Rat droppings in the storage unit of a McDonald's in Co Louth, as well as an active cockroach infestation in a Dublin restaurant, were among the reasons for eight closure orders issued to Irish food businesses last month.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) served eight closure orders and one prohibition order on food businesses during the month of August for breaches of food safety legislation.
The storage unit of a McDonald's in Drogheda in Co Louth was served with a closure order by the food safety authority due to rodent droppings observed on shelving and food equipment.
"Cleaning agents and disinfectants intended for use on food equipment were stored in this area, leaving them exposed to contamination from rodents," an inspector's report noted, adding that the unit was inadequately pest-proofed.
Paulista, located at 121 Dorset Street Upper in Dublin was served with a closure order for an active cockroach infestation "at all stages of the life cycle throughout the basement kitchen".
"Live, moving cockroaches and dead cockroaches were visible on the floor, the wash head sink, water tank, behind freezers, inside a standing freezer, in the kitchen where food is prepared, cooked and handled," an inspector's report said.
It added that uncovered foodstuffs were being prepared closed to where live, moving cockroaches were found, including garlic dips, sweetcorn and pepperoni. The order has since been lifted.
Prime Pizza & Kebab at 281 Hyde Road in Co Limerick was served a closure order due to food being prepared in an area where construction and renovation is ongoing, with the premises undergoing renovation works.
It was also noted that there were unfinished surfaces in the food production area and a large accumulation of waste in the rear yard. The closure order has since been lifted on the business.
Wholesaler Bk Foods Limited, located in Clongorey, Newbridge, Kildare was hit with a closure order due to numerous rat droppings noted throughout the distribution warehouse, leading to a "grave and immediate danger to food safety", according to an inspector's report.
Wau Asian Cuisine Limited on Bridge Street, in Trim, Co Meath was served with a closure order by the FSAI due to "unsatisfactory conditions observed at the time of inspection" which a report said "were not conducive to the safe production of sushi".
A lack of cleaning and sanitation of the premises and equipment including those used for making sushi, a lack of handwashing by food handlers, unsafe storage practices in a cold room for sushi ingredients and unsafe handling practices were also noted in an inspector's report.
Super Chef Takeaway, Unit 5, at Ashbourne Court, Bridge Street, in Ashbourne, Co Meath was served a closure order due to a lack of adequate and thorough cleaning in all food handling. The closure order has since been lifted on the business, according to the FSAI.
A closure order, which has since been lifted, was also served on Burger Smash, at 4 Langford Street, in Killorglin, Co Kerry due to no hot water available for handwashing as well as raw beef and raw chicken being prepared in a kitchen without "effective cleaning and disinfection procedures in place".
An inspector's note also detailed that there was a lack of adequate traceability systems with regard to the food being prepared including a lack of evidence of date of delivery, batch codes and supplier details.
While Small Chops and More, The Courtyard, Baker Hall, in Navan, Co Meath was also ordered to close along with its internet sites and social media to be ceased due to "hazards that must be prevented eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels have not been identified".
A prohibition order was served on a number of food items at Chillers Restaurant and Lounge, Liffey Valley Complex, Unit 1, Fonthill Road, in Clondalkin, Dublin.
FSAI Chief Executive Greg Dempsey said: "It is disappointing to see the same issues, such as poor hygiene and pest control problems, being identified each month.
"Businesses selling food to consumers need to ensure that they met their legal obligations, and that the food they sell is safe to eat."
He added that while the majority of food businesses take their responsibilities to their customers very seriously, the FSAI continue to see a small number of businesses subject to enforcement action, including closure, due to their non-compliances with basic food safety standards.
Mr Dempsey said the FSAI has an online complaint process at www.fsai.ie/makeitbetter, where consumers can report inappropriate and unsafe food and practices, potentially resulting in enforcement action being taken.
"This is an essential component of the food system and it supports the work of the food inspectorate to ensure the highest standards and quality across the food chain," added Mr Dempsey.
