Inspectors found droppings and dead mice
Closed Sign – Stock(Image: Getty)
In a very busy month for food safety standards inspectors, three Munster businesses were among 14 nationwide hit with enforcement orders in November.
The three outlets were ordered to shut their doors by the FSAI and carry out immediate works to rectify the issues highlighted by the inspectors. Under Irish and EU legislation, they can only be allowed to open again after a second inspection to confirm they are fully up to code.
The FSA say they publicise these orders for two important reasons – firstly, to inform and alert the public to issues with food businesses in their area and secondly, to let any restaurants, cafes, delis or anywhere else that serves food know that if they do not ensure their produce is safe, they could be publicly identified.
In November, these three businesses in Munster were hit with closure orders:
- McHales Catering Base and Stretford End Bar, Drumkeen Causeway, Kerry (closed areas are the main kitchen and all storage areas behind the kitchen)
- The Bridge House, Corner of Persses-Lot & Main St (N74), Golden, Tipperary (closed areas are the storage room and back bar area)
- Bodega Cafe @ Inspire, Unit 12M, Ard Gaoithe Business Park, Cashel Road, Clonmel, Tipperary
The full reports as to why these businesses were hit with closure orders have been released by the FSAI – these were made by inspectors who carried out surprise visits to these businesses, as they work to ensure hygiene and safety for the public.
In the case of McHales Catering Base and Stretford End Bar in Drumkeen Causeway, Kerry, inspectors reported that the problem areas were the main kitchen and all storage areas behind the kitchen. What they found included: “Floors, walls, ceilings covered in dirt, grime, cobwebs. Mould growth evident on equipment. Behind equipment and underneath equipment, there was a buildup of dirt, debris and other miscellaneous items. Food containers were dirty. Handles had dirt embedded in them. Food surfaces were dirty and dirt embedded in them,” and “Evidence of an infestation found by the presence of two rodents under a stand-up fridge. Rodent droppings found throughout in corridors, storeroom and on shelving where food containers were stored and under equipment.”
The inspector finished off the report by writing: “The conditions outlined above lead to a serious risk of food being contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, thereby leading to a serious risk to consumers.”
In the case of The Bridge House, Corner of Persses-Lot & Main St (N74), Golden, Tipperary, inspectors found:
- Numerous rodent droppings were noted within the storage room
- Evidence of rodent droppings and a mouse carcass were noted in the back bar area
And finally in Bodega Cafe @ Inspire, Unit 12M, Ard Gaoithe Business Park, Cashel Road, Clonmel, Tipperary, inspectors reported: “Findings of rodent droppings on top of freezer and on shelf under hot holo unit containing foodstuffs, indicating failure to implent and maintain adequate pest control procedures,” and “Multiple rodent dropping observed in close proximity to wrapping and packaging materials, exposing them to a risk of contamination.”
Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, said that November’s Enforcement Orders serve as a reminder that all food businesses must maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene at all times and especially during the busy Christmas and New Year periods. He said: “Consumers have a right to safe food, and there is a personal responsibility on owners, managers, and all employees to comply with food safety legal requirements at all times. During the busy festive period, it is especially important that food businesses have proper procedures in place to manage increased demands and pressures. All food businesses must comply with their legal requirement to notify the competent authorities prior to operating to ensure there are adequate food safety processes, procedures and facilities in place.
“Takeaway businesses account for almost a quarter of all businesses served with Enforcement Orders so far in 2025. To support this sector, the FSAI has launched a dedicated section on its website for starting and running a takeaway business. The resource includes guidance tailored specifically to takeaway operations, highlights the most frequent compliance issues in Ireland, and provides practical advice on how to prevent and control them,” added Mr Dempsey.
