A number of food poisoning cases have been occurring across the Northern Division lately, according to divisional health inspector Dr Vakaruru Cavuilati.

He highlighted this after the Ministry of Health closed two restaurants in Labasa Town for failing to comply with food safety regulations.

“This is part of our joint operation with the Labasa Town Council,” he said.

“Last year, we did an initial survey as an awareness to cafeterias about complying with the food safety regulations.”

Dr Vakaruru said the two restaurants closed by the ministry had been graded D, which meant immediate closure.

“For last week, we did restaurant ratings in Labasa and some of the restaurants have been graded down from A to D,” he said.

Most of the breaches were found within the restaurants, especially in the food preparation area.

“They need to be closed immediately,” Dr Vakaruru said. He added a warning was given to the restaurants before they were closed.

“The people of Labasa should be provided with clean and safe food.”