12 Irish food companies hit with closure orders
A record number of food businesses in Ireland have been issued closure orders by the local authorities after inspectors found serious food safety and hygiene issues.
A total of 12 businesses, including restaurants and cafes, were handed the orders, with the authorities claiming that food safety and hygiene standards at each premise were so low that they presented an immediate or grave danger to the public.
In addition, one business was handed a Prohibition Order, which officially bans it from selling food which has been found to be a danger to customers if consumed.
The chief executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Professor Alan Reilly, commented on the record number of closure orders handed out to food businesses. He said:
“(This) serves as a stark reminder that there continues to be food business operators who put consumers’ health at risk by not complying with their legal obligations for food safety and hygiene,”
“Food business operators must recognise that the legal onus is on them to be responsible and ensure that the food they serve is safe to eat.”
There are many ways that food businesses can improve their hygiene standards, but it all starts with proper food safety training for all managers, supervisors and employees. It is also important for businesses to implement food safety management systems.