The recent nine-day closure of a popular restaurant in Lewiston, ME, has triggered a closer examination of the events leading up to it. According to reports, concerns over an emerging cockroach infestation had been raised by staff members as far back as last year. Despite efforts to address the issue with the restaurant’s pest control contractor, the situation escalated, prompting staff to alert health authorities at the beginning of the year.

On January 6, staff officially reported the cockroach infestation to Maine health officials, citing ongoing sightings and concerns about the restaurant’s cleanliness. Previous attempts to address the problem with Pine State Pest Solutions, the restaurant’s contracted pest control company, seemed ineffective, with staff members even encountering live cockroaches within the establishment.

Following an investigation by City of Lewiston Sanitarian Louis Lachance, it was determined that the cockroach infestation posed an imminent health hazard, prompting the voluntary closure of the restaurant on January 6. The closure allowed for corrective measures to be taken, with the restaurant reopening on January 15 after addressing the issue.

However, documents obtained under Maine’s Freedom of Access Act reveal that the cockroach problem was known as early as August of the previous year. Despite efforts by the pest control contractor to address the infestation, including multiple visits and applications of insecticides, the problem persisted.

The incident has sparked controversy within the city, with discussions underway regarding the handling of restaurant inspections. The Lewiston City Council is considering terminating its agreement with the state for restaurant inspection services and eliminating funding for the city’s long-time restaurant inspector, Louis Lachance.

In response, DaVinci’s, the affected restaurant, has acknowledged the cockroach issue but downplayed the severity of the infestation. This is not the first time the restaurant has faced scrutiny, having previously failed an inspection in 2019.

As investigations continue and debates over inspection procedures unfold, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in maintaining food safety standards within restaurants.

Reach out to Fresh Group Food Safety And Quality Consulting for any inquiries related to food quality and safety.