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Local business looking at renovations so they can continue to sell sushi

Sushi operation shut down temporarily
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A Rimbey business is in the process of looking at completing renovations which will keep their sushi operations in compliance with the rules and regulations required by the Alberta health Services.

Rimbey Foods, well known for their delicious fresh sushi, has had to discontinue the sale of the food until they install a third sink in the sushi preparation area.

Serena Park from Rimbey Foods said they installed a second hand washing sink in the area, but have now been told that three sinks are necessary.

“Two sinks weren’t enough. We needed one more,” she said.

Ken Kim said the business has lost customers as they have been forced to discontinue selling sushi.

While the business owners are willing to comply with the requirements they are not sure that there is room for an additional sink.

The notice of closure states that the lack of hand washing sink in the sushi preparation area is in contravention of the food regulation which states an operator must ensure the commercial food establishment has hand washing stations that are adequate in number and situated so as to ensure convenient access by all food handlers.

The food regulations also states the hand washing stations must be maintained and kept supplied with hand soap.

The regulations also state that sanitizer in the designated labeled bottle is necessary.

According to the regulations a commercial food establishment, all equipment and utensils in it and all surfaces in it with which food comes into contact must be maintained in a sanitary condition and must be washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.

All food handling in a commercial food establishment must be done in a manner that makes the food safe to eat.

Michael and Serena Kim purchased the store in 2016, coming from Calgary with their three children Ken, Eddie and Serena.

The family were happy to move to Rimbey and have enjoyed becoming part of the community.

Kim is a dental technician by trade, but wanted to own his own business.

Serena enjoyed making the fresh Sushi using a variety of ingredients including seaweed, rice, cucumber and crabmeat.

Originally from South Korea, the family spent several years in Calgary before moving to Rimbey.

While it is business as usual at Rimbey Foods customers coming in to purchase sushi will be disappointed, at least for the time being.

“Legally we can’t sell it,” said Ken Kim. “Not until we get a permit.”

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