Laois food wholesaler/distributor served with closure order

A FOOD wholesaler/distributor in Portlaoise was served with a closure order by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

The order was served on Universal Food Wholesale Distribution Limited (Wholesaler/Distributor), Unit B3 National Enterprise Park, Togher, Portlaoise.

The Portlaoise based business was just two that were served with a FSAI Act, 1998 Closure Order in February.

Under the FSAI Act, 1998, a Closure Order is served where it is deemed that there is or there is likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health at or in the premises; or where an Improvement Order is not complied with. Closure Orders can refer to the immediate closure of all or part of the food premises, or all or some of its activities.  During an inspection of the Portlaoise premises rodent droppings were noted around the edge of the floor of the warehouse/delivery area, especially beneath the shelving racks.

*Six mouse carcases were noted beneath the shelving racks and around the edges of the warehouse floor.

*A large container which had no lid and which was full of miscellaneous items such as old aprons in black refuse sacks and old light fittings, also had a large number of mouse droppings in the base.

*There were a number of spillages of foodstuffs around the floor which had not been cleaned up and were providing a food source for the mice.

*A number of gaps/holes were noted around the floor of the warehouse storage area beneath the shelving racks which were obvious entry routes for mice. Mouse droppings were noted around these holes and a mouse carcase was noted in a trap beside one of the holes.

*It was also found that a number of crates and boxes of foods - spices, rice and soft drinks - which were left on-site from the previous business were noted to be stored on the racks around and above the warehouse area. These foods were noted to be out of date.

*The inspection also found that numerous mouse carcases were found in the warehouse area which had not been removed. There were also many mouse droppings noted around the warehouse area which had not been cleaned up. No documentation regarding pest control checks was available.

The Chief Executive of FSAI Greg Dempsey said that vigilance is always required in relation to food safety and that standards must be maintained to ensure that consumer health is not put at risk.

He said: “February’s Enforcement Orders serve as an important reminder that food safety must always be a top priority for all food businesses. Regular checks and adherence to food safety and hygiene standards are essential to protect consumers’ health and maintain public trust. There are no excuses for failing to comply with legal requirements, and any lapse in food safety practices puts consumers at direct risk. Implementing a food safety management system is straightforward, especially with the supports available from the FSAI, yet some businesses continue to neglect this crucial legal requirement. Consumers have a right to safe food and it is imperative that all food businesses uphold the highest standards of food safety and hygiene at all times.”