Fines of up to $7,000 have been imposed on food vendors and stores that are repeat violators of health regulations.
Aileen Solaita, head of the Environmental Services Division of the Department of Health (DOH), said she will be recommending revocation of their business licenses. While DOH does not have the authority to revoke a business license, she explained that in discussions with the Department of Commerce, a recommendation from DOH based—on grounds of protecting the public’s health—can influence the decision making. 
Solaita expressed particular concern about food catering businesses, mostly operated by Asians, which have been given more than two or three warnings about unsafe food handling practices.
One such business was closed Wednesday after inspectors found a dead dog emitting a foul smell near the premises and the owner and workers did not bother to remove it.
Solaita pointed out that in many cases, American Samoans are listed as the owners on the business license, but they have no part in running the business. It’s only when DOH closes down the business that the Samoan owner would appear.
She said some of the food vendors that they’ve closed more than twice have stopped selling food altogether and now operate as non-food businesses.
