the premises forced the immediate closure of a Dublin city centre restaurant under an enforcement order served by health inspectors.
Pizza Max on Talbot Street was ordered to shut down completely after an environmental health officer found an extensive, active rodent infestation during a food hygiene inspection, according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
Inspectors noted rodent droppings in the dough preparation area while food was being prepared. Droppings were also discovered near delivery bags, on shelving units, and across floors throughout the building.
The inspection report detailed gnawed packaging and multiple structural gaps that allowed pests to enter the property.
Cross-Contamination Found at Dublin Restaurant
Raw meat was defrosting in a sink designated for washing ready-to-eat food and equipment. The restaurant also exhibited a complete lack of cleaning, with no disinfection chemicals available for work utensils and surfaces.
Rodent droppings remained uncleaned on the floor, inside food storage rooms, and across food preparation areas at the Stillorgan venue.
Unsuitable Kitchen Facilities in Cork
Wash-up facilities were located outside in the back garden area, and no supply of hot water was available at these sinks. The premises was no longer suitable for food operations after changing from a domestic setting.
The layout and design risked contaminating food with harmful bacteria because the floor, shelves, and equipment could not be cleaned effectively. The floor and shelving holding utensils were constructed of chipboard that was not smooth or easy to clean.
The prohibition order forced the immediate withdrawal from sale of several food items, including duck, mackerel, pork, and chicken.
Prohibited Products Banned in Roscommon
Inspectors ordered a number of dietary supplements, an electrolyte product, and a joint support product to be withdrawn from sale immediately.
The environmental health officer stated the products should not be used for human consumption and restricted them from being placed on the market.
FSAI Chief Executive Greg Dempsey emphasized that such breaches pose a direct risk to consumer health.
“It is deeply concerning that some food businesses continue to fall short of fundamental food safety requirements. Breaches, such as rodent activity and poor hygiene practices, pose a risk to consumer health and are entirely preventable.”
Greg Dempsey, FSAI Chief Executive
“With the busy Christmas period fast approaching, we are reminding food businesses to start preparing now so that they have robust food safety procedures in place to deal with increased demands and pressures on their businesses,” Dempsey added.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Safety Closures
What triggers a closure order for a food business?
Closure orders are served when there is or is likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health. They can mandate the immediate closure of all or part of a food premises or specific food activities.
What is the difference between a closure order and a prohibition order?
A closure order shuts down all or part of a food business or its activities due to public health risks. A prohibition order specifically stops the sale of a particular food item or product when handling it involves a serious risk to consumers.
Who issues these enforcement orders in Ireland?
Enforcement orders are issued by environmental health officers under the authority of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.