Four food businesses in Ireland have been ordered to shut their doors by the Food Safety Authority for failing to meet required health and safety standards.
All of the breaches were recorded in June, with some of the issues listed as visible rodent droppings, lack of hygiene and a vape kit stored above cooling food.
Three of the businesses are based in Dublin and the remaining one is located in Co. Laois.
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Firstly, the Hudson Rooms restaurant, which is located in the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, was served two closure orders for its ground floor bar and indoor seating area as well as the ground floor kitchen area, first-floor bar and rear storage.
Multiple orders were imposed to ensure the entire food operation is shut down.
Closure orders were also served on the Apache Pizza takeaway at 37 Main Street, in Blackrock, Co Dublin, as well as on Roma Take Away of Main Street, in Portarlington, Co Laois.
The fourth food business that was ordered to close last month was the Han Lin Palace restaurant of 13-15 Bridge Street, in Balbriggan, Dublin - however, the restaurant is now under new management.
Among the reasons cited by the FSAI inspector was a lack of pest prevention and control measures, with rodent droppings visible on the premises.
The report also highlighted that the food handlers demonstrated “a lack of understanding” around the use of protective clothing and headgear, as well as a lack of understanding to prevent contamination from jewellery when preparing food.
Others didn’t have a good enough labelling system to facilitate traceability of their produce, had undeclared allergen information, inadequate handwashing facilities and had no food safety management system in place.
Another problem listed was to do with how personal items were being stored on the premise - such as a vape kit, car keys and mobile phones.
Speaking about the closures: Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of the FSAI, said it is “unacceptable” that staff are unaware of their responsibilities as food handlers.”
She said every food business owner has a duty to their customers, staff and to themselves “to ensure food regulations are being followed on their premises.”
“It is not acceptable firstly that staff are not wearing appropriate protective clothing and secondly that they are unaware of the risks of possible food contamination when they do not follow such food preparation guidance.
“Staff must be properly trained and/or supervised to ensure compliance with the legal requirements and attention must be paid to the basics of good hand washing, effective cleaning and proper storage of food.”
In concluding her statement she said that these are legal requirements to ensure that consumers’ health is not being put at risk.
“Enforcement orders are not served for minor breaches and consumers have a right to safe food.”
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