Another Oahu eatery has been tagged by the state Department of Health Sanitation Branch for food and safety violations.

A red “closed” placard was issued this week to Blue Water Shrimp and Seafood Market at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

The DOH says that “numerous health inspections revealed chronic temperature violations,” and it has levied a $9,000 penalty fee on the restaurant.

A yellow “conditional pass” card was issued to Blue Water Shrimp last week, but follow-up inspections, says the DOH, determined that foods which require temperature controls — like raw meat products — were being held above 41 degrees F.

Sauteed garlic shrimp.
Sauteed garlic shrimp. Flickr: Clay Junel

The state requires perishable foods be held at temperatures below 41 degrees F to control bacterial growth and prevent the risk of food borne illnesses or poisoning.

On Tuesday, the DOH issued a “Notice of Violation Permit Suspension and Order” for Paalaa Kai Bakery in Waialua, because the bakery allegedly sold food after it was issued a red card.

The state’s placarding system for food establishments began in July 2014.

“The vast majority of food establishments in Hawaii are in compliance, meet all health requirements and have their green placard displayed,” says the DOH.

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