Limerick café ordered to close after mould found on pizza bases and sausage rolls

A LIMERICK café was ordered to close with immediate effect after food safety inspectors discovered mould on pizza bases and sausage rolls, along with a series of other hygiene and food safety breaches.

Fia's Cafe, located at 57 Thomas Street in Limerick city, was issued a closure order by the Health Service Executive (HSE) on September 29, 2026, under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998.

According to the official closure order, inspectors identified a number of serious issues at the premises, including inadequate food storage temperatures, poor cleaning practices, damaged surfaces and a lack of hot water.

The order was issued after an authorised officer from the HSE determined that there was, or was likely to be, a grave and immediate danger to public health.

Among the most concerning findings was the discovery of mould on pizza bases and sausage rolls stored in a refrigerator.

Inspectors also found that the refrigerator doors were not closing properly, while sausage rolls were being stored at a temperature of 23°C. Cooked ham was also found to be stored at an unsatisfactory temperature of 21°C.

The closure order warned that inadequate temperature control and mould-affected food could allow harmful microorganisms to grow, increasing the risk of food contamination, deterioration and foodborne illness.

Dirty equipment and lack of hot water

Inspectors also identified significant hygiene and maintenance issues throughout the premises.

According to the report, food equipment, refrigeration units, walls, floors and the washing-up area were visibly dirty, with accumulated food debris, grease and other residues.

Dirty utensils and equipment were stored around the sink, while the area was cluttered with items unrelated to food preparation.

The downstairs basement was also found to be in a poor state of repair, with damp and mould-like staining, damaged surfaces and accumulated dirt and debris.

Cardboard boxes, waste materials, food equipment and other miscellaneous items were found cluttering the area, potentially providing harbourage for pests.

Inspectors further reported that hot water was not available at any of the sinks or wash-hand basins on the premises.

Lighting in the basement was described as poor, cleaning facilities were inadequate and no separate staff toilet was provided.

Concerns over pest control and food safety procedures

The inspection also identified shortcomings in pest control procedures.

Pest control units were found to be grease-stained, with no evidence of recent servicing, while sticky fly papers were hanging above food equipment and preparation areas.

The basement contained discarded items and rubbish, including black sacks of confectionery and other food items, which inspectors warned could provide potential harbourage for pests.

No pest control records were available for inspection on the day.

The report also found that there was no evidence that critical control points were being monitored to ensure compliance with food safety limits.

There was no verification procedure in place, no safe food temperature monitoring for cooking or hot holding, and no refrigerator or freezer temperature records were maintained.

Inspectors additionally found that the food business had not been notified to the HSE and was not registered under the relevant food hygiene regulations.

The closure was issued on September 29, 2026 and was lifted on October 2, 2026 after the concerns raised were addressed by the proprietor.

The order was made under Section 53 of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998, which provides for the closure of food premises where there is, or is likely to be, a grave and immediate danger to public health.