For the second time this year, the Jersey City Health Department yesterday closed the Met Foods store at 503 West Side Ave. for rodent infestation, selling spoiled meat and dairy products, and not properly refrigerating food, city officials said.
The store was closed around 12:30 p.m. following an inspection, said Health Inspector Lynette Medeiros.
"They are known to be repeat offenders," said Medeiros. "It's important we send a message that it's not OK to put the public in harm's way."
As a result of yesterday's inspection, 322 cartons of eggs had to be dumped, along with 150 pounds of sausage, and 40 pounds of turkey drumsticks that were freezer-burned because they were wrapped in plastic bags, Medeiros said.
Eggs tested in the store's refrigerator had an internal temperature of around 61 degrees, she said. By state law, refrigerators are supposed to be set at 41 degrees or lower.
The store was shut down in January for virtually identical reasons.
"Any supermarket has these problems here and there," said Frank Siyam, the store's owner. "But what I appreciate is that they (the city officials) are doing their job."
About the rodent infestation, Siyam said, "Any old building sometimes has holes that (allow rodents) to come in from the outside. We are doing our utmost."
Siyam has to appear at a Municipal Court hearing next week, city officials said.
