The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) reported today, (Wednesday, March 12), that they served seven food businesses with enforcement orders last month.

The orders were served for food safety breaches under the FSAI Act 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations 2020.

The enforcement orders were issued by members of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.

Two closure orders served under the FSAI Act 1998 were issued to:

Universal Food Wholesale Distribution Limited, Unit B3 National Enterprise Park, Togher, Portlaoise, Co. Laois;
Far East, 339 Ballyfermot Road, Ballyfermot, Co. Dublin.

Four closure orders served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations 2020 were issued to:

Day to Day, Hayestown, Boyne Road, Hayestown, Navan, Co. Meath;
Bombay Kebab House, 3 Bridge Street, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary;
Tank & Skinny’s @ Number 6, Courtyard Shopping Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal;
Lams, 286 Ballyfermot Road, Ballyfermot, Co. Dublin.

One prohibition order served under the FSAI Act 1998 was issued to:

Burren Smokehouse, Kincora Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare.

Rodent activity was among the reasons for the orders, with six mouse carcasses found on a warehouse floor and droppings present in a service counter area.

Other reasons included a complete lack of cleaning, no hot water available for cleaning surfaces and equipment, and cooked items stored at unsafe temperatures

Greg Dempsey, chief executive at FSAI, said: ''food safety must always be a top priority for all food businesses.

''Consumers have a right to safe food and it is imperative that all food businesses uphold the highest standards of food safety and hygiene at all times,” he added.

Separately, in February one prosecution was taken by the HSE in relation to Dunnes Stores Unlimited Company, Trimgate Street, Navan, Co. Meath.