Evidence of rodents and rodent droppings, filthy smells, and the discovery of suspected pool of blood have been amongst the reasons for the enforcement orders served on Irish food businesses in 2019.
Three Dublin businesses were forced to close in December and 124 enforcement orders were served in 2019 across the country.
The three Dublin business have all since addressed the issues and reopend.
The orders were given to the following businesses.
The Carrot's Tail, 192 Lower Rathmines Road
The Carrots Tail with an address at 192 Lower Rathmines Road was issued with a closure order on December 17 but that was lifted three days later.
The report said the vegan cafe had "evidence of rodent activity throughout the area to the front of the premises".
It said: "Rodent droppings found in storage units which contained open food."
The inspector detailed holes in the cafe that allowed pests to get in and noted that a mouse was spotted running along a skirting board while they were there.
Beef and Lobster, Parliament Street, Dublin 2
Beef and Lobster on Parliament Street, Dublin 2 was closed on December 11 but the closure order was lifted on December 12.
The report detailed that a loose vent in the basement showed signs of an infestation and that there was direct access to the kitchen from the area.
It said: "Significant amount of rodent droppings were noted in two cavity wall openings in the basement storage room. There is direct access from the basement to the kitchen area.
"A living rodent was noted in the exposed cavity wall in the basement storage room next to the refrigeration and freezer units."
The report went on to say there was a "serious" risk of food contamination.
Circle K, Belgard Road, Tallaght
Circle K Service Station at Belgard Road, Tallaght was issued with a closure order on 6 December but the order was lifted on December 9.
The inspection report detailed evidence of a mice infestation in an area where food was handled - the issue has since been resolved and the garage is now operating up to standards.
Ireland
In total, six food businesses were forced to close in December all around Ireland.
The other establishments issued with closure orders were in Cork, Louth and Kilkenny.
FSAI chief executive Dr Pamela Byrne said: “Enforcements, especially Closure Orders and Prohibition Orders, are never served for minor food safety breaches.
"They are served on food businesses only when a serious risk to consumer health has been identified or where there are a number of ongoing breaches of food legislation that could cause serious hygiene or other operational issues.
"There is no excuse for careless food safety practices. Food inspectors are encountering the same issues time and time again.
"The typical reasons why Enforcement Orders have to be served are easily avoidable.
“While the vast majority of food businesses are compliant with food safety legislation, we still continue to face negligent practices that are potentially putting consumer’s health at risk.
"It is disappointing to see an increase in Enforcement Orders for the second consecutive year and businesses should take action to prevent the trend continuing into 2020.”
Dr Byrne added: “It is highly disconcerting that some food business owners are still failing to comply with food safety standards and their legal obligations that have been set to ensure the safety of their customers.
“Even though they are in the minority, there is no excuse for any food business to remain unaware of the correct food handling and storage procedures which could prevent pest infestations or prevent bacterial growth. It is crucial that all businesses within the industry are up-to-date with the legislation that address the issues that will prevent any unnecessary risk to consumers who may become sick as a result of these poor practices.
“The FSAI provides advice if food businesses are unsure what their legal obligations are at www.fsai.ie or the FSAI Advice Line, info@fsai.ie.”
