Five food outlets were served with closure orders last month for putting customers' health at risk by breaching safety laws.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) revealed more than 270 meat and fish items were withdrawn from a sixth premises by inspectors who raised concerns over their storage.

Prof Alan Reilly, FSAI chief executive, said it was encouraging to see the number of enforcement orders for August was half that served in July - when a record 13 outlets were shut down.

"Our number one priority is the protection of consumer health and we would stress to all businesses the importance of maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness at all times," he said.

"One of the simplest ways to ensure food is produced safely is to make sure certain basic hygiene standards are met, and yet this continues to be an issue for some food businesses. You can't produce safe food in dirty kitchens."

Saffron Indian Cuisine, in Skycourt Shopping Centre, Shannon, Co Clare, was closed from August 22 to September 2, and The Tasty Grill, on Richmond Street South, Dublin 2, was shut from August 16 to 23.

Galway Fresh Fish and Seafood Stall & Van (01 MO 1854), Strokestown, Roscommon, was shut down from August 13 to 24, while the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant and Takeaway, 15 Church Street, Cootehill, Cavan, closed from August 5 to 9.

The Overseas Chinese Takeaway and Restaurant, Main Street, Elphin, Roscommon, was ordered to shut on August 9 and remains closed.

Elsewhere a prohibition order was served on Felix Enterprises, 88 Summerhill, Dublin 1, over the storage of meats and fish in chest freezers.

The FSAI said 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.