Israel’s Health Ministry has issued an immediate administrative closure order for the Aza restaurant branch in the Mix complex on Tzahal Street in Hadera, after inspectors found serious sanitation and operational violations. The ministry said the conditions posed an immediate danger to public health.
The order was signed on Monday by Dr. Marwa Matans, the Hadera district physician, following an inspection by the environmental health division. Officials said the restaurant had poor hygiene conditions and major deficiencies, creating a “real concern” that continued operation could endanger diners.
Among the findings were stock placed on the floor, rusty and dirty shelves, chicken that had been thawed and frozen again, insufficient lighting, dirt and grease buildup in the kitchen, and a risk of cross-contamination from storing raw food next to ready-to-eat food. Inspectors also reported cockroaches coming out of a hole in a wall in the work area. The ministry said food items were found without preparation or thawing labels, refrigerators were operating at improper temperatures, and fish and meat were destroyed by a veterinarian after the inspection. Fish displayed for sale were also measured at abnormal temperatures, contrary to ministry requirements.
The Health Ministry stressed that the business is operating without a business license and said the situation constitutes a “severe and immediate danger to public health.” The restaurant must remain closed immediately, including stopping all incoming and outgoing goods. The owners will be allowed to present their arguments at a hearing scheduled for the coming days.
