Molokai’s Kanemitsu Bakery To Remain Closed

Food safety violations led to the closure of Kanemitsu Bakery on Molokai earlier this year.

By Sonia Isotov

The Kanemitsu Bakery, located in Kaunakaki on Molokai, will not be allowed to reopen after a recent inspection by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) determined that the bakery has not met the necessary requirements.

A health department spokesperson says the bakery, which has been closed since late June, can request another inspection after it has completed the necessary repairs, according to a Hawaii News Now report.

In June 2012, the DOH suspended the permit for the Kanemitsu Bakery after a complaint was made regarding bugs allegedly found in bread rolls purchased from the bakery.

Meanwhile, a food safety shake-up of Hawaii’s restaurants and food vendors began last Saturday at Aloha Stadium on Oahu. The new push was made possible by a re-organization of the department which increased funds and inspectors for the Sanitation Branch. Food-borne illness was becoming an issue in the state, and although sanitation inspections were rare, 42% of them (3,938) uncovered major violations, according to the department’s figures.

In May 2012, Kanemitsu Bakery received a $90,000 fee from the DOH for a citation that included allegations of unsanitary conditions regarding improper cleaning of cooking implements and surfaces, inadequate control of rodents, and lack of hot water.

The restaurant portion of the facility remains open and was not included in the permit suspension as it operates out of a separate, permitted kitchen.