Food watchdog serves record number of closure orders
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued a total 54 closure orders so far in 2010 compared to 34 in 2009, and is the highest figure since 2001 when 53 closure orders were issued.
A closure order is made when there is likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health at or in the premises, or where an improvement order has not been complied with.
In November, one improvement order and four closure orders were served. The closure orders were served on three establishments in Roscommon and one in Westmeath.
Meanwhile, a popular bakery in Cork was among five food businesses that were successfully prosecuted for breaching food safety legislation in November.
The owners of the Natural Foods Bakery in Pier Head, Blackrock, which specialises in handmade breads, luxury cakes and gourmet sandwiches, were prosecuted under EC (hygiene of foodstuffs) regulations 2006 and ordered to pay a fine.
Prosecutions were also carried out successfully on Marguerites Bakery, Sheehans Road, Newcastlewest, Co Limerick, Cashel Kebabs on 28 Lower Gate Street, Cashel, Co Tipperary, Millers Pizza on 50 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin, and Superquinn on McKee Avenue, Finglas, Dublin.
FSAI chief executive Professor Alan Reilly said a “zero tolerance policy” would continue to be used to ensure food safety.
“Consumers have to be confident that the food they are eating is safe and the FSAI and enforcement officers will continue to use a zero tolerance policy in relation to breaches of food safety legislation.
“Food businesses should take full advantage of the information and support made available by the FSAI to ensure a basic and consistent food safety management plan is developed and put in place in line with legislation.”
* www.fsai.ie
