Closure order served on Beaufort College canteen operator due to mouse infestation
A closure order was served on the operator of the canteen at Beaufort College, Navan, last month after evidence of a heavy mouse infestation was found when it was inspected.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) served the closure order on the Get Fresh (Vending) Ltd who operated the canteen on 11th November and the order was lifted on 15th November. The inspector noted that adequate procedures to control pests were not in place and that there was "a heavy mouse infestation in the canteen".
"A significant amount of fresh mouse droppings were found on food contact surfaces, on food equipment, on cleaning equipment, on food packaging and on crockery. Evidence of gnawing was found on food packaging. This is likely to lead to a grave and immediate danger to public health," the order stated.
The part of the premises that was closed comprised of the dining area, front servery, rear wash up/dry goods store and rear food preparation room.
A spokesperson for LMETB who run the school confirmed the closure and said: "LMETB took immediate action to source an alternative supplier for the school and have terminated the relevant contract with Get Fresh (Vending) Ltd.”
Get Fresh (Vending) Ltd did not wish to make any comment when contacted by the Meath Chronicle.
The closure order was one of three served on food businesses by the Food Safety Authority last month for breaches of food safety legislation.
Commenting on the Enforcement Orders served in November, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI stated that food businesses must prioritise food safety in their businesses, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.
“The three Closure Orders in November cited inadequate procedures in pest control which resulted in evidence of rodents in all three premises. This is not acceptable in any food business at any time, as it poses a serious risk to public health. Food businesses need to ensure that their premises has the right food safety management procedures in place to ensure pest control at all times.”