Letterkenny café issued with closure order had ‘significant’ dirt and grease

A Letterkenny café trading as Tank and Skinny’s @ Number 6 was issued with a Closure Order due to a number of breaches of legislation. 

These include accumulations of dirt and grease on various surfaces and beneath appliances, and not having put in place a permanent procedure of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.

The café situated in the Courtyard Shopping Centre was issued with a Closure Order on February 18. It is understood that it reopened a few days later when compliance with regulations relating to the food service industry was obtained.

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In a report which was published on March 12, the inspector noted the following breaches and associated risks:

“The food premises were not kept clean and maintained in good repair or condition as evidenced by a significant accumulation of dirt and grease on food contact surfaces and equipment, and behind and below the equipment wash area, and behind and below appliances including refrigerators, and the refrigerated display cabinet.

“The absence of effective cleaning regime leads to risk of food contamination, microbiological, chemical and physical, and creates an environment that is suitable for harbourage of pests / rodents. 

“The food business operator had not put in place a permanent procedure or procedures based on the HACCP principles.

“The absence of a food safety management system based on the principles of HACCP had resulted in a situation whereby hazards had not been prevented, eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels in respect of food safety.

“The food business operator was unable to provide evidence that effective monitoring procedures at critical control points had been established and implemented.

“The absence of monitoring of critical control points resulted in a risk of harm to public health.

“There was no supply of hot water to the washbasin or to the equipment wash sink or to the food wash sink.

“The absence of a supply of hot water causes a risk of food contamination as a consequence of inadequately cleaned and  or disinfected hands, equipment, food contact surfaces and food.”

The premises was one of seven nationwide to be issued with enforcement orders in February.

Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI said: "There are no excuses for failing to comply with legal requirements, and any lapse in food safety practices puts consumers at direct risk.

"Implementing a food safety management system is straightforward, especially with the supports available from the FSAI, yet some businesses continue to neglect this crucial legal requirement. Consumers have a right to safe food and it is imperative that all food businesses uphold the highest standards of food safety and hygiene at all times."

Tank and Skinny’s Statement

On February 20, Tank and Skinny’s issued a statement on Facebook describing the failed inspection as ‘a textbook series of unfortunate events.’

The statement reads: “We take food safety extremely seriously. Our customers will know that we always have, and we promise that we always will. We’re sharing this post not because we have to, but because we want you to hear this direct from us.   

“In a huge shock to us, on Tuesday afternoon, our sister coffee shop in Letterkenny failed a HSE inspection. It was a textbook series of unfortunate events. 

“For example, our HACCP records weren't up to scratch and our hot water had just stopped working with an emergency plumber booked for the following morning. In the meantime, our team members were washing dishes with boiling water from the hot water geyser. In the short time that has elapsed since then, the plumber has been and left, with the hot water supply restored yesterday morning. 

“Timing was just not on our side with the inspection and on reflection we should have ceased trading for the rest of the day due to the lack of mains hot water, so we have definitely learned from this.  

“Today, less than 48 hours after our closure we have had another inspection and passed, which is our usual standard. Letterkenny is now back in action.   

“Our reputation is very important to us, which is why we wanted to share this news with you, with an assurance of our sustained commitment to exceptional health and safety.

“We'd like to thank the HSE for coming back to redo the inspection so quickly, so we can get back to do what we love and do what we do best — serving you guys. 

“We are sorry that this has happened but we hope you will understand.”

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