Previous Story
CHCC suspends several establishments
Two restaurants and a supermarket on Saipan were cited and given notices of suspension by the Bureau of Environmental Health, under the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., after finding several violations.
Suspended were JHEMS and Shinsen restaurants in Garapan and XO Market on Middle Road, Gualo Rai.
BEH gives out notice of suspensions to commercial establishments that have been found violating local and federal health codes.
A complaint was filed with BEH that prompted its health inspectors to check on JHEMS Restaurant and found it unable to maintain sanitary practices.
Among the violations noted were rat droppings and indication of roach infestation; built-up grease on its exhaust fans, countertops, cookware and cooking station; reusing plastic forks and spoons, and failure to clean the dishes on time.
JHEMS was also cited after their employees were found not having valid food handler’s certificates and it didn’t have running hot water during their hours of operation.
JHEMS’ management voluntarily suspended its operations to clean up and avoid further citations.
BEH inspectors then visited Shinshen after a rat was reportedly seen running in the dining area. Rodent droppings were seen in the establishment aside from its exhaust hood having grease buildup and other poor health practices. BEH slapped a $200 penalty on Shinsen and suspended its operations.
BEH then checked on XO Market after a consumer complained that they bought “freezer burnt” meat. Inspectors found out that XO’s butcher shop has faulty temperature control while boxes of thawed meat were also discovered.
BEH immediately ordered the suspension of XO’s butcher shop’s operations while also slapping them a $1,600 fine for numerous sanitary violations. Store management paid the fine right away.
BEH also required XO to improve their food handling techniques and make sure to fix the temperature control in their meat storage and processing areas are within the required temperature in preserving the freshness of their products.
BEH is encouraging consumers to report any concerns or experience they had when shopping for food or eating at a restaurant at 664-4870/72/73 or email director John Tagabuel at john.tagabuel@dph.gov.mp.
