Reason for unexplained closure of 24-hour food market revealed
A popular 24-hour fresh produce shop is set to reopen after the fallout from a video – appearing to show a cockroach in the store – was sent to council left dozens of would-be-shoppers frustrated on Friday afternoon.
Coco’s Annerley announced it was temporarily shutting just before midday, saying it did not believe it was safe to remain open.
“Due to unforeseen and extensive maintenance, we have made the difficult decision,” a not left on the door said without further details.
Shoppers on their commute home piled into the car park, but were greeted to a shut door.
Staff members could be seen at the back of the shop washing equipment with a hose.
They said the closure was due to routine cleaning requirements.
Director Chris Butters later contacted this masthead to confirm a handful of cockroaches had been found, after Brisbane City Council received a video from a customer showing a critter inside.
He said he proactively closed the store and brought in pest management despite it not being mandated, to ensure safety.
“Every fruit shop in Australia, definitely Queensland, has got an issue with pests coming in with stock, and it’s just up to the individual stores to manage that,” Butters said.
“You just have to keep it under control, which we do … we took it upon ourselves to close the store so that we could get on top of it quickly.”
He added the Brisbane City Council inspectors had returned in the evening and were satisfied the store was safe.
Coco’s Annerley was due to reopen later on Friday night after shelves were restocked.
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