Seven enforcement orders served in November including for cockroach infestation

Kenneth Fox

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has reported seven enforcement orders were served on food businesses during the month of November for breaches of food safety legislation.

The Enforcement Orders were issued by Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE).

There were two closure orders served under FSAI Act, 1998 on Lotus Asian Food Takeaway, 2 The Hill, Stillorgan, Co Dublin and Indian Spices (Restaurant/Café), 138 Parnell Street, Dublin 1.

An additional four closures were served under European Union Regulations on:

Shapla Indian Spice (Restaurant/Café), Hanover Court, Kennedy Avenue, Carlow, FLC (Closed activities: sale and supply of milk shakes and desserts) (Takeaway), 8-10 Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin Grill Kebab (Restaurant/Café) Main Street, Broadford, Limerick and The Bankers (Closed area: All parts of the kitchen located in the basement) (Public house), 16 Trinity Street, Dublin 2

One Prohibition Order was served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on: Big Discount.ie (Retailer/other), 12 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Louth

Some of the reasons for the enforcement orders in November include: active cockroach infestation; rodent activity and rodent droppings; premises being used as accommodation; lack of hand washing facilities in a room where raw food is handled; grease leaking from a pipe underneath a food preparation sink; containers of cooked meat, raw meats and sauces in a cold room uncovered and with no expiry dates.

Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of the FSAI, said that breaches of food safety legislation can pose a real danger to consumer health and there has to be a significant focus on maintaining food safety procedures by food businesses as they enter what is typically the busiest time of year.

“With the Christmas period already underway and the corresponding significant increase in demand for food services, food businesses must ensure that they maintain the highest food safety standards at all times, most especially at these busy times, when cutting corners or letting standards lapse could result in a health risk to consumers.

"Consumers have a right to safe food, and there is a personal responsibility on owners, managers and all employees to comply with food safety legal requirements at all times.

"Neglecting food safety demonstrates a disregard for the well-being of customers and potentially places their health at an unnecessary risk.

"There can be zero tolerance for negligent practices that put consumers’ health at risk, and the full powers of food law will be used if a food business is found to be in breach.

"Food businesses must ensure there is a strong food safety culture in place, including adequate training for all staff. This simply must be a top priority for food businesses," Ms Byrne said.

Also, during the month of November, one prosecution was taken by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority in relation to: Richard Branagan (offence observed on MFV Nausicaa), Vessel located in Howth, Co. Dublin.

In January, one prosecution was taken by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority in relation to John Hayes (offence observed on MFV Nausicaa), Vessel located in Howth, Co. Dublin.