Health Inspectors temporarily shut down delicacy stalls

HEALTH Inspectors on Friday forced the closure of almost the entire chain of Indian delicacy stalls in Debe, South Trinidad. Some eight food booths were shut down after it was discovered that they lacked proper facilities in the preparation and serving of  local Indian delicacies such as aloo pies, saheenas, doubles and kachouries to members of the public. Debe Village is a famous stop in South Trinidad for these mouth-watering, highly spiced delicacies. Two years ago, the area took on the new look of a thriving cottage industry where the food stalls were rebuilt in a neat row, equipped with marked parking spots.

As early as 7.30 am Friday, Public health officers from the Victoria Division of the Ministry of Health swooped down. In the midst of persons purchasing and eating the delicacies, the health officers entered the stalls. Half an hour later, customers vacated the area and the doors to the stalls were closed. Sunday Newsday learned that officers discovered that the stalls’ kitchen areas were unkempt, unsanitary and were not adequately ventilated. No one was charged but officers issued warning notices to the stalls’ respective owners to repair and upgrade cooking facilities or face having their businesses permanently shut down.