An Ennis Restaurant has remained closed for almost a month, after being hit with a closure order by the Food Safety Authority.
The FSAI reported that during the inspection, a member of the public was allowed to use the kitchen to cook their own food.
The notice was served to the owners of the Everest Kitchen at Friary Bow on Abbey Street on September 18th, following an inspection from the environmental services unit of the HSE.
According to the Food Safety Authority’s Enforcement Order, the Operators failed to identify and control all food hazards associated with the business and risked putting unsafe food on the market.
Inspectors noted a suitable wash-hand basin was not available on premises and that the unit in the kitchen did not have running water or cleaning materials.
The inspection team also said the food premises was not maintained in a clean condition, noting build ups of grease, dirt and debris, heavily stained surfaces and equipment.
There was also evidence found that prepared food was not protected from contamination as use by dates could not be demonstrated for foods such as cooked lamb, while cooked rice was also found to be stored at an incorrect temperature.
While during the inspection, a member of the public was permitted to the kitchen facilities to cook food for their own personal consumption.
Inspectors said there was a failure to establish and demonstrate an appropriate food safety culture and that there was a lack of awareness demonstrated by staff off the food safety hazards.
The FSAI stated that based on the evidence gathered , there was likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health if the business continues to operate in its current condition.
The closure order has not yet been lifted.
