Kailua-Kona Restaurant Shut Down Due to Cockroach Infestation and Food Safety Violations

The state Health Department has taken decisive action to protect public health by shutting down Jade Palace Two, a Kailua-Kona restaurant, following a routine inspection that uncovered an active cockroach infestation, contaminated food, and multiple food safety violations. The restaurant, located at 75-5595 Palani Road, was issued a red "closed" placard on Wednesday, requiring Minh Tuan Tran, the operator, to address all safety concerns before reopening. The inspection revealed a range of critical issues, including live roaches in food, contaminated food, and improper food storage practices.

Key Takeaways:

• The Kailua-Kona restaurant Jade Palace Two was shut down due to a severe cockroach infestation, contaminated food, and multiple food safety violations.
• An inspector witnessed live roaches in food, on food-contact surfaces, and underneath equipment, which led to the immediate disposal of contaminated food.
• Other critical violations included employees failing to wash their hands after a smoke break, improper storage of raw chicken and beef above cooked broccoli, and a lack of sanitizer in the dishwasher.
• The Health Department has ordered a professional pest control service, deep cleaning, and disinfection of the facility, as well as retraining for all food handlers.
• Jade Palace Two must meet all food safety requirements and pass a re-inspection before it can reopen.
• The Food Safety Branch conducts regular inspections of food establishments statewide to ensure sanitary conditions and protect public health.

Statistics:

• The number of food safety violations at Jade Palace Two: multiple, including cockroach infestation, contaminated food, and improper food storage.
• The number of red "closed" placards issued to the restaurant: 1.
• The number of days the restaurant will remain closed: until all violations are corrected and a follow-up inspection is completed.

Sources:

• "Restaurant shut down after cockroach infestation found at Kailua-Kona eatery" (The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, no date).
• Department of Health, Food Safety Branch.
• "Food Safety Branch" (Department of Health website).