Limerick restaurant described as 'out of this world' forced to close over serious hygiene issues

A popular takeout restaurant in Limerick where the food has been described as "out of this world" has been forced to close due to inadequate hygiene practices.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) says seven Closure Orders were served on food businesses across Ireland during March including Republic of Grill, located at 1 Wickham St in Limerick City, with reasons ranging from live mouse infestations, dead rats in traps in serious hygiene issues.

The closure order for Republic of Grill was served on Mariviel Leyva on March 9, with HSE inspectors noting that the premises did not permit good food hygiene practices, including protection against contamination and, in particular, pest control, adding the premises was not pest proof.

The Closure Order was lifted four days later - on March 13 - after all of the issues of concern were rectified.

The HSE reports, states the issues that were found along with guidelines that needed to be addressed before the premises was cleared to reopen.

These included:

• An adequate number of wash hand basins is to be available, suitably located and designated for cleaning hands. There was no hot water to the wash hand basin provided for food handlers working in the premises. 
• At all stages of production, processing and distribution, food is to be protected against any contamination likely to render the food unfit for human consumption. There was an absence of a sanitiser on the premises to properly sanitise work surfaces. 
• Adequate facilities are to be provided, where necessary, for the cleaning, disinfecting and storage of working utensils and equipment. These facilities are to be constructed of corrosion resistant materials, be easy to clean and have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. There was no water supply to the premises.
• The layout, design, construction, sitting and size of food premises are to permit good food hygiene practices, including protection against contamination and in particular pest control. There was no protection against contamination and in particular pest control with a notable large gap in the door frame. 
• Food premises are to be kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition. The standard of cleaning to the premises including the work surfaces was poor.

Read the full report HERE

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