A popular takeaway in Sligo was forced to close for two weeks following serious breaches of food safety regulations, according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). The closure order was issued against Turk Grill on Grattan Street, Sligo, after inspectors discovered multiple food hygiene violations, including a lack of staff training and poor food handling practices.
The order, which was in effect from January 16 to January 31, 2025, was issued under the FSAI Act, 1998, which allows for immediate closures when a business poses a grave and immediate danger to public health.
Serious Food Hygiene Concerns Identified
The FSAI report highlighted several alarming issues at the premises, including:
- Staff members had no training in food hygiene and were unaware of essential safety practices.
- Failure to change disposable gloves after handling raw chicken.
- No handwashing observed among food handlers.
- Cooked chicken was left in a hot holding unit at unsafe temperatures, which could lead to food poisoning.
- A large hole in the wall near the staff changing area, raising concerns about pest control.
- The main food handling area lacked hot water at the wash hand basin, preventing proper handwashing.
Inspectors noted that Southern Fried Chicken, cooked at 11:30 AM on January 15, was still in the hot holding unit after 3:00 PM, with a dangerously low core temperature of 28°C—far below the required level to prevent bacterial growth.
FSAI’s Warning to Food Businesses
Dr. Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, emphasized that all food businesses must adhere to strict food safety laws to protect consumers.
“Food businesses have a fundamental legal responsibility to ensure the food they produce is safe to eat. The Enforcement Orders served in January highlight unacceptable breaches of food safety legislation, including inadequate pest control, poor hygiene standards, and a lack of proper food traceability. These non-compliances pose a serious risk to consumer health and also undermine confidence in the food industry.”
