Dr Pamela Byrne

The watchdog issued 21 closure orders and 2 prohibition orders, the highest number of enforcement orders in one month since the enactment of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998.

The reasons for enforcement included the presence of rodents, insects and faeces, contamination and high levels of E. coli and coliforms.

Enforcement orders issued by the watchdog are available from the FSAI website.

Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of the FSAI, said: “November had the highest amount of enforcement orders in the one calendar month which the FSAI has seen since the legislation was introduced in 1998.

“23 Enforcement Orders over a one-month period is totally unacceptable. The presence of rodents and other pests presents a grave and immediate danger to consumers’ health and food businesses must put in place more robust pest control systems.”