UNDER-fire takeaway boss Ken Lam has issued a grovelling apology after the shock closure of his shop, and declared: I’ll wok on my hygiene.
Veteran curry flogger Ken was recently served a closure order as he slugs it out for business alongside his son Jonathan Lam.
Ken issued a grovelling apology after the shock closure of his shop[/caption]
Jonathan Lam opened up his new takeaway next door[/caption]
A war of the takeaways has been raging on Ballyfermot Road in west Dublin since The Irish Sun revealed how newcomer Jonathan started a rival fast-food shop next door to his father’s long-established Chinese following following a family fallout.
The 41-year-old set up New Lam’s at 284 Ballyfermot Road — right next door to the original Lam’s at 286 Ballyfermot Road — after being let go from the family firm when he asked his takeaway boss dad Ken for a pay rise.
The feuding father and son have been going head-to-head in a face-off dubbed ‘the Succession of Ballyfermot’, with intrigued clients forming bumper queues at the curry houses — and comedians doing TV skits on the dispute.
But long-time Chinese takeaway supremo Ken — who has operated the original Lam’s for more than 30 years — recently suffered a blow after being shut down.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland last week revealed a closure order was issued to the 68-year-old by the HSE, who blasted the cleanliness at his curry house as “not acceptable”.
A HSE inspection also laid bare concerns over ventilation, hygiene, contamination, waste management and pest control procedures.
The FSAI confirmed Ken had been hit with a closure order on February 14, with the order lifted six days later.
Lam’s told customers they were closed for a week “due to a ventilation issue and other things”.
But as the shutdown sparked a stir, Lam’s has issued a fresh statement saying they now want to make amends.
They told customers: “We want to take a moment to address the recent temporary closure of our shop and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this caused.
DEEP REGRET
“Our shop has been a part of the community in Ballyfermot for over 30 years, and while we take great pride in serving you, we recognise that some aspects of our premises needed updating to meet modern standards.
“During a routine inspection by the HSE, it was highlighted that the level of cleanliness and certain operational practices were not up to the standard we strive for.
“We deeply regret this and want to assure you that we take these matters very seriously.
“The issues identified, including ventilation, food storage, and pest control recommendations, have now been fully addressed.
DEEP CLEANING CARRIED OUT
“Over the past week, we have carried out a deep cleaning of the entire premises, updated storage systems, and made necessary improvements to ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.
“We want to emphasise that this was not due to any bizarre or extreme issues, such as rodents or pests in the area.
“The closure was primarily related to operational updates and ensuring our practices align with the stricter standards of today.”
Lam’s also told punters that owner Ken was struggling “to keep up with the ever-evolving and stricter regulations”.
‘WELCOME BACK’
Their statement added: “Running a business of this age comes with its own set of challenges, and while we are doing our best to modernise, we kindly ask for your understanding and patience as we work through these changes.
“We are pleased to let you know that we are now fully open and ready to welcome you back.
“Your support over the years means the world to us, and we are dedicated to earning your continued trust. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time. We look forward to serving you again and providing the quality and service you deserve. With gratitude, the team at Lam’s.”
“We deeply regret this and want to assure you that we take these matters very seriously.”
Lam’s at 286 Ballyfermot Road
A HSE report released last week by the FSAI confirmed Lam’s had been recently shut down.
‘NOT ACCEPTABLE’
Taking a stinging swipe at cleaning and sanitation at the Chinese, the report said: “The level of cleanliness observed at the time of inspection was not acceptable.
“The inspection was expected and the standard was still well below acceptable levels.
“The business has demonstrated a lack of concern regarding hygiene for an extended period of time, which cannot be tolerated.
“The entire kitchen and storage areas need to be cleaned from top to bottom, equipment needs to be cleaned or removed if beyond repair (step ladders, goods trolleys etc). The business has previously been advised to put a cleaning schedule in place that clearly states the frequency of cleaning.
“The manager/owner needs to inspect the premises to ensure the hygiene is acceptable at least monthly, going forward.”
VENTING ISSUES
Inspectors said they overheard staff moan of freezing conditions in the kitchen, and they found that the ventilation system was “not working effectively”.
Food contamination and waste management lapses were also noted, with the HSE telling Ken: “It is not acceptable to store open food directly into cardboard. This will absorb blood and bacteria from raw chicken and paper and other bacterial contamination onto the food.
“Food is only to be stored in washable containers, identifiable as either raw or cooked storage. You’re not permitted to store raw chicken wings in previously used chip boxes.”
While inspectors also found pest issues, the report warned: “The void in the ceiling in the back store room is taped up for the issue with pigeons.
“This has not been fully investigated with pest control, as was previously requested.”
