Safety chiefs served a record number of closure orders on food firms last month, it emerged today.
A total of 13 outlets were hit for breaches of food safety laws in July, with regulators warning businesses to step up hygiene practices or face being shut down.
Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) chief executive Professor Alan Reilly said he was hugely disappointed by the record monthly figure for closures.
"The same recurring, but easily preventable faults continue to contribute to the closure of food businesses and this must be addressed by food businesses operating to unsatisfactory standards," he said.
"Dirty premises, unhygienic practices and improper storage of food simply will not be tolerated.
"Food inspectors across the country are as active as ever during the summer months carrying out food inspections, so that consumers can feel confident about the food they are purchasing."
Closure orders are issued when there is likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health, or where an improvement order is not complied with.
The order can refer to the immediate closure of all or part of the food premises, or all or some of its activities.
The owners of four food stalls in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, were reprimanded and made to cease trading during the popular Festival of World Cultures.
Failures in food standards were also found at a Chinese food stall at the Oxegen Festival.
July's closure orders were issued by environmental health officers in the HSE West Region, the HSE Dublin North East Region and the HSE Dublin Mid Leinster Region.
Outlets closed included:
:: Cherry Blossom takeaway and restaurant, unit 4 of the Watson and Johnson Centre, Church Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow on July 28. Ongoing.
:: Keenans Butchers and Deli (part of premises), Lanesboro Road, Co Roscommon, on July 23. Ongoing.
:: Liada Bakery Limited, trading as Merkurius D at unit 2, Quinnspares, Durrow, Co Offaly, from July 12. Ongoing.
:: Chinese Fast Food food stall at the Main Stage, Arena 2, Oxegen Festival at Punchestown, Naas, Co Kildare on July 7. Ongoing.
:: In Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin the Taste of India food stall and a stall occupied by Keziah Mabunde were both closed from July 24 for one day, with Punjab Balti food stall shut on July 25 for a day. A closure order served on the Habesha Food Company food stall has been in place since July 24.
:: Hadi Indian takeaway, Main Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, from July 29 to August 4.
:: Saagar Restaurant on Harcourt Street in Dublin city centre from July 22 to July 26.
:: Rong Xing Supermarket, 157 Parnell Street, Dublin, from July 21 to July 23.
:: Patrick Ivory pub (kitchen only), 61 Castle Street, Dalkey, Co Dublin, from July 19 to July 30.
:: Hanlin Restaurant, 154 Parnell Street, Dublin 1 from July 7 to July 9.
Elsewhere a successful prosecution was also carried out by the HSE Dublin Mid Leinster Region on The Hogan Stand Butcher Shop at unit 2, Lyster House in Lyster Square, Portlaoise.
