Mid Kerry takeaway restaurant issued with closure order in August

Nine enforcement orders were served on food businesses across the country last month, including one in Kerry.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) reports these were for breaches of food safety legislation, including cockroach infestations, discovery of rat droppings and inadequate hand washing facilities.

The latest report shows eight closure orders and one prohibition order were issued.

This includes a closure order of Burger Smash take away in Killorglin, under EU (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020.

Radio Kerry has contacted Burger Smash for comment.

A closure order is served where it is deemed that there is /or 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.

Burger Smash of 4 Langford Street, Killorglin was served a closure order by a HSE Environmental Health Officer on August 8th.

According to the report this was lifted on the 10th of August.

In the report, it was noted the business was found to be non-compliant in five areas.

The inspector noted that no hot water was available at hand wash basins throughout the premises, while a staff member stated he didn’t use hot water when questioned.

The report outlines that raw beef and raw chicken were being prepared in the kitchen without effective cleaning and disinfection procedures being in place.

While no hot water was available to clean and sanitise work surfaces, utensils, equipment and food containers.

It also found no evidence that procedures were in place to prevent cross-contamination; that adequate traceability systems of on-site food preparation were not evident – these included the lack of evidence of the date of delivery, batch code and supplier details.

The inspector noted the business operator didn’t produce in writing allergen information for non pre packed food, while the food worker demonstrated a lack of food safety knowledge.

The Food Safety Authority says it’s disappointing to see the same issues, being identified each month.