October Sees Thirteen Enforcement Orders Issued to Food Businesses
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) announced significant enforcement actions taken against food businesses in October. A total of thirteen orders were issued, comprising eleven Closure Orders and two Prohibition Orders. These actions were conducted by Environmental Health Officers as part of the FSAI’s commitment to uphold food safety standards.
Details of the Enforcement Orders
The enforcement actions were executed under the FSAI Act, 1998, and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020.
Closure Orders
Eight Closure Orders were issued under the FSAI Act, 1998, to the following establishments:
- The Crescent Stores, Clonmel, Tipperary (Closed areas: storeroom, adjoining corridor)
- Corrib Oil Spar Express, Castlerea, Roscommon
- West Wing Restaurant, Tuam, Galway
- Kimchi Hop House, Dublin 1
- Base Wood Fired Pizza, Greystones, Wicklow (currently under appeal)
- Camile Thai, Dublin 8
- TOP 3 CHINESE, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin
- Lunch Bag Unlimited Company, Clontarf, Dublin 5
Additionally, three Closure Orders were issued under the EU regulations:
- Diamond Pizza, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
- Nua Bia, Ballymun, Dublin 11
- Cellar 22 and Floritz, Dublin 2 (activities involving vacuum packing and raw beef ceased)
Prohibition Orders
Two Prohibition Orders were also issued, impacting:
- Foodliner Supermarket, Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon
- Lucaci Fast Travel, Cabra East, Dublin 11
Reasons for Enforcement Actions
Several alarming issues prompted these enforcement actions. Common reasons included:
- Evidence of rodent activity, including dead rats and droppings.
- Inadequate pest control and failure to sanitize after rodent discovery.
- Lack of trained staff in food handling.
- Insufficient food safety management systems.
- Poor hygiene practices and accumulated dirt.
- Inadequate washing facilities and defective drainage systems.
Statements from FSAI Leadership
Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive of FSAI, emphasized the importance of adherence to food safety and hygiene practices. “October’s Enforcement Orders highlight persistent issues like inadequate pest control and poor cleaning,” he stated. Dempsey urged businesses to prepare for the forthcoming busy Christmas period by ensuring robust food safety procedures are in place.
Prosecution Notice
In addition to the enforcement orders, a prosecution was initiated against Riverhouse Café, located in Cahir, Tipperary.
The FSAI regularly updates its website with information about food businesses subject to enforcement actions. Closure and Improvement Orders remain visible for three months, while Prohibition Orders are listed for one month.
