5 Under Health Scrutiny
Five food eateries in Vanua Levu are under scrutiny for noncompliance. They do not hold a valid health licence to operate.
Divisional health inspector Vakaruru Cavuilati confirmed that one eatery, each from Savusavu and Nabouwalu, would be taken to court since they failed to adhere to this regulation after given a grace period to comply.
“These outlets have been operating without a health licence since January this year,” he said.
Three outlets in Labasa were also identified and the ministry will be filing these cases in court soon.
More eateries will also be taken to court once the team conducts its investigations.
Mr Cavuilati said two food outlets earlier ceased in Labasa had complied and were back in operation.
Some requirements not met by both outlets included: Poor personal hygiene of staff in food preparation, poor food handling, poor storage, no clear demarcation of certain areas, poor storage of chemicals, greasy floors and untidy presentation of utensils. Rajesh Café and Fatima’s Restaurant and Café were given a week to rectify the non-complying issues with food standards, food handling, kitchen cleanliness and demarcation of storage area.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services food safety monitoring team began its food outlet inspection two weeks ago.
The team assisted by a Labasa Town Council health inspector also shut another eatery on Wednesday.
The grading process is underway along with inspection and the two eateries earlier closed and now Rasoi outlet are Grade D standard.
One more restaurant in Labasa was given a 24-hour notice to improve conditions not met.
With the rise in eateries, especially the development of a food court at Damodar City complex, expectation is that these operators adhere to quality food standards.
To ensure business sustainability, operators are urged to lift their performance and remain competitive with quality food preparation, storage and handling standards. Mr Cavuilati emphasised on the need for all outlets to have a dedicated cleaning schedule to ensure cleanliness remains paramount. At the outlets inspected, there is significant change with personnel wearing gloves, hairnets and improvement on personal hygiene.