HSE inspectors issued a closure order to a popular Cork city food shop after they found “evidence of pest activity” at the property.
The food hygiene inspection of Cork Rooftop Farm, an urban farm and organic grocery store on Cornmarket Street, was carried out by the HSE on December 20. The business has since made the changes to allow it to be reopened. The closure order was lifted on January 3.
In their report, a food safety inspector noted that the food premises “did not permit good hygiene procedures, including against contamination, in particular pest control.”
They noted “evidence of pest activity” including “knawed packaging of foods with droppings of pests noted in oats”
Rodent droppings were also seen along the walls “throughout the back storage area where the cold room is located.” The inspector also said: “holes and gaps were noted throughout the premises including a large gap at the bottom of the front door and a broke window leading out to a rooftop area.”
The inspection report outlines that the business did not have “adequate procedures” to control pests, including having a number of bait traps but no records in place to verify checks of traps.
The inspector issued an immediate closure order and noted: “There is or is likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health. The above conditions lead to a serious risk of food items contaminated… likely to render food unfit for human consumption…”
The closure order was lifted on January 3 after a follow-up inspection found the business had rectified the issues.