Not as many closures due to unsanitary conditions

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The Department of Health sanitation inspectors are continuing their surprise visits to restaurants and stores but are not closing as many establishments as before.

According to the head of the Environmental Division of DOH, Papalii Marion Fitisemanu, while there are still some problems, overall there’s been a significant improvement in the sanitation of stores, eateries and places where food is served on the island.

He says, “it’s like night and day.”

Papalii says publicity about health inspectors closing down businesses which were found to be unsanitary has helped tremendously in keeping owners in compliance.

Since 2013 the Environmental Health Division has been vigilante in inspecting stores, restaurants and even public places.

Closures of establishments found in violation were well publicized in the media.

Even government offices were not spared.

Offices on the ground floor of the  EOB, the Jean P Hayden Museum and Customs offices on the dock were some of the ASG premises which were temporarily closed due to rat infestation.

The DOH Environmental Health Division was also heavily involved in the inspection of vegetable farms in the recent clampdown on suppliers of vegetables and fruits for the school lunch program for use of illegal pesticides.