A popular Waialua bakery has shut down after the state Health Department issued a temporary suspension of its food safety permit for improper temperature controls.

The health department on Tuesday issued Paalaa Kai Bakery a red placard — the first red placard to be issued to a food establishment in Hawaii since implementation of the state’s color-coded food safety inspection program in July 2014.

A green card indicates an establishment has passed inspection; a yellow it received a conditional pass; and red triggers immediate closure due to a permit suspension.

Health Department Spokeswoman Janice Okubo said Paalaa Kai, located at 66-945 Kaukonahua Road, was issued a yellow card in July for violations of food temperature controls. “Part of the issue might be some of their aging equipment,” said Okubo of the bakery that first opened in 1970.

The department has held a food safety class with the owner and staff but problems persist.

Okubo said the bakery can request another inspection and its permit can be reinstated if it meets requirements. 

The bakery is known for their original snow puffies and other pastries. The snow puffies are custard-filled pastries topped with chocolate fudge swirls and powdered sugar.