Seven food outlets closed and two others prosecuted

Closure orders were served on seven food businesses in September by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

Three successful prosecutions were also carried out by the Health Service Executive during the month.

“There can be no excuse for putting consumers’ health at risk through negligent practices,” said authority chief executive Pamela Byrne.

‘Rigorous compliance’

“We are re-emphasising to all food businesses the need for rigorous compliance with food safety and hygiene legislation. This requires putting appropriate food safety management procedures in place and making sure they are adhered to at all times.”

The seven premises to be served closure orders were:

- Roma Takeaway, North Road, Dromcollogher, Limerick

- Express Fast Food Takeaway, Ballinamore, Fintown, Donegal

- Meal Box (take away), 73 Cork Street, Dublin 8

- Stonehouse Restaurant, 9 The Square, Tralee, Kerry

- Kebab Bites , Unit 4, Redmond Square, Wexford

- Lime Leaf XL Shop (closed area: the takeaway Chinese and bakery food preparation units and associated storage facilities), 40 Fuschia Drive, Renmore, Galway

- Fusion Cafe (activity closed: all food preparation and service activities in and from the kitchen/food preparation and ancillary areas), Monck Street, Wexford.

The successful prosecutions carried out by the HSE were on the Halfway House restaurant, Tooban, Burnfoot, Donegal (two prosecutions) and the Atlantic Bar, Main Street, Buncrana, Donegal.

Grave and immediate danger

Under the FSAI Act, 1998, a closure order is served where it is deemed that there is or there is likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health at or in the premises; or where an improvement order is not complied with. Closure orders can refer to the immediate closure of all or part of the food premises, or all or some of its activities.

Closure orders and improvement orders remain listed on the FSAI website for a period of three months from the date of when a premises is adjudged to have corrected its food safety issue.