A North Kerry restaurant was briefly shut down last month after inspectors found dried rodent droppings on the premises.
The Atlantic Chinese Restaurant at East End, Ballybunion, was served with a closure order on 16th June, and the order was lifted again six days later.
Inspectors found multiple breaches of food safety legislation at the restaurant.
Inspectors found what appeared to be dried rodent droppings on the premises, while the floors, walls, and ceilings were covered in dirt and grime.
They found food equipment, utensils, and cooking equipment were embedded with dirt.
Inspectors also noted a build-up of dirt, congealed food debris, and other miscellaneous items behind and underneath equipment.
Inspectors found the cleaning cloths were foul smelling and dirty, and they were soaked in dirty, stagnant water, while the mop and mop bucket were described as filthy.
Inspectors noted grease and food debris were causing a pool of stagnant, sticky overflow from the drain/grease trap, and the drainage facilities in the back yard were obviously defective.
They also noted the condition of the premises and lack of awareness of staff of the importance of cleaning and sanitation, indicated a complete lack of food safety culture within the business.
The HSE served a closure order on the restaurant on 16th June this year under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020.
However, the order was lifted again just six days later on 22nd June.
