Closure orders issued on two food businesses in March

FOOD BUSINESSES must not use the recession as an excuse to cut corners on hygiene or safety practices, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has warned.

Closure orders were served on two outlets last month for breaches of food safety legislation.

FSAI chief executive Dr John O’Brien said the authority was attempting to ensure that high standards were maintained.

“Food businesses are legally required to produce safe food and standards should not be allowed to slip,” Dr O’Brien added. “It is vital in these recessionary times that food businesses, in a bid to keep costs to a minimum, do not cut corners when it comes to food safety practices and standards.”

Last month a closure order was served by veterinary inspectors from Wicklow County Council on Riverview Farm, a meat supplier based in Tinahely, Co Wicklow.

An order was issued by environmental health officers on Jumbo Hot Dog, a food stall on Strand Street, Tramore, Co Waterford.

Closure orders can refer to the immediate shut down of all or part of a food premises, or the curtailment of all or some of its activities.

Eleven closure orders have been issued so far this year.