The Maui News

The state Department of Health closed Paradise Supermart Fast Food & Catering, a popular Filipino market and eatery in Central Maui, after documenting rat droppings on kitchen counters and grocery shelves during an inspection Tuesday.

After an anonymous complaint, state DOH Sanitation Branch inspectors searched the 207 E. Wakea Ave., Kahului, facility and found that “nearly all shelves in the market had some trace of dark-colored rat droppings, indicating recent activity,” the department said in a news release. Droppings also were seen on kitchen counters, sheet pans that appeared to be in use, on speed rack equipment and along floorboards throughout the facility.

Also, “several pockets” of cockroaches were found on produce shelves in the market, the department said.

A red “closed” placard was posted on the establishment to protect public health, and its food service permit will remain suspended until it completes department actions, passes a follow-up health inspection and receives DOH approval to reopen.

Paradise Supermart Fast Food & Catering is required to contract a pest control service and eradicate the rodent infestation, as well as conduct a deep cleaning of the facility to remove food debris and sanitize all food contact services, the department said.

A follow-up inspection is slated for Friday.

The state DOH closure is the third of its kind recently at Maui food establishments. Barefruit Bar and Ohana Tacos, both located at 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Highway, received red placards from the health department.

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