Lexington Board of Health Threatens Closure of Restaurant Over Repeated Food Violations

LEXINGTON — October 21, 2025 — Lexington Board of Health orders Formosa Taipei to overhaul food safety practices or face closure. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to impose strict new conditions on the Merit Road restaurant after inspectors from the town health department and consultant Mojin Solutions documented ongoing critical violations — including eggs left unrefrigerated and improperly cooked chicken placed in a walk-in cooler — following a confirmed foodborne illness case traced to the establishment in May. Under the order, Formosa Taipei must complete four unannounced consultant inspections before the board's November 7 meeting, submit audit reports within 48 business hours of each visit, and appear before the board November 18. Health Director Alicia McCarton said the town's own inspectors will also conduct unannounced visits in the interim. Board Chair Wendy Heiger Bernays told the restaurant's representatives directly: "If there is a single critical violation, the board of health will issue an emergency closure — that means that you cannot operate."