'Rodent droppings noted on shelves next to open food' in one Cork business served with closure order

Evidence of a rodent infestation in a Douglas restaurant caused a closure order to be issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland last month.

Two Cork food businesses were served with closure orders by the FSAI last month.

Coriander

Among them, Coriander Nepalese and Indian Restaurant where the inspector noted “significant rodent droppings throughout the premises”.

“Rodent droppings were noted on shelves next to open food,” the report stated.

There was also evidence of gnawed food packaging, while rodent droppings were also observed in areas where food was prepared and served.

The inspector deemed the issues likely to be “a grave and immediate danger to public health”.

The closure order was issued on February 19, and it was lifted two days later on February 21.

Offbeat Donuts

Separately, Offbeat Donuts were served with a closure order on February 19 just for the upstairs storage area of their business on French Church St in Cork city.

Evidence of pest activity was noted throughout the upstairs storage area, the inspectors report noted, and the premises was “not adequately pest-proofed”.

Evidence of rodent droppings were seen “in and around gaps at wall” and “underneath windows” the report said.

The inspector warned that the conditions meant a “serious risk” of food contamination.

That closure order was lifted on March 5.

Ten orders nationally

Nationally, ten closure orders were served on food businesses during the month of February for breaches of food safety legislation.

Other reasons for the enforcement orders in February include: the sale of food product with the claim 'nut free' in a premises that contains tree nuts and peanuts and has inadequate procedures in place to avoid cross-contamination; the preparation of raw chicken on the equipment sink, with blood present and without any evidence of cleaning; the presence of personal items such as a mattress, blankets and duvet in the ambient food storage unit of the food business; and the presence of cosmetics including face washes, oils and toothpaste at the kitchen food wash sink.

Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, said that food safety is a legal requirement and that all food businesses must comply with the law.

“Consumers have a right to safe food and the food business owner is legally responsible for ensuring that the food they produce is safe to eat. Maintaining a clean premises that is fit for purpose, managing pest control, properly labelling produce and providing traceability information are mandatory legal requirements for all food businesses.

“By neglecting to uphold basic food safety and hygiene standards, a business not only jeopardises the health of its customers, but also risks damaging its own reputation as a trustworthy food business,” said Dr Byrne.