Food Safety Watchdog Halts Beef Tartare Service at Fitzwilliam Hotel Group Cafe

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has recently mandated the closure of a Fitzwilliam Hotel Group cafe located on St Stephen’s Green. This decision comes as a result of serious food safety violations surrounding the service of beef tartare. The cafe was ordered to cease all operations involving this dish and other food practices deemed unsafe.

Closure Orders Issued in October

In October, the FSAI issued a total of 11 closure orders and two prohibition orders across various food establishments. These actions were taken after inspections revealed significant breaches of food safety legislation.

Details of the Fitzwilliam Hotel Group’s Violations

• Closure Date: October 1
• Business Involved: Fitzwilliam Hotel Group’s Cellar 22 and Floritz
• Key Violations: Failed to follow HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control point) plan; unsafe preparation of beef tartare.
• Reopening Date: October 2

The Health Service Executive (HSE) highlighted that the establishment did not process raw meat correctly, increasing the potential risk of foodborne illness.

Other Food Businesses Affected

Aside from the Fitzwilliam Hotel Group, several other establishments faced closures for various health violations in October:

• The Lunch Bag Unlimited Company
  • Closure Date: October 6
  • Violations: Evidence of rat activity found in food handling areas; droppings observed in the kitchen.
  • Status: Remains closed.
• Kimchi Hop House
  • Closure Date: October 16
  • Violations: A dead rat discovered under the dishwasher; droppings found in various food handling areas.
  • Reopening Date: November 4
• Nua Bia
  • Closure Date: October 3
  • Violations: Mice droppings found in food storage and handling areas.
  • Status: Remains closed.
• Camile Thai
  • Closure Date: October 8
  • Violations: Evidence of rodent activity in the kitchen and storage areas.
  • Reopening Date: October 10
• Lucaci Fast Travel
  • Closure Date: October 8
  • Violations: Found unlabelled frozen meats and unverified food products.
  • Status: Remains closed.

These incidents underscore the importance of adhering to food safety regulations. The FSAI continues to monitor and enforce compliance in the food industry to protect public health.