Two Chinese restaurants in Mayo were closed last month by the Health Service Executive for breaches of the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs ) Regulations 2010.
The restaurants in question were Jade Dragon, The Mall, Westport, and China Link (takeaway ), Main Street, Kiltimagh. The closure order served on Yu Mei Yang of the Jade Dragon on October 31 has yet to be lifted while the order served on Xue Wen of China Link in Kiltimagh was served on October 12 and has not yet been lifted, according to information on the FSAI website.
In total 12 closure orders and six prohibition orders were served on food businesses during the month of October according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, making it the highest in 10 years for enforcement orders issued.
Professor Alan Reilly, chief executive, FSAI, expressed his concern at the high level of non-compliance with food safety regulations by some food businesses identified in October.
“Every enforcement order is one too many and it is extremely disappointing that the numbers of food businesses on which orders needed to be served was so high in October. Orders were served on a wide variety of food businesses, in the manufacturing, distribution, retail, and catering sectors. The inspectors found illegal, unhygienic, or unsafe foods, with significant breaches of food safety legislation that put people’s health at serious risk. There is absolutely no justification for negligence in this area. The legal onus is on food businesses to act responsibly and ensure that the food they serve and sell is safe for consumption. This requires putting appropriate food safety management procedures in place and making sure they are adhered to at all times,” stated Prof Reilly.
“Cutting your spending on food safety practices can be an expensive mistake, resulting in closure of your business or significant court fines. Together with the inspectorate, we will not hold back in taking swift action against any food business that fails to meet their legal obligations in this area,” he added.
Prof Reilly urged food businesses to take full advantage of the information and support provided by the inspectorate and the FSAI to ensure that they have the correct food safety management systems in place. If any food business operator is unsure of what is required of him/her by law, he/she can contact the FSAI advice line on 1890 336677 or visit its website www.fsai.ie or its Facebook page.
