The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has revealed six closure orders and one prohibition order were served on food businesses in March.

They were for breaches of food safety legislation and issued by environmental health officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Four closure orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:

• Taka Ra (Restaurant/Café), 37 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1
• Cuppa City Coffee (Restaurant/Café), 3 Roger Casement Square, Cobh, Cork
• The Old Punch Bowl (Pub) (Closed area: kitchen and food storage area on first floor only, bars not affected), 116 Rock Road, Booterstown, County Dublin
• Xian Street Food (Restaurant/Café) (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

Two closure orders were served under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2010 on:

• Victoria Asian Cuisine (Restaurant/Café), 5a The Crescent, Monkstown, County Dublin
• Gourmet Tart Company (Manufacturing), Unit 1, Block 13, Ballybane Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway

And one prohibition order was served under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2010 on:

• Gourmet Tart Company (Manufacturing), Unit 1, Block 13, Ballybane Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway

Some of the reasons for the enforcement orders in March included a large amount of rodent droppings scattered on the floor of the dry good store directly adjacent to the kitchen at The Old Punch Bowl pub in Booterstown.

A large amount rodent droppings were also noted at the back of the upright and chest freezers, located in the kitchen area.

The FSAI found that "adequate measures have not been taken to control pests on the premises."

While at Taka Ra in Dublin 1, the FSAI said adequate measures to control pests were not taken.

It found "substantial evidence that rats are active in the rear area used for washing equipment, preparing sushi rice and preparing ingredients for soup".

Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of the FSAI, said: "The most common non-compliances identified in Irish food businesses during March were a significant lack of pest control, coupled with filthy conditions.

"It is alarming to see consistent reporting of rodent activity noted in food businesses.

"Rodents harbour bacteria and spread harmful pathogens, contaminating food and surfaces.

"Food inspectors continue to encounter cases where consumers' health is put at risk through a failure to comply with pest control and hygiene requirements, which is unacceptable.

"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".