Interior Health temporarily shutters Penticton pizzeria
A Penticton pizzeria was ordered to close earlier this month because of public health concerns.
Interior Health stepped up enforcement at the Lala Ji's Pizzeria at 625 Main St. on Aug. 4, after previously warning the business about its faulty cooler.
Interior Health said the pizzeria was first warned a week earlier, but it was ramped up as part of Interior Health's "progressive" enforcement.
"Environmental public health takes a progressive compliance approach and works with restaurant owners to address concerns before issuing a closure order. This was done in this case," an emailed statement reads.
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Despite the order to fix the cooler being issued on July 28, Interior Health records show the restaurant was already warned for the second time on May 5 when it was found to still be warmer than public health allowed. The restaurant was told not to put "potentially hazardous" foods in the cooler, but it's not known whether any customers got sick because of it.
Co-owner Mohit Khera said they are trying to find new equipment and plan to reopen later this month. Inspectors will show up once more to give their approval before the pizza restaurant can reopen.
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Kehra said they are still recovering since slowdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic and the faulty cooler has been another challenge for them.
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