Taj Mahal closes twice in 2 months for health violations, officials say
UPDATE 5/26: Health inspectors went back to Taj Mahal on Friday. Of the original 42 violations, there are still four left for the restaurant to fix before the health department will reinstate their permit. One of those violations is critical, and three are non-critical.
ORIGINAL STORY: Two days after health inspectors found more than 40 violations, the Taj Mahal restaurant is still closed, and ABC 17 News has learned this isn’t the first time the restaurant’s permit has been suspended.
An official with the Columbia-Boone County Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the restaurant temporarily closed last month after an inspection found 19 violations. It reopened days later after a follow-up inspection found all violations had been corrected.
Health department officials were called to investigate Tuesday after a gas leak. A report from the Columbia Fire Department’s investigation obtained by ABC 17 News said the gas leak was coming from a faulty appliance. It also said Ameren crews have been there “several times” for the same problem.
The report added that there were a number of fire code violations, and said officials were concerned the incident was “an intentional act.” ABC 17 News has put in calls to the Columbia Fire Department to find out of they are still investigating.
Currently, the health department is waiting for a call from the restaurant, at which point they will perform a follow-up inspection. The restaurant’s permit will not be reinstated until those violations are corrected. According to Columbia’s food code, a permit to operate may be revoked for serious or repeated violations.
