Flies found in container of raw burgers as takeaway in Donegal ordered to closed

A closure order for Tasty Mac's (Take Away), Main Street, Falcarragh, Donegal was served on Sandip Singh, Company Secretary, Sarup Catering Limited on October 16, 2024.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland closed the restaurant under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 79 of 2020).

The order was lifted on October 22, 2024.

A detailed inspection report by the FSAI explained "a fly was found within a container of raw burgers."

Dirty food equipment was found throughout the premises including dirty mixing bowls for pizza dough, dirty bowls with batter and dirty whisks.

The report also detailed 'the potato peeler was encrusted with layers of dirt' while 'dry ingredients containers were encrusted with dirt.'

Raw meat was found stored on top of the pizza dough mixer while there was a large tray of cooling rice found on top of the potato peeling machine.

The report found there was no stock control system or date labelling for high risk food prepared and stored on the premises while there was uncovered food being stored in fridges and freezers.

The report reads, "The food was not protected against contamination which is likely to render the food unfit for human consumption, injurious to health or contaminated in such a way that it would be unreasonable to expect it to be consumed in that state.

"The food preparation surfaces, shelving, interiors of fridges, walls and floors were not clean as there a large build up of dirt and old food evident.

"The interiors of both microwaves were not clean as there was a build up of dirt and old food evident within.

"The wash hands basins in the kitchen and staff toilet were ingrained with dirt.

"The sinks for washing food equipment were dirty with a buildup of dirt and old food.

"There was a large build up of old food and dirt underneath all equipment within the kitchen area.

"The shelving throughout was not clean. There was a lack of cleaning chemicals."

The report also detailed concerns about none of the food handling staff wearing protective clothing or head covering at the time of the inspection.

The report continued, "There were flies in the food preparation area.

"There was an excessive accumulation of waste in the external waste storage area."

Tasty Mac's Takeaway in Falcarragh was one of 16 businesses served with enforcement orders by the FSAI in October.

Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, reiterated the need for food businesses to have adequate pest control systems in place; adding that businesses must operate strict food safety procedures at all times and that they need to be especially vigilant during this particularly busy time of year leading up to Christmas.

"Inadequate pest control measures, filthy premises and unsafe food storage are once again the primary reasons for the Enforcement Orders served in October.

"A high number of the Enforcement Orders were associated with issues related to pests as well as failures to maintain adequate cleaning.

"These issues are all preventable and food businesses must ensure that they always adhere to a high standard of food safety and hygiene.

"It is imperative that every food business has a proper pest control system in place and that this is checked very regularly to avoid infestations of rodents and insects.

"With the busy Christmas period nearly upon us, food businesses must be especially vigilant to ensure compliance with the law and to protect the health of their customers," said Dr Byrne.