Record closure orders as food premises cut back on safety

The ongoing recession is causing some restaurants to cut back on safety measures — risking the health of customers and resulting in record-breaking closure order rates.

Figures revealed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) show that since the economic crisis began, the number of food outlets forced by the State to shut has rocketed.

At the height of the boom, in 2006 and 2007, the number of restaurants and food outlets served with forced closures stood at 25 and 37 respectively.

However, since the boom went bust, this rate has surged upwards, from 34 each in 2008 and 2009 to year-on-year records of 57 and 66 in 2010 and 2011.

In the first nine months of this year, a further 65 premises have been shut under State orders, with officials confirming another year-on-year record — which could see closure rates up 300% compared to the boom years — is a distinct possibility.

Closure orders only take place when there is “a grave and immediate danger to public health”.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner after a further five food outlet closures in Cork, Limerick, Clare, and Laois, FSAI director of service contracts, Bernard Hegarty, said the recession was likely to be a factor.

“Inspections have been maintained despite a budget reduction, so it’s likely it may be linked to the recession. We don’t have definitive figures, but it is possible businesses are cutting back [on health and safety].

“Some may also be people starting up new businesses, who previously worked in other sectors, and perhaps are not aware of the regulations.”

His remarks came after the FSAI confirmed five more food outlets have been forced to shut in recent weeks. Two businesses — Scoby’s restaurant, Main St, Co Limerick; and Eastern Tandoori, 1-2 Emmet Place, Cork City — were closed entirely.

Three others — Centra supermarket in Lord Edward St, Kilmallock, Co Limerick (closed area: rear yard and rear dry goods store); Rene Cusack fishmonger, the Market, Ennis, Co Clare (closed area: ground floor, fish retail, storage and preparation areas); and Paddy Jack food stall, Cuffsboro, Ballacolla, Co Laois (closed area: processing unit) — saw key areas shut.

A lesser improvement order warning, against Eurospar supermarket in Skerries Point Shopping Centre, north Co Dublin, was also served.

The exact breakdown of the complaints against the facilities cannot be revealed.

However, Dr Hegarty said in general, issues such as “pest infestations”, rat droppings, and food storage temperature problems are the reason for closures.

FSAI chief executive Alan Reilly has warned business owners the “legal onus” is on them to “ensure the food they serve is safe”.

* Anyone with concerns should contact the FSAI on 1890 33 66 77 or at www.fsai.ie