The Department of Health granted Paradise Supermart Fast Food & Catering in Kahului permission to reopen on Wednesday after forcing it to close for multiple food safety violations, according to a news release. 

On Feb. 5, DOH’s Maui Food Safety Branch issued a red “closed” placard to the Filipino grocery store and fast food takeout spot during a routine inspection, citing multiple critical food safety violations. The food spot is operated by Paradise Asian Foods, Inc. 

According to DOH, the violations included: 

  • a lack of managerial control and oversight of procedures to ensure safe food;
  • improper hand-washing procedures;
  • multiple refrigeration units not holding proper temperatures;
  • foods not being held at proper hot holding temperature;
  • mold on food;
  • lack of equipment sanitization and cleaning;
  • grease and food debris build-up on floors and equipment surfaces; and,
  • presence of cockroaches and flies in kitchen where food is prepared and stored.

On Nov. 21, 2023, Paradisemart was closed by the DOH for similar violations. 

DOH said the business had demonstrated an inability to maintain proper food safety standards and must remain closed until all food safety deficiencies are corrected.

On Friday, DOH announced that during a follow-up inspection the agency found the Filipino grocery store had taken the following corrective actions: 

  • All grease and food debris accumulation were removed from kitchen surfaces and a cleaning schedule was established.
  • Cockroach and fly activity was not observed, and procedures were implemented for pest monitoring and treatment.
  • All refrigeration units were holding temperatures of not greater than 41 F;
  • Written procedures were in place for the monitoring of proper hot, cold and cooling of foods; and,
  • The person in charge obtained a food handler’s certification.

The DOH is requiring the establishment to continue: 

  • Working with its pest control company to have weekly pest control treatments for a month, then move to biweekly and provide completed work orders to DOH; and, 
  • Having the identified person in charge continue to demonstrate managerial control of critical food safety requirements.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with infromation about Paradise Supermart reopening. (Feb. 14, 2025)

Related Stories