RTE creche among eight premises served closure orders last month
The closure orders were issued by environmental health officers in the HSE and by officers of the FSAI.
The creche, which is based in Montrose House and is operated by Wee Care Day nurseries, was among four closure orders issued in July under the FSAI Act, which states that "a grave and immediate danger to public health" had been identified.
The facility's kitchen and staff canteen were ordered to close "for failure to comply" with health and safety regulations after inspectors discovered "a significant number of rodent droppings" in a number of locations in the kitchen.
Inspectors also determined that "adequate procedures are not in place to control pests in the premises," while "a lack of cleaning" was also evident.
The report from the food safety inspector ruled that "a grave and immediate danger to food safety exists in the food premises due to the rodent activity and served the creche with a closure order June 16." The order was lifted two days later on June 18.
Three other closure orders were served last month under the FSAI Act 1998 on:
Meanwhile, four closure orders were served last month under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:
Commenting on the closure orders issued in July, Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, said: 'Every food business has a legal responsibility to ensure the food they produce is safe to eat. Failures like poor hygiene, pest activity, and improper storage are basic errors that can have severe consequences to public health.
"Food safety isn't optional, it's essential. While we understand the daily pressures on businesses, food safety and hygiene standards must be maintained at all times.
"A robust food safety management system not only protects public health, but it also supports the long-term success of the food business. Non-compliance with food law is not tolerated and enforcement action will be taken where standards fall short.'
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