Closure order served on Meath supermarket

A Meath supermarket was served an order for the closure of a prefab storage unit on its premises by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) last month.

The closure order was served on Mace, Slane Road, Harmonstown, Navan for the closure of its prefab storage unit for breaches of food safety legislation.

The order was served on 27th May and lifted on 28th May.

Reasons for the closure given by the FSAI inspector were that foodstuffs stored in the external prefab were not protected against contamination.

"The prefab ceiling was in disrepair and subsequently falling into the room.

"A large hole with daylight, plasterboard, insulation and rotten wood was in close proximity and above foodstuffs such as minerals and beverages. Physical contamination was evident throughout the prefab, such as flaking plasterboard, dust accumulation and cobwebs posing a real risk of food contamination. Food contact packaging stored in the prefab was not protected against contamination. The falling ceiling was hanging overhead and in contact with food packaging materials on shelving posing a significant risk of contamination."

The inspectors report also said that adequate pest procedures and proofing was not in place to control the ingress of pests.

"Animal hair was found on a pallet storing food contact packaging. Pieces of cardboard were observed gnawed and shredded on the same pallet. The walls of the prefab had holes visible. Some were partially filled but not with permanent materials to restrict the ingress of pests."

Overall, Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE) served seven Closure Orders on food businesses during the month of May for breaches of food safety legislation.