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DPH to step up health inspections
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Posted on Jun 09 1999
Acting Public Health Secretary Ned S. Arriola yesterday warned anew eating and drinking establishments on the island to comply with the health and sanitation standards.
Arriola issued the call as the Bureau of Environmental Health ordered the closure of Kaizoku Restaurant II in Garapan. According to Arriola, inspections will intensify to protect the public’s health and make sure that the owners of establishments are constantly following proper sanitation procedures.
Since early this year, public health officers have been conducting surprise inspection tours after the Department of Public Health received reports that a number of establishments have been ignoring cleanliness in food preparation and in their premises.
Although a number of establishments have been closed down, health personnel also ordered the immediate reopening of these restaurants and clubs as soon as succeeding inspections prove that the owners have complied with the necessary requirements.
In the inspection conducted during May 30 to June 5, 1999, the following establishments were given corresponding rating — Grade A: Northern Marianas College Snack Bar, As Terlaje; AOI Restaurant, Grand Hotel, Susupe; Madonna Disco Bar, Grand Hotel, Susupe; Teppan Yaki Restaurant, Grand Hotel, Susupe; and Shogun Restaurant, Garapan;
Grade B: Onwell Garment Employee Cafeteria, Susupe; D’ Elegance Restaurant, Garapan; Hyun Jim Garment Employee Cafeteria, Gualo Rai; and Pang Jin Garment Employee Cafeteria, Gualo Rai.
Earlier, Public Safety Commissioner Charles Ingram has offered assistance to DPH in enforcing the closure order for various clubs and restaurants that have violated the health and sanitation regulations.
Police officers assist public health officials in inspecting establishments when owners block them from entering the premises.
Ingram warned that police officers will arrest anyone who will obstruct the inspection of establishments carried out by DPH.
The health chief, on the other hand, has vowed to intensify the health inspections to ensure that the people are served clean food. The regular visits by health officials revealed that a number of restaurants are not complying with the regulations.
