Pub kitchen shut down amid probe into Communion party 'salmonella death'

The Food Safety Authority confirmed it has placed the closure order on the kitchen of the north Dublin pub, which is occupied by catering company Flanreil Food Services Ltd.

The watchdog and the HSE are conducting a joint investigation into a suspected outbreak of food poisoning following the death of a Dublin mother in her 50s at the weekend.

"The investigation is in its early stages and while it is currently focusing on a catering company, Flanreil Food Services Ltd, the source and cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified," said a Food Safety Authority spokesperson.

It is understood a number of people were taken ill after a private party and treated in hospital for salmonella poisoning.

The woman is said to have attended a First Communion party with members of her wider family. She was then found dead at her home by her husband on Sunday.

Other family members and visitors to the party reported bouts of serious illness.

The catering company has the franchise to provide food at the pub and also provides an off-site catering service.

"Members of the public should contact their GP if they have any concerns regarding their health," the spokesman said.

The woman who died was described locally as a "fitness fanatic". She is understood not to have been suffering any underlying health conditions at the time of her death. In rare cases salmonella can cause the death of healthy people.