Two Dublin eateries shut in food safety crackdown

Ten food businesses across Ireland, including four in Dublin, were hit with closure and prohibition orders last month after inspectors uncovered alarming breaches of food safety laws, from live rats to filthy kitchen conditions and food stored at unsafe temperatures.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) confirmed that Environmental Health Officers served five Closure Orders and five Prohibition Orders during September for breaches of food safety legislation under the FSAI Act 1998 and EU food control regulations.

In Dublin, Wok In Noodle Bar on Stephen Street Lower in the city centre was served with a Closure Order under the FSAI Act 1998.

New Leaf in Skerries was also served with a Closure Order under the EU (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations 2020, relating to the preparation and sale of sushi and sashimi.

Two further Dublin businesses were issued with Prohibition Orders. Vitalorganico, which operates online from a Castleknock address, was ordered to cease trading under the FSAI Act 1998.

Duud, a retailer at Pinewood House on Huntstown Road in Blanchardstown, also received a Prohibition Order under the same Act.

Other affected premises included outlets in Cork, Donegal, Tipperary, Meath and Kildare.

The FSAI said inspectors found shocking hygiene breaches, including evidence of pest activity, rat droppings in food storage areas, and even a live rat spotted on one premises.

Some kitchens were found without hot water, soap or hand-drying facilities, while others had dirty floors, greasy walls and old food residue in cooking areas.

Inspectors also reported unsafe food storage temperatures, expired products on sale and inadequate staff training in food safety controls.

FSAI chief executive Greg Dempsey said it was concerning to see serious and recurring breaches of food safety law.

He said such problems were entirely preventable where food businesses have robust safety management systems in place and staff receive proper training.

“The FSAI has numerous free resources and a learning portal to help support food businesses,” he said.

“Our new Guidance Note on Food Safety Culture provides practical advice to help food businesses develop a culture of compliance and prevent these kinds of non-compliance issues from arising.”

Details of all businesses served with enforcement orders are available on the FSAI website.

Closure and Improvement Orders remain listed for three months after compliance, while Prohibition Orders stay online for one month.