The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has served five closure orders to food businesses following a series of breaches in food safety legislation. The enforcement actions, which took place last month, were triggered by issues including inadequate cleaning and active rodent infestations.
The closures impact businesses across three regions: Cork, Waterford, and Dublin. The affected establishments include Lily House in Rosscarbery, Cork, and Yama in Blackpool, Cork.
the FSAI closed CraftCup Limited in Sandyford, Dublin 18, and Empoli Restaurant in Swords, Dublin. In Waterford, Doolys Fish and Chips had its manufacture and wholesale of foods of animal origin and subsequent placing on the market halted.
Serious Hygiene and Safety Failures
The FSAI detailed several severe reasons for the enforcement orders issued in April. Inspectors discovered active rodent infestations in kitchen and storage areas, including rodent droppings found beside shelving units used to store food.
Other reported issues included the presence of spider egg sacs and cobwebs in food preparation areas, as well as mould growth and dampness on staff toilet walls.
Beyond cleanliness, the authority noted a systemic lack of food safety management systems and procedures. This included inadequate cleaning of utensils and equipment, and the use of an unapproved establishment.
Safety risks also extended to food handling and documentation. The FSAI cited insufficient traceability information, inaccurate declaration of food allergens, and a lack of monitoring records for reheating high-risk foods, such as chicken, alongside staff failing to demonstrate safe food handling practices.
The Impact on Public Health
FSAI Chief Executive Greg Dempsey emphasized that maintaining robust food safety standards is a critical necessity for all food businesses.
“Cleanliness, pest control, proper staff training and food traceability are fundamental requirements and are essential to protecting public health,” Dempsey stated.
Dempsey further noted that consumers have a right to safe food and that businesses bear a legal responsibility to ensure the food they provide to consumers is safe to eat.
Looking Forward
To resume operations, these businesses may be required to establish and implement effective food safety management systems. This could involve a complete overhaul of their cleaning and disinfection procedures.
The FSAI has strongly encouraged food businesses to “continuously improve their food safety standards” via regular training. It is likely that staff will need to undergo training to demonstrate safe food handling practices before these establishments can reopen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cities were affected by the closure orders?
The affected food businesses are located in Cork, Waterford, and Dublin.
What were some of the specific hygiene issues found?
Issues included active rodent infestations, rodent droppings near food shelving, cobwebs and spider egg sacs in preparation areas, and mould on staff toilet walls.
What administrative failures were noted by the FSAI?
The FSAI cited a lack of food safety management systems, inaccurate allergen declarations, and insufficient traceability information.
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