The New Amsterdam Town Council last week ordered the closure of two Chinese restaurants after surprise inspections uncovered unsanitary conditions at both businesses.
The Lucky House Restaurant and Jun Yue Chinese Restaurant, located on Main Street, New Amsterdam, were closed by Health and Sanitation Officer Ackloo Ramsudh, after the inspections uncovered sanitation and health violations.
Violations ranged from unsanitary cooking utensils to food being prepared in a bathroom like area, with chicken lying on the floor.
Council members, who were present during the inspection, also came across rice and other ingredients that were left unopened as well as greasy utensils used for cooking.
In a statement, the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council said it is committed to ensuring residents are not exposed to unsanitary conditions and will continue the robust inspection initiatives to ensure adherence to local laws.
The council, however, explained that it is not targeting Chinese restaurants but the two were at the top of its list mainly because they have been the subject of many complaints.
Other restaurants are expected to be inspected.
The Council said during a walkabout by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Town Clerk, Health/Sanitation Inspector, and Works Foreman last week, the illegal use of the government reserve, encroachment on property lines, extension of properties beyond boundary lines, extensions blocking interlocks and drains filled with concrete were observed. Also observed were fences built directly on top of concrete drain walls, illegally moved property lines and, in one instance, raw sewage being drained directly into the drainage system.
The Council reminded residents of the seriousness of the violations and it said once the violations are outlined, they should be corrected immediately. “These encumbrances must be removed,” the statement added.
