INSPECTIONS CAN BE FOUGHT

While legal action has been threatened by two businesses named by the Public Health Department (PHD) as closing its doors because of infractions identified by public health inspectors, Chief Inspector Sayad Ali said anyone is free to challenge the findings of the PHD. “We are living in a democracy. There is always another view,” Ali said. He cited the case of the Gelato Italian Ice Cream, which removed its ice cream from shelves after tests revealed the mango and coconut flavours were contaminated. Ali said when the samples were taken, the franchise was under Church’s Chicken, but when the results came back, the new  owner, Paul Ponchielli, had to deal with the PHD. “He has responded positively and has taken samples to an independent lab. The burden of proof is on him.”  

At a media briefing at City Hall Monday, 12 eating places and food outlets were identified as voluntarily closing their doors to conduct corrective action after the PHD conducted a “special exercise” last month. Ali explained this was different from the ongoing routine inspections, because it involved mobilising all inspectors into teams which focused on three zones — downtown Port-of-Spain, St James and Woodbrook. He reiterated that court orders were not sought for any of the 12 businesses. Ali said infractions were brought to the attention of owners and they were advised to close to do the necessary refurbishment work. “What we requested was voluntarily compliance.” Ali said the public had a role to play. “If they go into a place and find it is not suitable to their standards, they should put their money back in their pockets and go where suits them.”