Health Ministry Orders Immediate Closure of Popular Sushi Restaurant in Hadera Over Severe Sanitation Violations

The Israeli Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate closure of the "Oshi Oshi" sushi restaurant located on Prof. Shechtman Street in Hadera due to serious health and sanitation violations. Dr. Marwa Matans, the chief physician of the Hadera health district, signed the administrative closure order after inspections revealed conditions that posed a significant public health risk.

The initial inspection on August 3 uncovered numerous violations including poor hygiene, dirty equipment, mold and rust, lack of hot water, and insufficient soap and paper supplies. Fish intended for sushi was stored at unsafe temperatures, and there was a failure to separate raw and cooked foods, raising concerns about cross-contamination. Additionally, some food items were improperly refrozen or lacked proper labeling.

Following these findings, the restaurant owner was summoned for a hearing on August 6, where he claimed most issues had been corrected and staff had undergone training. However, a follow-up inspection on August 11 found that critical violations persisted, including unclean work areas, open trash bins, broken tiles, ice buildup in the freezer, and improper storage of cleaning materials alongside food. Temperatures of salmon and tuna were measured above safe limits, and mold and dirt were found in the vegetable refrigerator.

Due to the recurrence and severity of these violations, Dr. Matans determined that the restaurant's continued operation endangered public health. The closure order took effect immediately, prohibiting any business activity or movement of goods on the premises for up to 30 days. The restaurant may appeal to the court to extend the closure period.

Summary: The Israeli Ministry of Health shut down the "Oshi Oshi" sushi restaurant in Hadera after inspections revealed severe hygiene violations and unsafe food handling, posing a public health risk. Despite attempts to correct issues, critical problems persisted, leading to an immediate closure order effective for up to 30 days.