MAKAWAO – That Hawaiii The Maui Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Division has put up a red “Closed” placard to protect Thai public health Me Up Kula 2 due to a cockroach infestation. The food truck is operated by Maui Mobile Food Court LLC and sells at 28 Kiopaa Square in Makawao.
The food company received the red plaque on March 22. 2022 and must remain closed until all violations are resolved and the health department is allowed to open the mobile unit to the public again.
During a routine inspection conducted on December 22, 2022, the DOH inspector observed approximately 25 roaches at various life stages throughout the mobile, including on a shelf above the service window, under frying pans, in a takeout food container, and on the floor.
Other critical violations identified during the inspection include:
§ Numerous feces were observed on wipes on a shelf above the service Window;
§ A build-up of fat and food debris was observed throughout the mobile, which serves as a food source cockroaches;
§ The mobile front door was left open at the time of the inspection, with no screen or other means to prevent flies and other pests from entering. and,
§ Lack of adequate temperature control in a pre-chill. This violation was corrected on-site by moving the potentially hazardous food to another unit at the correct temperature.
The health department is urging food operations to take the following corrective actions before they are allowed to reopen:
§ Professional pest control treatment to eradicate the pests;
§ Pest control bills submitted to the district Inspector;
§ Thorough cleaning to eliminate all potential food sources for pests; and,
§ Screening on the door to prevent pest entry when the door is left open.
A follow-up inspection is planned for December 28, 2022.
The Department of Food Safety of the Ministry of Health protects and promotes the health of Hawaiii residents and visitors by training workers in the food industry and regulating food establishments nationwide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food facilities where food is prepared, manufactured, distributed or sold.
The branch also investigates sources of foodborne diseases and possible adulteration. It is also responsible for mitigating the impact of these incidents to prevent future events. The Department of Health’s food safety specialists strive to work with business owners, food workers and food industry workers to ensure safe food preparation practices and sanitary conditions.
To view restaurant inspection reports, go to http://hi.healthinspections.us/hawaii/.
You can find more information about the department’s poster program at http://health.hawaii.gov/san/.
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Media contact:
Brooks Bähr
communications office
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (808) 586-4417
