Fifteen businesses closed over food poisoning threat

Some 15 businesses have been closed down so far this year over fears of grave risks to public health, it emerged today.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland said two other shops were served with an improvement order and a prohibition order over the sale of food.

Pubs serving food, restaurants/canteens and takeaways, accounted for 11 of the 15 closures this year followed by three retailers and one manufacturer.

The latest two to be hit with closure orders were Daya Mutombo of the Daya Shop, in Killarney Street, Dublin and Eamonn Fitzgerald of the Claremont Hotel, Lahinch, Co Clare.

John O’Brien, FSAI chief executive, cautioned that continued vigilance by food businesses on food safety standards is vital to protect consumer health.

“At an absolute minimum, food businesses must comply with the basic legal requirements set out in food safety legislation,” he said.

“Most food businesses are committed to high standards of food safety for the health of their customers and the reputation of their business.

“However, for the few that continue to breach food safety laws, I sincerely hope that the threat of being closed and publication on the FSAI website will be an incentive to maintain proper standards.”

Also last month a butchers shop JCS Sales Limited, in Ballinasloe, Galway was served with a prohibition order.