Cork meals retailers closed after inspectors uncover proof of rodents

Inspectors served three companies with orders to close food orders after discovering evidence of mouse droppings and rodent infestation in food preparation areas.

HSE inspectors also found the bodies of mice under freezers in the food preparation areas of a catering company in Cork.

In a report released today, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) issued closure orders against:

• KC Catering at ABP Food Group, Kilbrogan, Bandon, Co. Cork
• Your stop at NR Farranree, 6 Popam’s Road, Farranree, Co Cork
• Ken’s Oriental Restaurant, 1st Floor, Quintins Way, Pearse Street, Nenagh, Co Tipperary

KC Catering inspectors in Bandon discovered rodent bodies under freezers near the kitchen and food preparation areas, while rodent droppings were reported in multiple locations, including in food containers, on low shelves and near food preparation equipment.

At Your Stop NR dealer in Farranree, further evidence of rodent droppings was found in the dry goods store, as well as evidence that rodents tampered with products and packaging.

The closure orders issued to the Cork retailer in Farranree and the catering company in Bandon were the result of violations of the 1998 FSAI Act.

In Tipperary, Kens Oriental was closed in 2020 after violating European Union Regulations (Official controls in relation to food legislation).

The inspectors found that the premises were not being “kept in a clean and hygienic state” after discovering that water was pooling in areas and part of the flooring was missing or damaged.

Regarding recent food shutdown orders, Dr. Pamela Byrne, Executive Director of the FSAI, that the inspectors regularly find evidence of rodent infestation and inadequate food hygiene standards.

“Food inspectors continue to find unacceptable levels of non-compliance with food safety regulations in some food businesses.

It is a legal requirement that all food businesses protect their premises from pests and keep them clean.

“However, inspectors keep finding incidents of rodent infestation and dirty premises that indicate a failure to comply with basic food safety management,” said Dr. Byrne.

Consumers have a right to safe food and we ask anyone who is concerned or suspects that a food company is exhibiting unusual activity to contact us using our online complaint form at https://www.fsai.ie/makeitbetter. to contact us / and we will investigate, ”she added.

Under the FSAI Act 1998, a closure order is served when inspectors determine an imminent public health hazard.

Closure orders may refer to the immediate closure of all or part of the food establishment or all or part of its activities.