Kajiken and Kyo Matcha, two recent additions to Campustown, have been shut down indefinitely after failing a follow-up health inspection on Friday. The inspection came after the shared establishment received an unsatisfactory compliance rating in late November.
The store received a “red-placard” rating, indicating immediate threats to the public due to violations of health codes.
“At 1:15 p.m. on 12/20/2024, the food service was closed and the health permit was suspended due to uncontrolled foodborne illness risk factors,” the inspection report said. “All food handling, preparation, and service must cease as of this time.”
Health Inspector Rachel Pereira noted that basic food-handling precautions were not followed, including inadequate food separation, unsafe sanitization procedures, improper storage of toxic materials and failure to maintain safe food temperatures.
Other issues included a lack of hand soap at one sink and an incident where an employee touched their bare arm with a gloved hand and then wiped the glove on their pants. Mold was also found on a sink at Kajiken.
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In the downstairs storage room, butane gas cartridges and lighters were improperly stored above single-service food lids.
Temperature control violations were also revealed in the report. Cooling equipment failed to bring food to safe storage temperatures, and cooked foods were not appropriately cooled within the required six-hour timeframe. Eggs were found stored at 61-64.5 degrees Fahrenheit — 20 degrees above the safe limit of 41 degrees.
Per health district policy, a follow-up inspection is required for establishments that receive unsatisfactory ratings to ensure compliance with health codes.
The collaboration store has operated since Oct. 12 and serves various Japanese dishes. Kajiken specializes in dishes including ramen and abura soba — a dry noodle dish described on the website as “soupless ramen.” Kyo Matcha serves Japanese-inspired treats like matcha, ice cream, custard puffs and cakes.
Neither Kajiken nor Kyo Matcha responded to reporters’ requests for comments on the shutdown.
