OAKLAND TWP — Zanella Automotive and Mini Mart will not be selling baked or hot food items in its store for the foreseeable future because it is using water from an unapproved source, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

“The business was inspected, and it was found back in December that it didn’t have an approved water source,” said Shannon Powers, agriculture department press secretary. “That was one of the issues noted on their inspection form.”

According to the retail food facility inspection report conducted on Feb. 7 by the department, water and ice from an approved source was the only criteria with which the mini mart was out of compliance.

“The retail food facility licenses will not be renewed until the facility is compliant,” the report said.

The store is allowed to sell coffee at self-serving stations, according to the report.

The convenience mart, located at 989 Oneida Valley Road, posted a sign on its front door on Friday, Feb. 9, stating the store will temporarily be unable to serve “in-store baked food, repackaged bakery and any hot food times made in store.”

Jim Zanella, owner of the business, said he’s been using the same well for 20 years and he’s been trying to get his water source into compliance since 2020, but has been unable to do so because of lack of manpower at DEP.

“Everyone is trying to meet (the DEP) requirements and we have to work with certified people that to do these regulations and basically there’s only one,” Zanella said.

The DEP office, according to Zanella, was “pretty much shut down” during the COVID pandemic.

Zanella said he is waiting on a Public Water Supply Permit, which requires a DEP certifying agent.

DEP has not yet responded to the Eagle’s requests for comment.

On Monday, Feb. 12, a representative from the DEP along with representatives from Book and Proch Well Drilling were able to test the water systems, according to Zanella.

“I’ll know some information probably by the end of the week and do the work that is required to get this number that would be assigned to the well,” he said of the public water supply permit’s identification number.

Zanella said he was able to get a representative from the DEP after making a phone call to the office of state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st.

The Eagle has been unable to confirm this with Hutchinson’s office.

According to Zanella, 50% of his business is selling hot food items.

Zanella said he remains optimistic and willing to do what is necessary to keep his 47-year-old business going.

“I understand the DEP regulation, you’ve got to protect the public,” Zanella said. “I’m willing to do whatever they’re telling me to do.”