Well-known eateries closed for food safety breaches

A NUMBER of the capital’s well-known eateries were among food premises closed by food safety authorities in recent months because of sub-standard hygiene.

A total of seven restaurants and food sellers were shut down, causing concern about deteriorating standards.

The Food Safety Authority (FSAI) warned closures hit consumer confidence in the food industry.

“The need to issue a closure order undermines consumer confidence in food safety which affects not only the premises involved, but the food industry as a whole,” stressed chief executive Dr John O’Brien.

The closures were served on food businesses during July and August for breaches of food safety legislation.

Those shut down for endangering public health included Ba Mizu, a popular wine and food bar attached to the upmarket Powerscourt Townhouse Centre.

The restaurant part of the premises, run by Gmad Food Limited, was served with the order while Jewel in the Crown restaurant on South William Street was also deemed a possible danger to public health.

Other closure orders were served on Lara Lu Foods takeaway on South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2, and Loose & Green, a food stall, on Georges Street Arcade, Dublin 2.

The fifth closure order was served by health officers on a Foodstall selling chilled foods in Ballingare, Castlerea, Co Roscommon.

There were also closure orders served on Crystal Supermart, 88 Summerhill, Dublin 1, and on The Mucky Duck (kitchen and carvery only), Main Street, Celbridge, Kildare.

Meanwhile, the FSAI have advised that a product withdrawal is being undertaken by small independent retailers on four French soft cheeses imported from one manufacturer, Fromagerie de la Houssaye. The cheeses are being recalled due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, which presents a significant risk to consumer health. The FSAI is advising consumers to check if they have purchased these products and if they have, not to eat the affected cheese but to return them to the point of purchase. The four cheeses are: Livarot 230g; Pont l’eveque 350g; Pave d’Auge and Deauville, with lot numbers 140-210 inclusive. Production dates May 19, 2008 to July 28, 2008.

Listeria infection is very serious and can be life threatening. Consumers who may have consumed this product and are feeling unwell should seek medical advice.

* FSAI operates an advice line on 1890 33 66 77.