Seven businesses given closure orders over food safety

Environmental health officers from the Health Service Executive served seven closure orders on food businesses last month for breaches of food safety laws.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said a closure order under the FSAI Act 1998 was served on Akash Restaurant, 7 George's Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

Six closure orders were served on businesses under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2010.

The businesses were Juno’s Café Deli (restaurant), 26 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8; TJ O’Toole (public house - supply of food from the kitchen), Tourmakeady, Co Mayo, The Larches Bar (preparing and serving foods), Finny, Claremorris, Co Mayo;

Tasty Bite (restaurant), 1A Main Street, Bantry, Cork; Abbey Tavern (public house), The Square, Tuam, Galway and Fuchsia House and Gables Bar (restaurant), Dundalk Road, Ardee, Co Louth.

One prohibition order was served on Supervalu (supermarket), College View, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 11.

FSAI chief executive Prof Alan Reilly said vigilance was always required in relation to food safety and that standards must not be permitted to slip to such levels that consumer health is put at risk.

“The legal onus is on food businesses to act responsibly and ensure that the food they serve and sell is safe to eat. There is absolutely no excuse for putting consumers’ health at risk through negligent practices.”

He urged businesses to take “full advantage of the information and support provided by the inspectorate and the FSAI to ensure that they have the correct food safety management systems in place”.

Details of closure orders remain on the FSAI’s website for three months after the date when a business has addressed its food safety issue. Information on prohibition orders remains on the site for one month from that date.

Businesses may contact the FSAI advice line on 1890 336677 or visit its website fsai.ie.