Rodent droppings in cafe among reasons for February closure orders of four Irish food businesses

Four Irish food businesses were served closure orders in February.

Businesses in Dublin, Cork, Mayo and Waterford were issued closure orders under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998 last month. The reasons for the various closures have now been published by the FSAI, with evidence of rodent droppings the reason for the closure of three of the establishments. Anu's Kitchen in Tallaght, Dublin was served a closure order on February 1 after a Health Service Executive officer noted evidence of rat droppings in a food storage area. This order was lifted on February 12. A branch of Costa Coffee on Pearse Street, Ballina, Mayo received a closure order on February 10 after "significant rodent activity" was detected in a number of areas of the premises. This order was lifted on February 12. A storage space of Camile Thai on Looney's Cross, Bishopstown, Cork was issued a closure order on February 20 when rodent droppings were spotted in the upstairs attic. This order was lifted on March 6. An external yard of Polish Grocery Janosiki on Mary Street, Dungarvan was served a closure order on February 21 after the layout of the yard which was used to prepare meat was deemed unsuitable for food production. This order is yet to be lifted. Commenting on February's enforcement orders, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI said:"February’s Enforcement Orders demonstrate the importance of regular and consistent checks by businesses to ensure safe food practices are in place and adhered to in the interest of protecting consumer health. "There are no excuses for food business owners failing to comply with all relevant food safety and hygiene standards. It is a legal responsibility. Contamination of food and inadequate food safety management systems can lead to immediate danger to consumer health. This remains one of the main reasons why food inspectors are forced to serve Enforcement Orders on non-compliant food businesses."