Businesses in Wexford, Meath and Dublin were affected.
The evidence of rodents led to closure orders being served on three food businesses during the month of November, according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
The FSAI reported on Thursday that three closure orders were served on food businesses during the month of November for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998.
The Enforcement Orders were issued by environmental health officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the full detail of each Enforcement Order is published every month on the FSAI website.
Three Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:
- Iceland Stores Ireland Limited (retailer), Unit 1, Gorey Retail Park, Courtown Road, Gorey, Wexford
- Canteen operated by Get Fresh (Vending) Ltd, T/A Get Fresh Catering (Closed Area: Dining area, front servery, rear wash up/dry goods store and rear food preparation room), Beaufort College, Trim Road, Navan, Co. Meath
- AD Cash and Carry (Wholesaler/ Distributor), Unit 3/4, St. James Industrial Park, Kylemore Way, Inchicore, Dublin 8
Commenting on the Enforcement Orders served in November, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, stated that food businesses must prioritise food safety in their businesses, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.
“The three Closure Orders in November cited inadequate procedures in pest control which resulted in evidence of rodents in all three premises,” Byrne said.
“This is not acceptable in any food business at any time, as it poses a serious risk to public health. Food businesses need to ensure that their premises has the right food safety management procedures in place to ensure pest control at all times.”
“Also, with the busy Christmas season well underway, food businesses must ensure that they can cope with the extra customer demand and must recognise the main food safety risk factors that can cause foodborne illness and are easily preventable. For example, poor hygiene in food premises; inadequate refrigeration; inadequate cooking or re-heating; cross-contamination from raw to cooked food; contaminated raw ingredients; inadequately trained or supervised staff.”
Closure Orders and Improvement Orders will 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, with Prohibition Orders being listed for a period of one month.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
