There is a lack of urgency and due diligence involving the province’s chief public health officer and provincial department of health. A recent incident illustrates the necessity of informing Islanders when restaurants are shut down for serious health violations. And not a month later or longer - as in a case involving a Charlottetown restaurant.
The restaurant was closed by health inspectors for a week in mid-August because of numerous infractions. There were 15 violations, and because of the sheer number, the matter was brought before the chief public health officer, who signed off on the lengthy closure.
Something drastic had to be done to force owners and staff to follow the rules. The people most at risk, obviously, are the customers. Yes, the owners will suffer a loss of income and staff will lose wages, but patrons could see their health at risk, which is totally unacceptable. A shutdown for a week is a clear public shaming.
The province acts quickly with infractions under the P.E.I. Liquor Control Act. Whenever a club or bar or premise loses its liquor licence, there is an immediate release to notify the public. The same due diligence should apply to eating establishments where the health and safety of Islanders are at risk.
The department of health is doing its job with inspections and followups. But failing to communicate information about serious infractions and closures is a worry. Owners and staff must realize they have an important responsibility - to not only serve good food but safe food.
This newspaper was swamped with online comments, emails and phone calls from our readers - the taxpayers of P.E.I. - angry that they were not told sooner about the closure of this restaurant. Managing Editor Wayne Thibodeau felt that readers’ responses and the health order were urgent enough to write to the chief public health officer.
Mr. Thibodeau acknowledged, “We have a job to check these inspection reports on a regular basis. However, there is also a duty by the province to alert the public when these events occur.”
He said the province didn’t need to issue a news release for every inspection or warning letter. “I know that it is extremely rare that you would issue an order to shut down a restaurant. So why would your department not issue a news release and inform the public immediately that such an action was taken?”
We have yet to hear a response.
It’s a very good question. Shutdowns weren’t made public in the past and reports were hidden from Islanders. The media had to fight to get these reports released and it’s time to go a step further. When the chief health officer sees offences so serious that they have to shut down an eating establishment, a news release must be issued to ensure the public is made aware in a timely fashion.
The chief public health officer and the department owe it to the public. This is a matter of public safety.
