Dublin health food café closed over cockroach infestation

An organic and health food café in south Dublin with an active cockroach infestation was among 12 restaurants and businesses issued with closure orders by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) last month.

The Hopsack in the Swan Leisure Centre in Rathmines, was found to have an infestation at "all stages of the cockroach lifecycle" during inspection.

The FSAI inspector's report detailed that "dead cockroaches at all lifecycles were found on traps under the food service area, where ready-to-eat food juices are prepared and served".

It added: "A live cockroach was also noted under the food service area where ready-to-eat food juices are prepared and served."

Under the FSAI Act, 1998, a closure order is served where it is deemed that there is or there is likely to be a grave and immediate danger to public health at or in the premises; or where an improvement order is not complied with.

Closure orders can refer to the immediate closure of all or part of the food premises, or all or some of its activities.

The Thatch, Killenard, Portarlington, Co Laois, was also issued with a closure order.

During the inspection a dead mouse was observed on the floor behind the main bar and directly in front of the fridge containing beverages.

The report also noted that rodent droppings were observed in the main bar on shelving and preparation surfaces, in the coffee bar beside the coffee bean grinder and in the main kitchen "beside open foodstuffs".

Centra, Ardlo Manor, Mullagh in Co Cavan, was issued with a closure order from the FSAI for failing to implement adequate pest control procedures.

"Upon inspection of the pest control company records on the 22nd September 2026 it was noted that there has been ongoing issues with rat activity and that remedial actions in relation to pest proofing has not been completed to date.

"The pest control company have stated on their visit this morning (22nd September 2026) that there is evidence of ongoing moderate pest activity on the shop floor," the inspector's report said.

FSAI chief executive Greg Dempsey said the closure orders highlight the importance of maintaining robust food safety.

"Issues such as inadequate pest control, poor cleaning standards and unsafe food storage continue to be the main reasons for enforcement action.

"These are entirely preventable non-compliances when proper food safety management systems are in place.

"While the majority of food businesses take their legal responsibilities very seriously, we continue to see a small number of businesses subject to enforcement action, including closure, due to their non-compliances with basic food safety standards," he said.

A full list of the closure orders for September can be found on the FSAI's website.