Haifa shuts down Rami Levy branch after inspectors uncover cockroaches, rat droppings, mold and leaks—an explosive sanitation scandal endangering public health.
In a decisive move underscoring Israel’s uncompromising commitment to public health, the Haifa District Health Office has ordered the immediate closure of the “Rami Levy Shivuk Hashikma” supermarket at Haifa Mall, after inspectors uncovered severe and repeated sanitation violations that authorities called “a direct danger to citizens.”
The closure order—signed by District Medical Officer Dr. Rana Shibli—requires the branch to shut its doors entirely:
✔ No customers
✔ No goods entering or leaving
✔ All commercial activity frozen
This enforcement comes after multiple warnings and prior commitments from the store’s management, who failed to correct glaring health hazards identified in earlier inspections.
🚨 What Inspectors Found: A Disturbing Scene
During Sunday’s inspection, health officials documented shocking, persistent hazards, including:
- Cockroach infestation in the fresh-produce area
- Rat droppings on a worktable and inside a cooling room
- Rust and grime buildup in dairy and cheese refrigerators
- Mold accumulation inside merchandise refrigerators
- Freezers leaking, with ice formations signaling neglect
- Widespread dirt consistent with long-term hygiene failure
Authorities stressed that operating the branch in this condition amounts to a serious breach of Israel’s strict public-health standards—standards designed to safeguard millions of Israeli consumers.
⚖️ Closure Valid for 30 Days — or Longer
The shutdown will last 30 days, though officials noted it can be extended by court order if the chain fails to fully rehabilitate and sanitize the branch.
This dramatic enforcement action signals that Israeli health authorities—especially at a time of heightened public vigilance—are unwilling to compromise on safety, no matter how large or influential the retailer.
