The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) served nine closure orders on food businesses during July, the highest monthly total so far this year.

Closure orders were served under the FSAI Act 1998 to Punjab Pantry on Richmond Street, Dublin 2; Moo’s Burrito in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin; Aroma Chinese in Stillorgan, Co Dublin; Zam Zam Kebab House on Mallin Street in Co Wexford; Costa Coffee in Longford Retail Park; Weeping Thaiger in Naas, Co Kildare and Tasty Spice in Abbeyleix in Co Laois.

Closure orders were also served on the basement dry goods and cleaning stores in Hartley’s in Dún Laoghaire and the deli, bakery and loose fruit and vegetables area in Tesco shopping centre on the Ballyfermot Road in Dublin 10.

All orders have since been lifted on the food businesses. Under the FSAI Act 1998, a closure order is served where it is deemed there is or is likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health at or in the premises or where an improvement order is not complied with.

The FSAI served six closure orders on food businesses in May and June, and one in January and February of this year.

Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of the FSAI said: “It is very disappointing to find that July is the highest month so far this year for closure orders needing to be served on food businesses.

“The majority of food businesses in Ireland must be commended for adhering to the highest of food safety standards, but there continues to be a number of food businesses disregarding important food safety standards.”

Dr Byrne added food businesses must recognise “they are legally bound to make sure that the food they serve is safe to eat”.

“This requires ongoing compliance with food safety legislation and hygiene standards. There is absolutely no excuse for careless practices.”