The Director General of Health is awaiting a report from the Health Protection Unit of the Ministry of Health in regards to an investigation where a customer discovered maggots in his meal from the DMC restaurant. 

In response to queries from this newspaper on Thursday evening, Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma confirmed that the Health Protection Unit carried out inspections on all D.M.C. outlets after the matter was brought to his attention by this newspaper. 

"I immediately informed the Health Protection Division and they have inspected all D.M.C. branches," Aiono said. 

"I haven't received a report yet as to what they've found.

"But as you know they've issued an apology, so there was definitely something wrong and it's something we need to look into."

Aiono said they will see what penalty is provided under the law and wait for the report from the Health Protection Unit.

Aiono insinuated that if the conditions of the restaurants and resources used are not up to standards, they will step in and close the restaurant.

“It's something we need to look into and see what penalty under the law we can impose. But we will finalise that once we receive the report.

“If it's just one outlet, then we might need to close that particular restaurant." 

The fast food franchise last week issued a public apology to its customers following an incident where a local customer took to social media with his concerns after discovering maggots in his fried chicken from one of its outlets in Upolu. 

D.M.C. which stands for Dad, Mum and Children restaurant also assured the public that they do not take such issues lightly and will carry out a thorough investigation into the incident. 

The video posted by the disappointed customer has been shared by hundreds of Samoans expressing concerns over the service provided by the Chinese-owned restaurant. 

D.M.C. is owned by Tu’itu’ioaiga Teeking Weng who moved to Samoa from China in 2009 and started the restaurant chain and supermarket and employs hundreds of Samoans. 

"We are reaching out to everyone to extend our apologies about the ill-fated incident that happened in one of our branches," the statement from D.M.C. stated. 

"Here at DMC Samoa, we always strive to provide excellent food and service, we follow strict guidelines in food handling and storage, it is unfortunate that we fell short with one of you, our beloved customers. 

"This is a wake up call for all of us to never stop being vigilant in making sure that we serve quality products. 

"We are deeply concerned about this matter and have conducted a thorough investigation. We are doing a full analysis on the issue, the root cause, the impact and taking serious steps to make sure our internal quality control is up to date and strictly followed so that this type of incident never happens again. 

"DMC has carefully developed and complied with food preparation systems to ensure that we deliver excellent quality products and customer satisfaction. We will continue to endeavour to deliver on the high standards we have set for ourselves and our branches. 

"We sincerely apologise for the panic this issue has caused. Like everyone of you, we care about every family that patronises and loves our products. 

"Also, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our valued customers for the continued support. We will survive this issue like how we survive other past adversities. 

"We at DMC are committed to take the necessary steps to maintain the trust and loyalty that our customers have given to us throughout the years."

Currently, D.M.C. has seven outlets in Samoa located at Moto'otua, Fugalei, Vaitele, Plaza, Vailoa, Puipa'a and Salelologa Savai'i. 

They opened their eighth outlet earlier this month in Fiji.