The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) served six closure orders and one prohibition order on food businesses during June.
Closure orders were served under the FSAI Act 1998 to East Oriental take-away on Ardee Street in Dublin, Golden Palace take-away in Dungloe, Co Donegal, Express Pizza and kebab in Cobh, Co Cork, Munchies take-away in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo and Holy Crepe Tasty Tasty food stall in Kinsale, Co Cork.
A closure order was served under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2010 on Mace supermarket on Main Street, Carrigtoholl, Co Cork.
The closed area was specifically its delicatessen food preparation area and walk-in cold storage and walk-in freezer activities.
The prohibition order was also served on Dragon Buffet restaurant on Abbey Street in Dublin 1.
All orders have since been lifted on the food businesses, except for the Holy Crepe Tasty Tasty food stall.
Under the FSAI Act 1998, a closure order is served where it is deemed there is there is or is likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health at or in the premises or where an improvement order is not complied with.
Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of the FSAI said all food business must operate “stringent food safety procedures” in order to protect consumers’ health.
“The vast majority of food businesses in Ireland must be commended for adhering to the highest of food safety standards, but there continues to be a number of food businesses lagging behind,” Dr Byrne said.
“These food businesses served with enforcement orders reflect badly on the entire food industry and can discourage consumer confidence.
“Food businesses must recognise that the legal onus is on them to make sure that the food they serve is safe to eat...There is absolutely no excuse for careless practices.”
Two successful prosecutions were also carried out by the Health Service Executive in June in relation to Millview Inn (public house), Chapel Street, Stranorlar, Co Donegal and Lebanese Kitchen manufacturer, Unit 97 Millennium Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
