A Port Coquitlam seafood restaurant was shut down twice last year to deal with pests and sanitary issues.
Eastern Pearl seafood restaurant was closed by inspectors from Fraser Health from May 29 to June 3, and again on July 10 and 11. In both instances, the closure notices were rescinded by inspectors after the problems had been dealt with.
It was the only restaurant in Port Coquitlam closed for a health violation last year but several others in the Tri-Cities were nicked in 2019 for various issues like pests. improperly washed and sanitized utensils, and improperly stored food.
The closures ranged from one day to several weeks for a pair of food trucks: Sarcastic Bean was closed from Jan. 25 to March 21 for not maintaining its equipment, utensils and food contact surfaces in good working order; and Sto:lo Bannock was closed from Aug. 9 to Sept. 24 for not storing food at a low enough temperature.
Other restaurants closed last year after failed inspections, according to Fraser Health:
COQUITLAM
• Hwaro Korean Steakhouse & Raw Bar: Oct. 17 to 18 — Equipment, utensils, food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary conditioned and not properly washed and sanitized.
• Kimbab CheonGuk: Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 — Food premises not maintained in sanitary condition and flooding.
• Kum Hwa Ru Restaurant: Dec. 11 to 12 — Equipment, utensils, food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary conditioned and not properly washed and sanitized.
• Wings: March 27 to 29 — Pests.
PORT MOODY
• Hanayuki Japanese Restaurant: July 16 to 17 — Food is not protected from contamination; equipment, utensils, food contact surfaces and the premises not maintained in a sanitary condition.
In addition, the Best Western Chelsea Inn in Coquitlam was fined $345 for failing to comply with an order of a health officer.
Officers from Fraser Health routinely inspect any business dealing with food to ensure they’re meeting regulatory requirements for handling, temperature control, maintenance, sanitation and employee hygiene. They also respond to complaints from the public.
Last year, its officers issued 106 closure notices in the Fraser Health region, which runs from Burnaby to Boston Bar; they also wrote 35 violation tickets.
