State Closes Hilo Restaurant Due to Repeated Food Safety Violations – What You Need to Know

A restaurant in Hilo has been shut down due to serious health safety issues. Hiro’s Place received a red "closed" sign from the Hawai‘i Department of Health after failing to follow food safety rules multiple times.

Inspectors visited Hiro’s Place on March 24 and 27 and found several problems. Key violations included:

• No soap or paper towels at the hand sink.
• Workers touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands.
• Improper food storage in the fridge.
• Inadequate sanitizer levels.
• Wipe cloths not stored properly.
• Food held at unsafe temperatures.
• Eating and drinking in food prep areas.

Despite attempts to fix these issues, inspectors found similar violations just days later, leading to the restaurant’s immediate closure.

To reopen, Hiro’s Place must address these concerns. The Health Department requires:

• Staff to attend a food safety training.
• Written guidelines for proper handwashing and cleaning.
• A thorough cleaning and sanitizing of the restaurant.

Only after fixing these issues and passing another inspection can they serve customers again.

In light of these events, it’s important to recognize the significant rise in food safety awareness among consumers. A recent survey showed that 81% of people consider cleanliness essential when choosing where to eat. They often check online ratings and reviews for insights. This trend pressures restaurants to uphold high safety standards.

For more information on food safety practices, check the Hawai’i Department of Health Food Safety Branch website.

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