Eleven firms guilty of food safety breaches

Eleven catering businesses were served with Enforcement Orders in August because of food safety breaches – the highest monthly number since 2002, it emerged today.

Five premises, including restaurants and takeaways, were served with Closure Orders because of sub-standard hygiene, while another six were hit with Prohibition Orders.

The affected premises were in counties Roscommon, Sligo, Dublin, Wicklow and Galway, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) confirmed.

A Closure Order is served where it is deemed there is, or is likely to be, an immediate danger to public health at the premises.

Six Prohibition Orders were served on butcher outlets in north Dublin for not complying with legislation governing the selling of beef on the bone from animals over a particular age.

FSAI Chief Executive Dr John O’Brien said: “The 11 Enforcement Orders served in August represent the highest number of Orders served in one month since 2002.

“All food business operators have a legal obligation to ensure the food they serve is safe for consumption.

“Every Enforcement Order undermines consumer confidence in food safety which affects not only the premises involved, but the industry as a whole.

“We are urging all food businesses to adhere to best food safety and hygiene practices,” he said.

Six Closure Orders were served on businesses nationwide in July, one of the highest monthly closure totals this year.

The previous highest number was in February, when seven businesses were served.

These latest orders come in the wake of new European-wide food hygiene standards, brought in last July to give guidance to companies on how to guarantee traceability, labelling and maintain chilled and frozen foods.

It also detailed cleanliness requirements in food stores, restaurants and hotels for training, water supply and pest control.