A popular Waialua bakery known for its “snow puffies” pastries has closed after the state Health Department temporarily suspended its food safety permit due to improper temperature controls.
Under the state’s color-coded food safety inspection program, the Health Department’s Sanitation Branch on Tuesday issued Paalaa Kai Bakery a red placard — the first one to be issued to a food establishment in Hawaii since implementation of the system in July 2014.
A green placard indicates an establishment has passed inspection; yellow is a conditional pass; and red triggers immediate closure due to permit suspension.
To date, the Sanitation Branch has completed more than 9,000 inspections statewide under the system.
“The vast majority of food establishments in Hawaii have met the food requirements and have their green placard displayed,” Health Department spokeswoman Janice Okubo said.
A yellow placard was issued to Paalaa Kai on July 29. Chronic temperature control variations were found on five follow-up inspections at the bakery.
The sanitation branch held a formal meeting with the owner on Sept. 23, and the Health Department held a food safety class with the owner and employees on Oct. 1, but problems persisted. “The bakery has been struggling with this issue for some time,” said Okubo.
The bakery owner could not be reached for comment.
An inspection Tuesday found foods that require temperature controls at or below 41 degrees — sliced turkey, roast beef, cream-filled pastries and custard pies — were being held at 51, 52, 56 and 55 degrees, respectively.
“Part of the issue might be some of their aging equipment,” said Okubo. The bakery, at 66-945 Kaukonahua Road, opened in 1970. “With improper temperature controls, there’s potential for bacterial growth,” Okubo said.
“Maintaining proper temperature controls for perishable food items is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses. All food establishments in Hawaii are required to meet our state food safety rules to keep the public from being exposed to undue health risks,” said Sanitation Branch Manager Peter Oshiro in a news release.
“The temporary suspension of the Paalaa Kai Bakery’s food permit will remain in effect and a red placard will be posted until all cold holding violations are corrected,” the Health Department said.
Okubo said the bakery may request an inspection to reinstate the permit.
According to Paalaa Kai’s website, Sadamu Oka opened the bakery as Waialua Bakery before it was purchased by Haleiwa Super Market in 1982 and renamed Paalaa Kai Bakery. Its snow puffies — custard-filled pastries topped with chocolate fudge swirls and powdered sugar — are a customer favorite.
