The number of closure orders issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has increased by 30 per cent over the same six month period last year.
In June, closure orders were served on three food premises, bringing the overall number to 24 compared with 18 last year.
Closure orders were served by Environmental Health Officers in the South Eastern Health Board area on the Taj Mahal, 47 Patrick Street, Waterford, and by officers in the South Western area on The Mandarin Castle Chinese Takeaway, Main Street, Rathangan, Co Kildare.
Mr Aaron McQuaid was also served with a closure order against his food stall in Manorcunningham, Co Donegal.
Closure orders are served when it is believed there is a grave and immediate danger to public health.
A total of 32 Enforcement Orders have been issued so far this year, including the 24 closure orders.
The FSAI's director of Service Contract, Mr Peter Whelan, said a Business Start Up Pack for the Irish Food industry has been published in a effort to stem the increase in closure orders. The pack contains information on all aspects of food safety legislation, including the FSAI's three Guides to Food Safety Training.
Mr Whelan said the pack was developed in direct response to a high demand from people requesting assistance on the legal requirements for developing a food business.