CAPTAIN COOK, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has issued a red “closed” placard and immediately shut down Hong Kong Chop Suey, located at 82-6066 Mamalahoa Highway in Captain Cook. The closure, effective yesterday, June 12, 2025, comes after inspectors identified multiple critical food safety violations at the establishment, operated by Man You Chen.
During a routine inspection on June 12, a DOH inspector observed a significant number of critical issues, including:
- An active cockroach infestation, with live cockroaches and feces found on food containers, food preparation surfaces, and below equipment.
- Adulterated food products and cross-contamination of food.
- Unsanitary conditions throughout the facility, with equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils not clean to sight and touch.
- A lack of a dedicated and operable hand wash sink.
- Improper food storage that did not prevent cross-contamination.
- Ready-to-eat foods in the refrigerator were not properly date marked.
- The dishwashing process did not include proper sanitizing of dishes.
- Physical facilities were not maintained and cleaned, with perimeter walls and roofs failing to effectively protect against insect and rodent entry.
- No certified safe food handler was on-site during operations.
To reopen, Hong Kong Chop Suey must correct all identified critical food safety violations and pass a follow-up inspection by the DOH. Required corrective actions include:
- Discarding all contaminated food products.
- Hiring a professional pest control operator (PCO) and submitting proof of service and the PCO report to DOH.
- Replacing all missing or damaged ceiling panels and closing all holes in walls to prevent vector entry.
- Completing a deep cleaning and disinfection of the facility.
- Removing unnecessary cardboard boxes and clutter to eliminate harborage sites for pests.
- Repairing the handwashing sink to ensure it is operable.
- Ensuring at least one employee with a valid food protection certificate is on duty during all operational hours.
- Retraining all food employees on proper food handling, storage, and dishwashing procedures.
The operator will contact the DOH for a follow-up inspection once all violations have been corrected.
The DOH Food Safety Branch plays a crucial role in protecting public health in Hawaiʻi by educating food industry workers and regulating food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections, investigates sources of foodborne illnesses, and works to mitigate and prevent future occurrences of food contamination.
For more information on the department’s placarding program or to view current establishment inspections, visit the Food Safety Branch website.