Rodent Droppings Found at McDonald’s: Full List of Restaurants Shut Down

A McDonald’s was found with rodent droppings and cross-contamination risks.

It’s one of eight food businesses hit with closure orders by Ireland’s food watchdog last month.

McDonald’s Ordered to Shut Down

A McDonald’s restaurant in Drogheda, Ireland, was among eight food businesses slapped with a closure order by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in August.

The order applied specifically to a storage unit at the side of the premises on The Waterfront, Rathmullen Road.

Rodent Droppings

Inspectors noted “rodent droppings observed on shelving [and] food equipment within the storage unit”.

The same unit also stored PPE, cleaning supplies, and even paper towels used for drying workers’ hands, posing a serious risk of cross-contamination.

List of Businesses That Faced Closure

According to The Journal, the full list of food businesses issued with closure orders in August includes:

• McDonald’s (storage unit), The Waterfront, Rathmullen Road, Drogheda, Co Louth
• Bk Foods Limited (Wholesaler/Distributor), Clongorey, Newbridge, Co Kildare
• Paulista (Takeaway), 121 Dorset Street Upper, Dublin 1
• Prime Pizza & Kebab (Takeaway), 281 Hyde Road, Limerick
• Wau Asian Cuisine Limited (Restaurant/Café), Bridge Street, Trim, Co Meath
• Super Chef Takeaway, Unit 5, Ashbourne Court, Ashbourne, Co Meath
• Burger Smash (Takeaway), 4 Langford Street, Killorglin, Co Kerry
• Small Chops & More (Service Sector), The Courtyard, Baker Hall, Navan, Co Meath

A separate prohibition order was issued to Chillers Restaurant and Lounge in Liffey Valley.

Pest Infestation and Filthy Conditions

Among the worst findings was Paulista, the Dublin takeaway where inspectors found an active cockroach infestation.

Live and dead cockroaches were seen in the handwash sink, inside a freezer where food was being prepared, and on a water tank.

The basement floor of the premises was described as “greasy with congealed dirt and grease within the wall to floor junctions.”

Grease Build-Up and Unsafe Food Storage

At Super Chef Takeaway in Ashbourne, Co Meath, hygiene standards were similarly poor.

Inspectors reported that hand contact surfaces were dirty with dust, grease, and food debris. Lumps of hardened grease were visible throughout the premises.

In addition, food was not being stored at correct temperatures, adding to the contamination risk.

Orders Lifted for Some, But Issues Remain

Closure orders for the following premises have since been lifted after follow-up inspections:

• Prime Pizza & Kebab, Limerick
• Super Chef Takeaway, Ashbourne
• Burger Smash, Killorglin
• Paulista, Dublin

However, concerns remain over repeat violations of basic food safety practices across the country.

FSAI: “Same Issues Month After Month”

Greg Dempsey, CEO of the FSAI, expressed frustration over recurring hygiene failures and pest control lapses:

“It is disappointing to see the same issues, such as poor hygiene and pest control problems, being identified each month.”

He added that the FSAI would continue taking enforcement action to protect consumers and ensure public confidence in the food system.