An investigation into 7 cases of E. coli O157:H7 in Honolulu, Hawaii concluded that all seven individuals had a history of consuming food prepared at Sekiya’s Restaurant and Delicatessen located at 2746 Kaimuki Avenue in Honolulu. 6 of these cases had been diagnosed in December 2007; the seventh, in February 2008. The February case prompted the Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) to issue a Notice of Permit Suspension to Sekiya’s effective February 23, 2008 due to reported illnesses. The restaurant closed at that time to conduct intensive prevention measures.

DOH has reinstated the permit for Sekiya’s to conduct food service operations once again. According to a DOH press release, the restaurant passed its final inspection on Monday night following the completion of an intensive mitigation plan developed with the DOH that included extensive food safety measures taken by the ownership, management and staff with oversight and guidance provided by their private food safety consultant and the DOH.

Prior to the final inspection, Sekiya’s Restaurant completed a number of corrective measures that included: hiring a private food safety consultant; removing all food products and supplies; complete disinfection and cleaning of the entire restaurant; management and staff taking a comprehensive course of study on food safety via classes provided by the DOH; and outlining active managerial controls to ensure that the provisions of the state’s food code are adhered to.

Larry Lau, Deputy Director for Environmental Health said, “The owners and management of Sekiya’s Restaurant have given us their full cooperation, and we feel confident that they are now in compliance with state food safety codes.”

Labels:Honolulu Outbreak