Some Labasa restaurants face hygiene issues, particularly in the cooking and preparation areas.

Divisional North Health Inspector Vakaruru Cavuilati said while the front of many restaurants appeared clean, concerns had arisen about the state of back room areas.

“The risks are high for the consumers who are coming to use the products,” Mr Cavuilati said.

He said this had led them to close down two restaurants as they were non-compliant under the food safety regulations.

“We have food offices that are authorised to close restaurants if they do not comply,” Mr Cavuilati said.

“They are graded, if they are assessed and receive a ‘D’, that’s an immediate closure.”

Mr Cavuilati said while some restaurants maintained good standards, others varied significantly, with some needing considerable improvement.

“We will continue with the inspection of restaurants because we have seen that it needs to be done.

“It’s long overdue and there’s a lot of people coming and the risk is very high.”