Hawai‘i Department of Health issues red placard to Asia Manoa for repeated mask wearing violations

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch has issued a red placard to immediately close Asia Manoa, located at 2801 E. Manoa Rd., due to repeated instances of employees not wearing face masks while working.

The Food Safety Branch received a complaint alleging that Asia Manoa employees were not wearing masks on January 9, 2021.

A complaint inspection was conducted on January 11, 2021 which revealed that the food establishment’s line cook was working without a face mask. A written warning was issued to Asia Manoa for the violation. The letter noted a follow up inspection would be conducted and that a repeat violation would result in closure of the food establishment.

A follow-up inspection was conducted on January 13, 2021 to ensure compliance. The Department of Health inspector observed an Asia Manoa employee in the front dining area was not wearing a face mask.

A red placard was issued to immediately shut down the Asia Manoa for at least 24 hours to protect public health. The facility is not allowed to reopen until a follow-up inspection is requested and all employees are verified that they are wearing masks at all times.

“It is so critical at this time that all businesses and the general public pay close attention to the recent mandates of the governor that require all business owners ensure their employees and customers are properly wearing face masks at all times,” said Peter Oshiro, food safety branch chief. “This is essential to curbing the spread of COVID-19 in our community and to protect food establishments from any adverse actions for failing to following health department guidelines.”

The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawaii residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed, or sold.

The branch also investigates the sources of COVID-19 outbreaks, food borne illnesses and potential adulteration; and is charged with mitigating the same to prevent any future occurrences. DOH food safety specialists strive to work with business owners, food service workers, and the food industry to ensure safe food preparation practices and sanitary conditions.

For more information on the department’s restaurant placarding program go to http://health.hawaii.gov/san/

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PDF: Hawai‘i Department of Health issues red placard to Asia Manoa for repeated mask wearing violations