The Food Safety Authority has ordered the closure of a Monaghan vegetable processor.
Sillis Green Veg Limited in Glaslough was one of seven closure orders served on food businesses last month.
The HSE issued the closure because of a lack of a control of the use of sodium metabisulphite in the dipping process and production of foodstuffs.
Sodium metabisulphate can be used as a preservative agent, and can release sulfur dioxide.
Analysis of the turnip taken from the facility on May 23rd detected the presence of sulphur dioxide at 86 milligrams per kg. Under EU regulations, sulphur dioxide is not permitted for use in peeled and chopped turnip.
Additionally, the ingredient sodium metabisulphite was not declared on the label of products containing turnips, nor highlighted as an allergen on the label.
The other businesses were closed for issues including the detection of rat droppings, listeria, and dead insects.
Commenting on the back of today's reports, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, said that it is disappointing to see such disregard for consumer health in the listed food businesses.
