Health Checkoverdue: Bangor Restaurants Miss Routine Inspections
In Bangor, many eateries haven't seen a health inspector for years; only 43 inspections conducted this year as stated in the Maine DHHS database.
Kathleen O’Brien Reports
Bangor Eateries Sidelined
Bangor’s dining scene may seem lively, but beneath the facade lies a troubling oversight. Health inspections—vital for food safety—seem scarce. According to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, only 43 establishments have been inspected this year. The large gap triggers concerns about whether Bangor’s eateries are receiving the oversight they need.
A Tale of Two Cities
The inspection inconsistency is further pronounced when comparing Bangor to fellow Maine cities like Portland and South Portland. These cities employ their own health inspectors, leading to more frequent inspections. Bangor relies on state inspectors, covering over 30 communities—a system proving unable to match the demands, leaving some businesses without checkups for years.
Business Owners Remain in Limbo
Wayne Johnson of Chimera Coffee, like many others, waits for an overdue inspection. While his cafe specializes in low-risk foods, the absence of inspections raises questions about oversight for other riskier establishments. Michael Towle, owner of 11 Central, highlights another concern—records missing from the state’s health inspection database. He reports inspections that simply don’t appear in the records.
Absence of Local Inspectors
Bangor’s health oversight has been complicated since the local inspector role was discontinued around 2010. The city now shares one inspector with a large number of other communities, resulting in fewer checks. Concerns grow whether this setup truly serves Bangor’s needs.
What Lies Ahead
With no plans from the city to alter this arrangement, eateries might continue operating in a puzzling state—with missing inspections or absent records, creating a challenge for business owners like Towle. According to Bangor Daily News, the system’s effectiveness remains under scrutiny.
Conclusion
In Bangor, the absence of routine health inspections may continue unnoticed by some but remains a silent concern for those aware. As Bangor’s restaurants await their long-overdue evaluations, the path to resolving these delays seems unclear but necessary for ensuring public health safety.
Stay tuned for more in-depth reports and updates as this story unfolds.
