Dublin takeaway issued closure order due to employees ‘not washing their hands’

It said that staff did not "demonstrate adequate knowledge of the basic principles of food safety".

Golden Palace on the Swords Road in Whitehall was ordered to close with immediate effect after breaching multiple food safety rules.

Staff members were observed not washing their hands after handling raw beef and not using any designated preparation areas.

In the report, the food safety officer wrote: "Staff did not wash their hands at any stage during the inspection, including after the preparation of raw meat and handling rubbish.

"Staff were noted using disposable gloves in place of regular hand washing. The use of disposable gloves must not be substituted for regular hand washing."

It was ruled that staff also "did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the basic principles of food safety."

The takeaway also breached Cleaning & Sanitation rules, with the officer noting: "The following were noted in an unclean condition: floors, ceilings, touch surfaces including taps and handles, dishwasher trays, vents, plug points and order dispenser.

"There was a large build up of grease noted under and at the sides of equipment. The fridge beside the fryers was very unclean and greasy."

Dublin takeaway issued closure order due to employees 'not washing their hands'

In summary, the report read: "It was clear from the non compliances observed that there was no management oversight.

"There was no food safety culture within the premises. Staff and management did not show an awareness of food safety hazards and the importance of food safety and hygiene."

Thirteen businesses have been given closure orders in 2024 so far, including Coriander Restaurant and Offbeat Donuts in Cork, as well as Strudel Artisan Bakery in Dun Laoghaire and Hidden Dojo Asian Streetfood and Wakami Sushi & Asian in Phibsborough.

Commenting on closure orders for January, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, said: "In January, there continued to be a number of food businesses who failed to ensure appropriate food safety management systems were in place and operating correctly.

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"It is a legal requirement that all food businesses take responsibility in ensuring their premises are maintained to the standard required by Irish food law.

"Food safety requirements are put in place to protect the health of consumers. Consumers have a right to safe food. By failing to keep reasonable food safety and hygiene standards in place, a business not only poses a risk to the health of their customers, but also to their own reputation as a trustworthy and safe food business."

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