Food Safety Authority shuts slaughterhouse and supermarket

A slaughterhouse in Offaly and a Dublin supermarket have been ordered to shut down part sof their businesses in relation to dangers of food poisoning, it was revealed today.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said the firms, Bilal Irish Meat based in Banagher and Central Supermarket on Moore Street, Dublin could pose serious health risks to the public.

Following inspections and warnings, environmental health officers served closure orders on both businesses last month.

Bilal’s premises on Queen Street in Dublin was also given a closure order and it is the second time the FSAI has had to take action against the company after it was sanctioned in 2004.

It slaughters cattle and sheep using the Halal method for Muslim communities in the country.

FSAI chief executive Dr John O’Brien warned there is usually a marked increase in food poisoning during the summer and reminded businesses to refrigerate produce properly.

“The two enforcement orders served this month are two too many," he said.

"Food business operators must recognise that the legal onus is on them to be responsible and ensure that the food they serve is safe for consumption.

“With the summer season now underway, I sincerely hope to see an improvement in food safety controls and a reduction in enforcement orders so that consumers can be confident in the food they purchase and in the industry as a whole.”

There have been 13 closure orders served on businesses so far this year.