Magics Beach Grill authorized to reopen after correcting multiple critical violations

Hawai‘i Department of Health gave the greenlight for Magics Beach Grill in Kona to reopen after it corrected multiple critical food safety violations.

The oceanfront restaurant, located at 77-6452 Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona and operated by Mattson Davis, was shuttered April 9 after being issued a red “closed” placard following an inspection conducted by a food safety specialist with the state Department of Health.

Magics Beach Grill remained closed until a follow-up inspection April 10 confirmed all critical violations were resolved.

The initial inspection was in response to a report of a potential foodborne illness connected to the restaurant. During the initial inspection, the food safety specialist identified multiple critical violations.

Critical violations that resulted in the issuance of a red “closed” placard

• Identification of multiple foods kept above the required cold-holding temperature of 41 degrees. These foods must be maintained in compliance with time/temperature controls for safety to prevent foodborne diseases.
• Majority of the restaurant’s refrigeration units, including the primary walk-in refrigerator, were not maintaining the required cold temperature of 41 degrees or below and thusly were unable to keep food cold enough to minimize risk of foodborne diseases and comply with time/temperature controls for safety requirements.
• Improper organization of food in refrigeration units, which increases the potential for cross-contamination.

Required Hawai‘i Department of Health corrective actions

• Disposing of all food that was not kept at a temperature of 41 degrees or lower as required.
• Have all refrigeration units serviced so cold holding temperatures are maintained.
• Retraining employees about proper food storage organization to prevent cross-contamination when food is stored.

Magics Beach Grill was authorized to reopen only after state food safety personnel confirmed those critical violations were corrected.

Food Safety Branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed or sold.

Visit the Food Safety Branch website for more information about the placarding system. Click here to find a list of establishment inspections.

Contact Hawai’i Department of Health Hawai‘i District Health Office at 808-322-4877 in Kona or 808-933-0912 in Hilo or get online to report a foodborne illness or food safety concern.

Notifying state health officials about a foodborne illness helps identify outbreaks and prevent the spread of illness to others.