Takeaway closed by HSE for food safety breaches

A takeaway in Shankill was closed for a number of days last month due to breach of the food safety regulations.

Andrew’s takeway, 2 Main Street, Shankill was closed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) on June 5 for breaches under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2010. It was lifted on June 8 when it was deemed to have rectified the breaches.

The Closure Order was issued by environmental health officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE).

In total last month the FSAI issued eight closure orders, one improvement order and one prohibition order.

Andrews was closed by HSE for several reasons including areas of the kitchen being ‘filthy’ and a lack of hot water.

The order read: ‘Several areas throughout the kitchen were found in a filthy condition. There was a significant build-up of food debris and grease on surfaces throughout the kitchen. The boiler was broken and therefore there was no hot water available at either the kitchen wash basin or the wash hand basin in the staff toilets.

‘ The mechanical ventilation extraction unit was not operational at the time of inspection. The grills were removed from the canopy and the kitchen was full of smoke. There was a large amount of grease dripping from the exterior of the extraction canopy onto the top of the dishwasher.

‘ The dishwasher and boiler were broken. There was no hot water provided at the double sink unit.’

Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI emphasised that by not complying with food safety legislation, food businesses are putting consumer health at risk.

‘It is disappointing to see such a high number of Enforcement Orders for a second month running. Food businesses must recognise that they are legally bound to ensure the food they serve is safe to eat.

‘ We are now into our third week of exceptional weather and high temperatures. Every effort must be made to ensure high standards of hygiene and pest control remain in place and that foods are stored at appropriate temperatures.

‘ We would also urge food businesses to check their fridges are not impacted by the hot weather and to monitor temperatures frequently during each day.

‘Every food business must ensure that they have a robust food safety management system in place to ensure non-compliance issues and breaches of food safety legislation do not occur,’ said Dr Byrne.