Closure order for a restaurant in Hadera: "Severe deficiencies"

The Ministry of Health ordered today (Wednesday) the immediate closure of the "Oshi Oshi" restaurant at 10 Prof. Shechtman Street in Hadera, following a series of sanitary deficiencies found during inspections at the site. In the administrative suspension order, the Hadera District Physician, Dr. Marwa Matanes, determined that the continued operation of the business in its current state poses a danger to public health.

The order comes after an inspection was conducted at the restaurant on August 3 by a senior environmental health inspector from the Hadera District Health Office. According to the Ministry of Health, during the inspection, "sanitary deficiencies and improper work processes that endanger public health" were found.

Fish at high temperature and fear of cross-contamination

The list of findings in the first inspection included poor sanitary conditions, dirty facilities and equipment, signs of mold and rust, lack of hot water, and a shortage of paper and soap. In addition, fish intended for sushi were found at temperatures higher than required, and containers with sushi rice prepared the day before were found. It was also found that there was no separation between raw food and ready-to-eat food in the work areas and refrigeration facilities, a situation defined in the order as a fear of cross-contamination. Furthermore, food products that had been frozen and thawed again were found, as well as products without labeling and traceability.

Following the findings, the business owner was summoned to a hearing held on August 6. During the hearing, he declared that most of the deficiencies had been corrected, presented photos intended to prove the repairs, and stated that the employees had undergone training regarding the work methods in the restaurant. Consequently, it was decided to delay the issuance of the order until a follow-up inspection was conducted.

Follow-up inspection: Material deficiencies remained

However, in the follow-up inspection conducted on August 11, in the presence of a representative of the Business Licensing Department of the Hadera Municipality, the Ministry of Health determined that although some of the deficiencies had been addressed, material recurring deficiencies had not yet been corrected, and additional sanitary deficiencies were even found.

Among other things, it was found that the washing and cutting of vegetables were done in the same work area, trash cans remained open without lids, and an accumulation of ice and a broken tile were found in the freezer room. In addition, the drainage channel in the sushi area and the hot line was found to be unclean, and the lower refrigerator in the sushi area was found to be faulty. During the inspection, a temperature of 9.4 degrees was measured in salmon that was in the process of being worked on, and 8.7 degrees in tuna. In the warehouse, among other things, there was a lack of proper separation between cleaning materials and food products, rust on the shelves, and merchandise stored directly on the floor.

Mold and dirt in the vegetable refrigerator

Additional deficiencies were found in the vegetable washing area. According to the order, mold was observed on the sides of the raw vegetable refrigerator and dirt at the bottom of the refrigerator. A cutting board and knife were found in the sink intended for washing vegetables, and the work surface and sink were found to be unclean. Also, in the follow-up inspection, it was found that there was a lack of soap and paper for hand drying. Following the findings, Dr. Matanes determined that "this situation seriously endangers public health." According to her, the recurrence of material deficiencies after the business was given an opportunity to correct them, along with the additional deficiencies and their severity, led to the decision to issue an administrative suspension order. The order takes effect immediately and mandates that the business be closed without any activity from the moment of its receipt, including the introduction or removal of goods. According to the order, its validity is for up to 30 days, while it is possible to apply to the court with a request to extend it.