Rodents and Cockroaches Among Reasons for Eight Food Business Closures in August – FSAI
Rodent droppings in a McDonald's storage unit in Co Louth and an active cockroach infestation in a Dublin restaurant were among the breaches that led to eight closure orders being issued to Irish food businesses last month.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) confirmed that it issued eight closure orders and one prohibition order in August due to serious violations of food safety laws.
One closure order was served on a McDonald’s storage unit in Drogheda, Co Louth, after inspectors discovered rodent droppings on shelves and food equipment. Cleaning agents and disinfectants were also stored in the contaminated area, raising the risk of cross-contamination. Inspectors noted the unit was poorly pest-proofed.
At Paulista restaurant on 121 Dorset Street Upper, Dublin, a closure order was issued due to a widespread cockroach infestation, with insects found "at all stages of the life cycle" throughout the basement kitchen. Inspectors observed both live and dead cockroaches on the floor, near sinks, water tanks, and inside kitchen appliances. Uncovered foods such as garlic dip, sweetcorn, and pepperoni were being prepared near areas with visible cockroach activity. The order has since been lifted.
Prime Pizza & Kebab at 281 Hyde Road, Limerick was also served a closure order, as food was being prepared during ongoing renovation works. The premises had unfinished surfaces and a significant buildup of waste in the rear yard. This order has now been lifted.
A wholesale business, BK Foods Limited in Clongorey, Newbridge, Co Kildare, received a closure order after "numerous rat droppings" were discovered throughout its distribution warehouse. Inspectors described the situation as posing a "grave and immediate danger to food safety."
In Trim, Co Meath, Wau Asian Cuisine Limited was ordered to close due to “unsatisfactory conditions” for safe sushi production. The report highlighted poor sanitation of the premises and equipment, lack of handwashing by staff, unsafe storage of sushi ingredients, and inadequate handling practices.
Super Chef Takeaway, Unit 5 at Ashbourne Court, Bridge Street, Ashbourne, Co Meath, was served a closure order for a general failure to maintain hygiene standards in all food handling areas. The order has since been lifted.
In Killorglin, Co Kerry, Burger Smash at 4 Langford Street was closed due to the absence of hot water for handwashing and improper handling of raw meats. The kitchen lacked effective cleaning procedures and traceability documentation, such as batch codes and delivery dates. The closure order has since been lifted.
Small Chops and More, located at The Courtyard, Baker Hall, Navan, Co Meath, was also issued a closure order. Inspectors stated that the business failed to identify or mitigate food hazards and was also required to shut down its online presence, including websites and social media platforms.
Additionally, a prohibition order was served on certain food items at Chillers Restaurant and Lounge, Liffey Valley Complex, Unit 1, Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin.
Source: RTE