Oʻahu Bakery Cited for Food Safety Violations

Red Placard. Image courtesy: state Department of Health.

The state Department of Health has issued a red “closed” placard to a bakery on the north shore of Oʻahu, saying the placard is used for food establishments that pose an imminent health hazard to the community.

The permit for Paalaa Kai Bakery in Waialua was temporarily suspended until food safety violations are corrected.

Health officials say the action stems from inspections revealing food temperature violations for storage of sliced turkey, roast beef, cream filled pastries and custard pies, that were stored at temperatures 10 to 14 degrees higher than required to prevent bacterial growth.

Since the state’s color coded placard system was established in July 2014, the state’s sanitation branch has completed more than 9,000 inspections across the state.

Authorities say the majority of food establishments in Hawaiʻi are in compliance, meet all health requirements and have their green placard displayed.