Iconic Clare ice cream spot served with closure order after rodent droppings were found near cones wafers

Irish Independent

10-07-2025

Doolin Ice Cream in Fisher Street, Doolin, Clare, was one of the eight premises that were served a Closure Order by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) this June.
The closed area was the food store, located in the yard. The order was served under the FSAI Act, 1998, on June 25 and was then lifted on June 30.
The FSAI report explains a 'significant number' of rodent droppings were found in the food store area.
'The droppings were noted in a box containing lids for smoothie cups. The plastic wrapping covering the lids was damaged due to gnawing by rodents and droppings were noted within the plastic wrapping on the lids.
'Rodent droppings were noted on a shelf behind bottles of and droppings were found on a shelf located directly beside boxes of cone wafers. A significant number of droppings were noted on a corner shelf and on the floor beside an ice cream freezer.
'The absence of rodent proofing of the food business as evidenced by the sliding doors leading into the food store were open and unattended at the time of the visit.'
Inspectors also noted a build-up of building rubble and miscellaneous items was noted in the old shed in the yard: 'This area could be potential harbourage for rodents and should be removed.'
Inspectors concluded: 'A grave and immediate danger to food safety exists in the food premises due to rodent activity and lack of cleaning. Rodents can transmit harmful pathogen to foodstuffs, food contact materials, food contact surfaces, equipment and packaging through their droppings and urine.'
Under the FSAI Act, 1998, a Closure Order is served where it is deemed that there is or there 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. Closure Orders can refer to the immediate closure of all or part of the food premises, or all or some of its activities.