The Food Safety Authority of Ireland's July report resulted in 13 closure orders and some very unsettled stomachs.
At one fast food restaurant in Dublin, inspectors found a live rat in the storage and potato peeling area of the restaurant. The establishment, Roberto's takeaway in Ranelagh, was cited for "a grave and immediate danger" to food safety.
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Meanwhile, at the popular tourist attraction Bunratty Folk Park in Bunratty, Co. Clare, the Bakery has been temporarily shuttered for "evidence of an active mouse infestation noted throughout the bakery" classified as"serious enough to pose a risk of contamination of food stuffs," reports the Irish Times.
There were also "a significant number of mouse droppings" on "shelving, baking equipment, adjacent to and behind free-standing equipment."
Among the other big offenders were many of the counters at a SuperValu market in Walkinstown, Dublin, and a vendor at the Base Enterprise Center in Dublin 15.
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"It is somewhat alarming that 15 Enforcement Orders were required to be served on food businesses in the month of July. The legal responsibility for producing food that is safe to eat rests firmly with food businesses," said Pamela Byrne, chief executive of Ireland’s Food Safety Authority.
"The inspections found that a number of food workers at these businesses did not have even a basic knowledge or training in food safety and hygiene, which is a legal requirement. There is absolutely no excuse for careless practices. Staff must be properly trained in food safety and hygiene and it is also imperative that an effective pest control system is in place."
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How much do food safety violations at establishments you frequent bother you? Share your thoughts in the comment section below or on Facebook.
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