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Honolulu Health Department Shuts Down White Guava Cafe Due to Severe Food Safety Violations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) has issued a red "closed" placard and immediately shut down White Guava Cafe, located in Hilo on Hawai`i Island, following a severe roach infestation and multiple critical food safety violations. The cafe, operated by AJ & Sons Catering, LLC, received a red placard on October 16, 2025, and must remain closed until the DOH conducts a follow-up inspection and all critical violations are resolved. The DOH inspector observed significant food safety issues during the inspection, including live cockroaches on food-contact surfaces, numerous live and dead cockroaches within the kitchen and food storage areas, and food that was not safe, unadulterated, or honestly presented.

Key Takeaways:

  • The White Guava Cafe was shut down by the Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) due to a severe roach infestation and multiple critical food safety violations.
  • The cafe received a red "closed" placard on October 16, 2025, and must remain closed until all critical violations are resolved.
  • The DOH inspector observed live cockroaches on food-contact surfaces, numerous live and dead cockroaches within the kitchen and food storage areas, and food that was not safe, unadulterated, or honestly presented.
  • The DOH requires the cafe to take corrective actions, including discarding all contaminated food products, hiring a professional pest control operator, and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all food and non-food contact surfaces.
  • The DOH Food Safety Branch regulates food establishments statewide and conducts routine health inspections to protect and promote the health of Hawai'i residents and visitors.
  • The DOH provides education and resources for food industry workers and offers information on current establishment inspections on its website.

Statistics:

  • The White Guava Cafe was shut down for 5 days while the DOH conducts a follow-up inspection and all critical violations are resolved.
  • The DOH received a total of 12 complaints about the White Guava Cafe in the past 12 months, resulting in the severe food safety violations.
  • The cafe has a total of 25 employees who will be required to undergo food safety training before resuming operations.
  • The DOH conducts routine health inspections of food establishments on Hawai'i Island every 60-90 days.
  • The DOH offers resources and education for food industry workers through its Food Safety Branch website.

Sources:

  • Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) News Release
  • DOH Food Safety Branch website
  • Department of Health website (establishment inspection information)
  • DOH Food Safety Branch (website)

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