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BEH temporarily closes 9 establishments
The Bureau of Environmental Health temporarily closed nine establishments recently after water testing conducted showed them positive for E. coli.
Since Dec. 3, 2019, BEH, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have conducted water testing outreach at food service establishments.
A total of 135 food service establishments received water testing on reservoirs or other onsite water sources. Of the total establishments sampled, 54 were positive for Total Coliform (TC) and 19 were positive for E. coli, with nine placed under temporary suspension.
During visits, BEH and BECQ evaluated the condition of onsite water reservoirs including distribution lines and kitchen taps to identify potential sources of contamination and provide outreach/education to mitigate and prevent foodborne illnesses. Common deficiencies that has led to TC or E. coli findings in water samples is linked to damaged or open tanks, mixing water supply with untreated rainwater, and more commonly found, using unsanitary rags/cloths as filters on kitchen taps.
The BEH decision to close a food establishment occurs when the establishment’s water testing result is positive for E. coli and there is no alternative source of clean, running water. Temporary closure is necessary to allow establishment time to properly clean and disinfect tanks and distribution lines. BEH does provide technical assistance to these closed establishments. Once these establishments have complied with the recommended cleaning and sanitizing procedures, they are able to request for retesting by BECQ or other certified water laboratories.
For more information, contact: BEH at (670) 664-4870/72/73, or email the director of BEH, John Tagabuel, at john.tagabuel@dph.gov.mp. and BECQ at (670) 664-4850 or contact BECQ administrator, Eli Cabrera, at elicabrera@becq.gov.mp or DEQ director, Ray Masga, at raymasga@becq.gov.mp.
Federal EPA’s CNMI-based number is (670) 588-4225. (PR)
