Multiple food safety violations resulted in a red placard recently being issued to Kamana Indian Cuisine Restaurant in Kailua-Kona by the state Department of Health.
The department said Monday that the food establishment in Waterfront Row has been closed, and cannot reopen until a follow-up inspection is conducted.
Health inspectors noted numerous live and dead roaches in the kitchen and food storage areas of the restaurant, the department said Monday. Live roaches were observed crawling on walls, refrigeration units, food storage containers, and take-out containers. Live roaches were also found in containers of sugar, lentils, rice, and ginger.
Inspectors also noted evidence of an active rodent infestation within the restaurant.
“Fresh and dried rodent feces were observed on the kitchen floors, shelving units, food preparation surfaces, and food storage areas. Rodent rub marks were found at wall penetrations and in areas where ceiling tiles were improperly placed. Rodent gnaw marks were observed on packages of peas and dried tea,” the department said.
In addition to food safety violations, the department said the restaurant had ceiling and wall openings needing repair to prevent entry of insects and rodents; chemicals, to include roach poison and disinfectant, stored in food storage areas; and “wet and discolored adulterated foods” improperly stored near the dishwashing sink.
For more information on the department’s restaurant placarding program go to https://health.hawaii.gov/san/.