Navan take-away issued with closure order

Dirty and greasy food preparation areas, mould growth and boxes of raw chicken thawing on the floor were found at The Ocean Palace Takeaway in Blackcasle Navan by Food safey Authority of Ireland Inspectors.

The Ocean Palace was one of seven food premises served with closure orders during the month of July.

The closure order was served on 11th July and lifted on the 26th.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) also reported that ten Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses during the month of July for breaches of food safety legislation.

According to the FSAI when the Ocean Palace was inspected there was a lack of facilities, equipment and work space provided to allow for the hygienic and safe performance of work.

"Foodstuffs were not stored or kept in appropriate conditions to prevent harmful deterioration and protect them from contamination. The lack of adequate facilities, work space resulted in unhygienic and unsafe practices being observed which may lead to contamination of foodstuffs giving rise to an unacceptable risk to consumer safety."

According to the FSAI, there was a lack of adequate and regular cleaning in areas of the premises.

"There was evidence that articles, fittings and equipment coming into contact with food were not effectively cleaned and disinfected. For example: There was a significant build up of mould growth on surfaces in the cold room. There was a thick build up of food debris evident on the inside of food storage containers. Food preparation surfaces and food storage surfaces were dirty and greasy to touch with a build up of food debris evident in corners, door seals etc."

According to the inspectors food was not protected against contamination. " A large quantity of raw pork and chicken was thawing in the vegetable preparation sinks. Cooked chicken and noodles were stored on the raw meat preparation area directly adjacent to raw meat. "Boxes of raw chicken were thawing on the floor. Uncovered foodstuffs were stored directly under a mass of mould growth on the condenser unit in the cold room. Bean sprouts were stored in a dirty container with evidence of mould growth. An open bag of cooked chicken was stored adjacent to blood stained boxes of raw chicken."