Rat infestation and mould among issues behind Cork food business closures

Two Cork food businesses were ordered to close last month after inspectors found issues including rat droppings, mould, cobwebs, and spider egg sacs during food safety inspections.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said it served five closure orders on food businesses during April for breaches of food safety legislation.

Lily House café was forced to close after inspectors found rat droppings at the premises, which they described as posing a "grave and immediate danger to public health".

The inspection report stated that an active rodent infestation was discovered in both the kitchen area and the food storage room.

Inspectors said rodents are known to spread harmful pathogens, including salmonella, through urine and faeces, creating a serious risk of contamination to food prepared in the affected areas.

The enforcement order, issued under the FSAI Act 1998, was served on April 24. The premises has not yet reopened.

Separately, Yama was served with a closure order under EU legislation on April 23.

Inspectors found cobwebs and spider egg sacs at high levels in the rear preparation kitchen, which they said highlighted inadequate cleaning and posed a "significant risk of contamination to food".

The inspection also identified mould growth and dampness on parts of the ceiling and on the walls of the staff toilet.

The closure order was lifted on April 25.

Doolys Fish and Chips in Waterford was ordered to cease the manufacture and wholesale of foods of animal origin, and from placing such products on the market, under EU legislation. The order was served on April 2.

Two other businesses also received closure orders:

• CraftCup Limited received a closure order under the FSAI Act 1998 on April 15. The business has since reopened;
• Empoli Restaurant was served with a closure order under EU legislation on April 7. It has since reopened.