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DOH closes Lahaina restaurant due to roach infestation

The state Department of Health noted pests, food debris, grease and other violations at Lahaina Fish Co. — DOH photo

The state Department of Health shut down Lahaina Fish Co. after discovering a cockroach infestation and other health violations, the department said Friday.

Operated by Lahaina Seafood Company Inc., the restaurant at 831 Front St. received a red placard on Tuesday and must remain closed until the DOH conducts a follow-up investigation and all of the violations are resolved, according to a DOH news release.

During a routine inspection on July 22, roaches were observed in a kitchen storage space and downstairs bar areas. The restaurant was cited for the presence of pests, food debris and grease accumulation; improper cold-holding temperatures; and improper protection of food from cross contamination.

The restaurant had completed professional pest control treatments, so a yellow “conditional pass” placard was posted after the DOH inspector advised the restaurant to complete additional treatments and to clean up areas that provide food and places for pests to harbor.

DOH conducted a follow-up inspection on Tuesday. While previous critical violations for cold holding and cross contamination had been corrected, the inspector examined the cookline more fully and found significant roach activity and food debris and grease buildup. Due to the amount of roach activity, the restaurant was closed to the public and a red placard was posted.

A red placard is posted on the exterior of Lahaina Fish Co. — DOH photo

Before the next follow-up inspection, Lahaina Fish Co. must:

• Eradicate the roach infestation by increasing the frequency of pest control treatments and continued monitoring of the juvenile and adult populations.

• Send pest control invoices and a pest treatment plan to the district inspector.

• Conduct deep cleaning of all areas to remove food debris and grease buildup.

A follow up inspection is scheduled for Monday.

For more information on the department’s placarding program go to health.hawaii.gov/san/.

To view restaurant inspection reports, go to hi.healthinspections.us/ hawaii/.

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