Limerick take away ordered to close following HSE inspection amid food safety concerns

THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has reported that Environmental Health Officers with the HSE served eight Closure Orders and one Prohibition Order on food businesses across the country during the month of August for breaches of food safety regulations, including one premises in Limerick.

According to its latest report, Prime Pizza & Kebab Take Away, which is located at 281 Hyde Road in Limerick city was served with a Closure Order under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations.

The Order, which was served on the proprietor on August 29 was lifted earlier this week after the issues of concern were addressed.

The inspector's report, which has just been published by the FSAI, outlines a number of concerns arising from the inspection.

The report states that the premises was undergoing renovation works on the date of inspection, giving rise to some issues. "Foodstuffs being prepared in an area where construction and renovation is ongoing. Dirt and debris noted throughout the premises. Unfinished surfaces noted in the food production area. Wall/floor junctions are dirty with ingrained dirt."

The report detailed other issues regarding cleaning materials being "inadequately stored" as well as a "large accumulation of waste in the rear yard."

Additionally, the report said there "were no records of monitoring for pests on site" and that there was a "malodour noted from waste pipe in the rear food preparation area."

Other issues mentioned in the report, include a lack of training for staff in food hygiene matters. "There was no evidence on site to a good food safety culture as the food business operator was unaware of his legal obligations," stated the inspector.

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Commenting on the full list of Closure Orders across the country published on Wednesday, Chief Executive of the FSAI Greg Dempsey said: "It is disappointing to see the same issues, such as poor hygiene and pest control problems, being identified each month."

He added: "Businesses selling food to consumers need to ensure that they met their legal obligations, and that the food they sell is safe to eat. While the majority of food businesses take their responsibilities to their customers very seriously, we continue to see a small number of businesses subject to enforcement action, including closure, due to their non-compliances with basic food safety standards.

"The FSAI provides assistance and training resources, but will, with our colleagues in the National Environmental Health Service, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, take action against these operators as necessary to protect consumers, and to retain the public’s confidence in the food system."

Mr Dempsey concluded: "We also have an online complaint process at www.fsai.ie/makeitbetter, where consumers can report inappropriate and unsafe food and practices, which can result in enforcement action being taken. This is an essential component of the food system and it supports the work of the food inspectorate to ensure the highest standards and quality across the food chain."

Details of the food businesses served with Enforcement Orders are published on the FSAI’s website - fsai.ie.