Carlow shop closed over ‘grave and immediate danger’ to public health
Stop n Shop Convenience Store. Image credit: From Stop n Shop's public Facebook page.
A Carlow convenience store was forced to close with immediate effect after health inspectors found extensive dust contamination throughout food preparation and storage areas.
Stop n Shop Convenience Store on Tullow Street was served a closure order on 8 May by the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998, following what officials described as a “grave and immediate danger to public health”. It has since reopened for business following compliance with the FSAI.
The closure was one of ten enforcement actions taken by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland during May, which also included five prohibition orders served on food businesses across the country for breaches of food safety legislation.
According to the closure order served on business owner Mr Hamid Iqbal, inspectors found significant dust buildup on food surfaces, equipment, and preparation areas caused by extensive building works being carried out at the premises. The contamination was described as visible to the naked eye and transferable to hands when touched.
The specific violations cited include dust accumulation on food storage and display areas, heavy debris on floors and under shelving in food preparation zones, and contamination of an open ice cream fridge and crepe preparation area. Food preparation equipment including grills and waffle makers, as well as ingredients such as sauces, were found covered in dust, rendering them unsafe for food preparation.
Inspectors noted that dirty building materials and equipment were being transported through food preparation areas, contributing to the widespread contamination. They observed “ongoing building works taking place in the premises posing a further risk to food safety rendering the premises unfit in its current state to operate safely as a food food business”.
Stop n Shop Convenience Store, which sells confectionery, vapes and imported American snacks, had only recently opened for business in April.
Closure orders remain in effect until either a court order directs otherwise or the HSE provides written direction that a premises can reopen. Under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998, the business owner has seven days from the service of the order to appeal to the District Court.
