Second West Maui Eatery Gets Red “Closed” Placard for Roach Infestation

Another Maui eatery has been issued a red “closed placard from the Hawai‘i Department of Health Sanitation Branch for and “extensive pest infestation.”

The placard was posted at the Barefruit Bar located at 3600 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road, Suite C in Lahaina following an inspection conducted on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in which DOH inspectors confirmed the presence of roaches at the retail complex.

A day earlier, the DOH inspected and closed ʻOhana Tacos located at the same retail complex for numerous food safety violations.  During last week’s inspection, cockroaches were observed throughout the facility, according to a DOH press release.

In the inspection at the Barefruit Bar, the DOH says, “Approximately 35-40 live roaches were seen on food contact surfaces, including a cutting board, utensil storage bin and dish drying rack. Additionally, roaches were observed in fruit storage bins; on walls, shelves and a cooler; around kitchen equipment and sinks; and in wood materials on the floor.”

The closure of Barefruit Bar and the suspension of its food service permit will remain in effect until the establishment completes required actions, passes a follow-up health inspection and receives DOH approval to reopen.

Required actions include: “contracting a pest control service and eradicating the cockroach infestation; deep cleaning of the establishment to remove food debris and sanitize all food contact surfaces; and patching any holes where pests may enter the establishment.”

The first follow-up inspection took place yesterday, but the establishment has not yet met DOH’s requirements to re-open. Another follow-up inspection is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 30.