Businesses closed for food safety breaches

Two businesses have been closed for breaches in food safety legislation, it emerged today.

Zhong Xing Chinese Take Away, Main Street, Banagher, Offaly and Pats Corner Shop, 1 Ross Street, Dublin 7, were served with closure orders last month following visits by environmental health officers.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) deemed that upon inspection of both premises there was likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health.

Commenting on the closures, Dr John O’Brien, Chief Executive of FSAI, said it is essential for all food businesses to adhere to their legal obligation to implement and enforce a vigilant system of food hygiene practices.

“While the Closure Orders recorded are the first closures to date this year, the fact that there are any at all is unacceptable,” he said.

“Enforcement officers only resort to using these powers when standards have fallen very low and the public’s health has been put at risk.”

Dr O’Brien said the onus is firmly on the food industry to ensure it is adhering to the highest standard of practice in producing food for consumers.

“A food safety management plan is not only a legal requirement for all food businesses in Ireland, it is key to ensuring that consumer confidence in the food sector is maintained,” he continued.

“Every Closure Order served sends a clear signal to all food businesses that practices that put consumers’ health at risk will not be tolerated.

“We recognise that there are many food businesses that are committed to high standards in the interests of their customers and their business reputation and hope the threat of being closed and the subsequent adverse publicity will be an incentive to maintain proper standards.”