In a swift response, the Hawaii Department of Health has taken action by shutting down the Taste Tea kiosk in Pearlridge. This decision came after the department issued a red placard to the boba tea establishment on Thursday.
A popular tea shop located at 98-1005 Moanalua Road has been forced to close its doors after a recent inspection revealed a serious violation. The inspection found that the establishment was not properly refrigerating certain foods that require temperatures of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This news was announced in a press release issued on Friday.
The establishment will remain closed until health officials conduct a follow-up inspection, which is scheduled for Feb. 2. There is a possibility that Taste Tea could reopen in the future, pending the resolution of all violations. The Department of Health (DOH) did not provide an immediate update over the weekend.
On January 30th, an under-the-counter two-door refrigerator was observed maintaining food at temperatures ranging from 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. An order was issued to the establishment, instructing them to refrigerate all food until the unit could be serviced.
In a recent inspection on Feb. 1, it was observed that the two-door refrigerator continued to store food at temperatures ranging from 47 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit. There was no sign of a cooler with ice on site, despite it being requested by the health inspector.
Authorities have mandated that the establishment dispose of all food items found in the two-door refrigerator. Additionally, the refrigerator must undergo servicing to ensure that food is stored at the appropriate temperatures. Taste Tea has expanded its operations to include additional locations in Kaimuki, Waikele, Waipahu, and Ewa Beach.
