Rat carcasses and cockroach infestations trigger multiple FSAI shutdowns

The Glendalough Hotel closed from November 5 to 7 after inspectors found signs of a rodent infestation, including a rat carcass in the bar area and droppings in the food preparation area.  File picture

A rat carcass found in a bar area was one of the reasons the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) ordered multiple business closures in November.

The FSAI oversees the enforcement of food safety legislation in Ireland, and eight businesses breached its regulations last month.

McHales Catering Base and Stretford End Bar in Kerry closed its kitchen on November 24. Inspectors found live rodents under a stand-up fridge and dirt throughout the food preparation area. It reopened a day later.

Big Johns on Main Street in Upper Mohill, Leitrim was shut on November 20. Inspectors noted disturbed bait in bait boxes in the sluice room beside the food production area, as well as “ponding of a grey sludge-like material” from a discharge pipe. It reopened on November 21.

The Bridge House in Golden, Tipperary closed on November 19 after inspectors found a mouse carcass in the back bar and rodent droppings in the storage area. It reopened on November 20.

Umami in Swords, Dublin, and its distributor United Foods were closed from November 14 to 20. Inspectors discovered live cockroaches in the kitchen and near storage areas, a situation the FSAI described as a “grave danger” to the public.

Bodega Café @ Inspire in Clonmel, Tipperary closed from November 12 to 14 after inspectors found rodent droppings near food packing and wrapping areas.

The Mekong in Santry, Dublin shut from November 10 to 13. Inspectors found inadequate pest proofing, including a hole in the ceiling covered with silver tape. 

They also reported cooked breaded chicken being cooled in raw chicken cardboard packaging, and a chopping board with black mould on one side.

The Glendalough Hotel closed from November 5 to 7 after inspectors found signs of a rodent infestation, including a rat carcass in the bar area and droppings in the food preparation area.

Six more closures under EU food safety law

Enzos on Parnell Street in Dublin closed on November 28 and remains shut, with inspectors identifying 13 breaches.

Coffee Shack in Castlebar closed on November 27 and has not reopened. Inspectors found a dead rodent beside a small freezer, among other breaches.

Akanchawa Honey Pot in Blanchardstown, Dublin closed from November 27 to December 2 after inspectors found seven EU regulation breaches.

A.M.K Sushi in Moynalty, Meath closed on November 21 and remains shut. Inspectors found the business operating from a domestic kitchen, which violates EU requirements.

Benny's Kitchen in Tyrrelstown, Dublin also closed on November 21 and remains closed. Inspectors reported high-risk food stored in a fridge and freezer in the operator’s bedroom, among other breaches.

Cruncheez in Oldcastle, Meath closed on November 6 and reopened on November 12. Inspectors found it operating without the required HACCP-based procedures, including reusing kebab meat taken off the rotisserie at the end of each day.

FSAI chief executive Greg Dempsey said November’s enforcement orders remind food businesses that they must maintain the highest standards of hygiene, especially during the busy Christmas and New Year periods.

“Consumers have a right to safe food, and there is a personal responsibility on owners, managers, and all employees to comply with food safety legal requirements at all times," he said. 

"During the busy festive period, it is especially important that food businesses have proper procedures in place to manage increased demands and pressures.

“All food businesses must comply with their legal requirement to notify the competent authorities prior to operating to ensure there are adequate food safety processes, procedures and facilities in place.”