Part of The Bankers bar in Dublin city centre was served with a closure order last month after rodent droppings were found as well as “evidence of gnawed wallpaper”.
The order was served on all parts of the pub’s kitchen on November 4th, which is located in the basement, and was subsequently lifted three days later.
Inspectors for the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said adequate procedures were not in place to control pests in the kitchen area of the pub, which is located off Dame Street.
“There was rodent droppings noted in the passage way next to the kitchen & leading to the dry store,” the inspection report said.
“There was rodent droppings noted beside the air compressor in the passage leading to the ice machine. There was evidence of gnawed wallpaper in the passage next to the kitchen & of gnawing of a black bin bag of waste adjacent to the kitchen.”
The report added the premises was not “adequately pest proofed” and there were “notable gaps” in the door adjacent to the kitchen.
Seven enforcement orders, which included six closure orders and one prohibition order, were issued last month. Indian Spices restaurant on Parnell Street in Dublin was among those to be served with a closure order, after inspectors found there was “an active cockroach infestation” within the premises.
The order, which was issued on November 11th, has not yet been lifted.
“Cockroaches were noted alive and dead in the front service area, where drinks are served and crockery is stored,” the inspection report said.
“Live cockroaches were noted on the floor beside food packaging in this area as well as climbing the wall in this area. Live and dead cockroaches were noted in the kitchen area in particular on top of the water boiler in the wash up/preparation area and under a freezer at the rear of the kitchen.”
Dr Pamela Byrne, FSAI chief executive, said breaches of food safety legislation can pose a real danger to consumer health.
Dr Byrne said there had to be a “significant focus” on maintaining food safety procedures by food businesses as they enter what is typically the busiest time of year.
“Neglecting food safety demonstrates a disregard for the wellbeing of customers and potentially places their health at an unnecessary risk,” she said.
“There can be zero tolerance for negligent practices that put consumers’ health at risk, and the full powers of food law will be used if a food business is found to be in breach. Food businesses must ensure there is a strong food safety culture in place, including adequate training for all staff. This simply must be a top priority for food businesses.”
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