How refreshing. A government type who doesn’t waffle because they’re worried about what industry might say, or what farmers might say, or all the uncertainties involved in managing risk.

Prof Alan Reilly, chief executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, said vigilance is always required in relation to food safety and standards must not be permitted to slip to such levels that consumer health is put at risk.

“Food business operators must recognize that the legal onus is on them to be responsible and ensure that the food they serve is safe to eat. The FSAI has stressed again and again that a basic food safety management system is not difficult to implement, so it is disappointing that there continues to be food businesses who choose not to comply with this legal requirement. With the long weekend upon us, food businesses are going to be under more pressure than usual. … There’s no excuse for ignorance of the legal food safety and hygiene requirements.”

The comments came as the exclusive Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club in Dublin was shut for four days last month by environmental officers.

Six other food businesses were also rapped for breaches in food safety legislation last month, including:
• Ocean Palace Chinese Restaurant, Main Street, Swinford, Mayo – closed since March 23.
• Oriental Express takeaway, 140 Parnell Street, Dublin 1 – closed from March 21-26.
• The kitchen area of the Lemon Cafe Bar, 42 St Stephens Street, Dublin 2 – closed on March 14-15.
• Netpol grocery (sale and portioning of cooked meats, cheeses and all ready-to-eat foodstuffs), Unit 9, Tyrrelstown Avenue, Dublin 15 – closed on March 6-7.
• Thai Orchid restaurant, 7 Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2 – closed from March 6-13.
• The Superbites takeaway, New Street, Newmarket, Cork – closed from March 1-16.