Dublin Health Food Shop Closed Over Cockroach Infestation, per RTE

An organic and health food shop in south Dublin was forced to shut its doors last month after inspectors discovered an active cockroach infestation at all stages of the cockroach lifecycle on the premises, according to rte.ie. The Hopsack in Rathmines was among 12 restaurants and businesses hit with closure orders by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland in June.

Cockroaches Found Near Juice Prep Areas in Rathmines

The FSAI inspector’s report detailing the Rathmines shop pulled no punches regarding the scale of the bug problem. It noted that dead cockroaches at all lifecycles were found on traps under the food service area, where ready-to-eat food juices are prepared and served.

Things weren’t much better for live pests. The inspection uncovered that a live cockroach was also noted under the food service area where ready-to-eat food juices are prepared and served. Under the FSAI Act, 1998, these enforcement actions land when officials decide there is a grave and immediate risk to public health, or when a business ignores a previous improvement order.

Rodents Behind Bars and Unresolved Pest Control

It wasn’t just Dublin shops caught out by the watchdog last month. Down in County Laois, The Thatch in Killenard, Portarlington, picked up a closure order after a dead mouse turned up on the floor right behind the main bar and directly in front of the beverage fridge. Inspectors also found rodent droppings scattered across preparation surfaces, coffee bar shelving next to the bean grinder, and inside the main kitchen beside open foodstuffs.

Regulators Warn of Avoidable Standards Failures

FSAI chief executive Greg Dempsey pointed out that these enforcement steps highlight why keeping strict food safety protocols matters. He noted that issues such as inadequate pest control, poor cleaning standards and unsafe food storage continue to be the main reasons for enforcement action.

Dempsey added that these are entirely preventable non-compliances when proper food safety management systems are in place. He acknowledged that while most operators take legal rules seriously, authorities keep finding a small group of businesses falling short of basic standards. A complete list of all June closure orders remains available on the FSAI website.

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