An Airdrie restaurant was recently shut down by order of Alberta Health Services (AHS), after an executive officer of health discovered a cockroach infestation on the premises. A notice of closure was thereafter issued on June 9.
The popular sushi establishment had been operating under the trade name Sushi Haru, located just off Main Street near downtown.
A notice of closure issued by AHS said upon inspection, the premises contained a “significant cockroach infestation” throughout the food establishment, including insects found on food contact surfaces, food equipment, and in the dishwashing area, and on walls.
“Numerous live and dead cockroaches of all life stages were observed on sticky traps that were placed on storage shelves being used to store pots and pans,” read the statement of closure.
According to the inspector, the food establishment did not implement a pest control monitoring program and pest control records were not available.
Additionally, insecticide products were being used in food preparation areas.
“There was heavy accumulation of food debris and grease on kitchen equipment surfaces,” read the statement. “Including, but not limited to the ventilation canopy inserts, the microwave located near the sushi prep counter, storage shelves, and pots.”
Furthermore, it was noted the establishment stored a bag of onions and a sweet potato on the kitchen floor and a thermometer was missing in the chest freezer located in the kitchen.
“The shelving in the stand-up display cooler located to the right of the dishwashing area is starting to rush and chip,” the notice continued. “The wooden ledge adjacent to the red wall located in the kitchen area is starting to deteriorate making it difficult to clean.”
The AHS closure notice stated that upon inspection, the premises were deemed to hold the potential to become injurious or dangerous to the public health or to potentially hinder the prevention or suppression of disease.
As a result of the inspection, the owner was ordered to immediately close the restaurant and diligently pursue the completion of pest control efforts.
Required efforts include the hiring of a pest control management company to inspect, treat, and eradicate the food premises of all pests, namely cockroaches.
Prior to reopening, a report from the pest control management company must be provided to AHS outlining the control measures and future pest management plan.
“The report must indicate the food premises is free of pests, namely cockroaches,” read the notice.
The establishment is also required to cease spraying insecticides in the food handling areas and thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces and equipment throughout the food establishment.
Lastly, Sushi Haru will also be required to ensure all equipment and surfaces are maintained in an appropriate manner, including safe and sanitary storage of food.
“Until such time as the work referred to is completed to the satisfaction of an executive officer of AHS, the above noted premises shall remain closed.”
A call to the restaurant on June 16 indicated the restaurant had reopened to the public – staff claimed the necessary requirements have been completed to remain in operations. The establishment's owners declined to provide comment as of press time.
