PAST ITS SELL DATE
Slew of violations shut filthy Heights bodega
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City inspectors yesterday shut down an unlicensed bodega at Summit Avenue and Hague Street after finding several code violations, including the sale of outdated baby formula, no hot water, and a severe cockroach infestation, officials said.

There was even a bed in a back room in the midst of filth, they said.

The owners of J&L Mini Market - Eufemio Pena and his wife, Margarita -were issued fines totaling more than $25,000 and told to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Oct. 16, said Mark Redfield, chairman of the city's Quality of Life Task Force. The Penas couldn't be reached for comment.

The store had been operating without a license from the city's Health Department for five years, said city Chief Health Inspector H. James Boor.

Investigators found powdered infant formula and 150 jars of baby food for sale with expiration dates stretching back to 2006. Exposed wiring and illegal extension cords connected to refrigerators in the store were "a fire hazard waiting to happen," Redfield said.

"During their inspection, the Task Force found many fire and public health violations . and ultimately closed this store in an effort to prevent anyone from becoming sick from the expired products they were selling," Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy said in a statement.