"A significant lack of pest control, coupled with filthy conditions" were the most common reasons for Irish food business being shut down last month.

Six food businesses around the country were issued closure orders in March by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). They were:

• Taka Ra, 37 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin1
• The Old Punch Bowl (Closed area: kitchen and food storage area on first floor only, bars not affected), 116 Rock Road, Booterstown, Co Dublin
• Cuppa City Coffee, 3 Roger Casement Square, Cobh, Cork
• Xian Street Food (Closed area: satellite kitchen at 8 Quay Street. There is no part of the premises at 9 Quay Street Galway closed), 9 Quay Street, Galway
• Victoria Asian Cuisine, 5a The Crescent, Monkstown, Co Dublin
• Gourmet Tart Company, Unit 1, Block 13, Ballybane Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway

Among the issues at these businesses was the presence of rodent droppings at the back of freezers and on a floor near a kitchen. The build-up of rubbish bags, food waste and debris was a problem in one premises while "rat activity" was spotted in an area used for preparing food and washing equipment in another. A slug was also found on the wall near a dishwasher in one location.

"The most common non-compliances identified in Irish food businesses during March were a significant lack of pest control, coupled with filthy conditions," Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, said. "It is alarming to see consistent reporting of rodent activity noted in food businesses." "Food businesses run the risk of making their customers sick through exposing food to pests and ruining their reputation with consumers by neglecting basic food safety management and hygiene standards. "Negligent practices will not be tolerated,” she said.