Six Food Businesses Shut Down In July

Six food businesses were ordered to close during July for breaches of food safety legislation, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has revealed.

The FSAI revealed that closure orders were served on the First and Fast Chinese Take Away in Castle Street, Roscommon; a branch of the popular Abrakebrabra chain in Temple Bar in Dublin; Munch restaurant on Strand Road in Bray, Wicklow; the Village Hotel at Tyrellspass in Co. Westmeath (although the bar and sandwich bar in the reception area remain open); Katie's Kitchen chip van on the corner of Jubilee Road and Monaghan Road in Clones in Monaghan; and the American Express chip van on Newbliss Road in Clones.

A prohibition order was also served on Trailercare Holdings Ltd cold store, on the Robinhood Industrial Estate in Clondalkin in Dublin.

Closure orders are served when it is deemed, upon inspection, that there is likely to be, a grave and immediate danger to public health at or in the premises.

Commenting on the orders, Dr John O'Brien, Chief Executive of the FSAI, said: "The six closure orders and one prohibition order served by the enforcement officers during the month of July are seven too many. Enforcement officers should be considered a resource for information and advice for food businesses. The enforcement powers are used when there is, or is likely to be, a serious threat to public health. They are not used for minor infringements, so it means standards have fallen very low when enforcement officers have to resort to using these powers. Food business operators have a legal obligation to ensure the food they serve is safe for consumption. Every enforcement order undermines consumer confidence in food safety, which affects not only the premises involved, but the industry as a whole. We are urging all food businesses to adhere to best food safety and hygiene practices."

(KMcA)