A well-known Waterford City bar/bistro has been served with a Closure Order according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

Ten Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses during the month of April for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020.

Included is The City Arms Bar/Bistro at 50, High Street, Waterford, operated by Epiphron Limited which was served with a Closure Order under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020. Closed area: The food storage and preparation area: preparation, cooking and service of food (Public House).

The report states that at the commencement of the inspection, hot water was unavailable due to the boiler being switched off.

The overall standard of hygiene was deemed to be unsatisfactory. Spillages were observed on the floor and had not been cleaned, and there was a visible accumulation of dirt on the surfaces of cooking equipment and stainless steel fittings. In addition, the interior of the microwave was found to be unclean. The customer toilets and urinals were also not cleaned.

Food items were not labelled with definitive information such as defrost dates, preparation dates, or dates opened. As a result, the shelf life of these products could not be accurately determined. A container of coleslaw prepared on-site was found to have been prepared over three weeks prior to the inspection. Although vinegar had been added in an attempt to extend the product’s shelf life, there was no documented risk assessment or verification process in place to support the extended use-by date or ensure the product’s safety.

Food was not stored under appropriate conditions to prevent deterioration or the risk of cross-contamination. In the cold room, pre-cooked ham (unsealed) was stored in the same container as raw burgers and raw bacon, both wrapped in cling film. Additionally, deli-sliced ready-to-eat ham, also wrapped in cling film, was stored adjacent to raw bacon in the bottom compartment of an under-counter refrigerator. A pool of water had accumulated at the base of the fridge, and when the ham was picked up, water was observed dripping from the packaging, indicating a contamination risk.The level of training and knowledge demonstrated by the food business operator (FBO) involved in food preparation was inadequate and did not provide sufficient assurance in the effective management of food safety within the business. Furthermore, the FBO was unable to provide evidence of any food safety training having been undertaken.

At the time of inspection, the cold room was operating at 9°C and the under-counter refrigerator at 6.7°C, with no alternative refrigeration units available on-site to ensure the safe storage of perishable food. Additionally, Béchamel sauce was observed being stored at ambient temperature during the inspection, measuring 16.4°C.
The full report can be accessed here
Also served with a Closure Order under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020, were:
  • Tasty (Take Away), The Square Dromcollogher, Charleville, Limerick
  • Namaste Indian Cuisine, 88/89 King Street North, Smithfield, Dublin 7
  • Bojon Spices (all the activities of the business, establishments, holdings or other premises be ceased and the internet sites or social media sites it operates or employs be ceased) (Restaurant/Café), Summerhill Road, Dunboyne, Meath
  • Barne Lodge (Restaurant/Café), Rathkeevan, Clonmel, Tipperary
  • Rio Latte Bar (Restaurant/Café), Unit 7, Park Shopping Centre, Prussia Street, Dublin 7
Two Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:
  • Greenville Deli (Restaurant/Café), 45 Monkstown Avenue, Monkstown, Co. Dublin
  • Sirmone Limited T/A Soul Bakery and TPB, Unit L5, Ballymount Industrial Estate, Dublin 12
Two Improvement Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:
  • Sancta Maria Nursing Home, Parke, Kinnegad, Meath
  • Sligo Spice (Retailer), McGlynns Terrace, 1 Lower Pearse Road, Sligo

Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, warned that there is an obligation for food businesses to act responsibly and ensure the food they provide to their customers is safe to eat.

“Food businesses owe it to their customers that the food they are selling is safe to eat. Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s also a legal requirement under food law. Consumers have a right to trust that the food they buy is safe to eat and that it complies with all relevant food safety legislation. The findings that led to these Enforcement Orders highlight an unacceptable disregard for basic food safety and hygiene practices. These are preventable issues, and there are simply no excuses for failing to comply with the law. Food businesses must remain vigilant, ensuring regular checks, effective pest control, and thoroughly cleaned well-maintained premises to protect their customers’ health and uphold consumer trust in the food chain.”

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