Evidence of rodents and septic tank overflow in several restaurants and food stores along Mackey Street were detailed in a report Monday, issued by the Department of Public Health.
An intensive inspection of the establishments was conducted on Thursday and the report was filed by Chief Inspector Andrew Thompson, listing infractions made by three establishments.
One company was penalized for 21 infractions, including dirt build-up behind and under equipment and evidence of rodents.
As with the company’s freezers, dirt and ice build-up was also found in the same area. In another section, inspectors found that there were no garbage bins and the equipment was in dire need of cleaning, including the deep fryer, storage area and cupboards.
The inspectors also warned the owners to install a sneeze guard to a salad bar and repair urinals in a rest room.
Another company was issued several structural infractions, including missing ceiling and wall tiles and clogged floor drains.
Additionally, the restaurant was also guilty of dirty fixtures and counter tops, evidence of rodents and other vectors, its sanitizing unit for dishes not working and dirty grease filters above the oven.
Before the inspection, Mr. Thompson explained to The Guardian the importance of a pest control contract.
He said vector and pest control is important to avoid problems in the contamination of foods and the spread diseases. “Establishments must have a contract with a company to give service for pest control.”
However, one company’s warehouse could not produce a pest control contract. Other infractions, including dirty floors, well water and overflow septic tank; were also listed in the report.
All business owners were ordered to rectify the violations within three weeks or be faced with a public health order. No response from business owners can lead to a legal summons, bringing their infractions to “public knowledge.”
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
