RODENT droppings were found in a Doolin ice-cream shop resulting in the issuing of a closure order by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
By Dearbhla Parry
Authorised by the HSE, the FSAI issued the closure order on June 25th after inspections deemed Doolin Ice-Cream “a grave and immediate danger to public health” during inspections. The order was lifted on June 30th.
A significant number of rodent droppings were reported in the store and shed such as in a box containing smoothie cup lids, on shelves containing bottles and wafer cones, and beside a freezer.
Other observations included damaged cup lids due to gnawing by rodents, the absence of rodent proofing and pest control plans, a build-up of rubble, and a lack of sanitisation.
Located on Fisher Street in Doolin, the shop is owned by Seán O’Connor. Following the notice, Doolin Ice-Cream was immediately closed under the FSAI Act 1998, which is issued in locations deemed to have “grave and immediate danger to public health” or where an Improvement Order is not complied with.
The reasons given for its closure were a lack of prevention of contamination, cleaning and sanitisation, and pest control procedures. The closure order explained, “Rodents can transmit harmful pathogen to foodstuffs, food contact materials, food contact surfaces, equipment and packaging through their droppings and urine”.
Closure orders are served where there is a non-compliance with food legislation and are lifted when an order of contrary effect is sent by a Court or there is further written direction by the Health Service Executive.
Chief Executive of the FSAI, Mr Greg Dempsey, 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”.
