Keeping Food Safe: How Local Food Inspections Work
Local health specialists make unannounced visits to places that sell food to the public. These visits help make sure that the food you buy is safe and clean. Inspectors check many different kinds of businesses, including:
- Restaurants and bars
- Schools and day cares
- Grocery stores and convenience stores
- Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast facilities
- Food trucks and concession stands
The main goal of these checks is to stop foodborne illnesses before they start. When inspectors find problems, businesses must fix them. Members of the public can look up these official safety reports online through the state food inspection portal, which is hosted on the health department's main website.
Recent Inspection Findings for Area Food Businesses
During a recent round of visits, inspectors noted several violations. Below are the details of what was found at various locations, along with the rules businesses must follow to keep customers safe.
Tasty Donuts #1 (2720 S. Hazel St.)
An inspector found that the handwashing sink was blocked. Handwashing sinks must remain clear at all times so workers can wash their hands easily. They should never be blocked or used for other purposes. The inspector also found a container of flour that did not have a label. Any food taken out of its original packaging must be labeled with its common name. The unlabeled container was removed during the visit.
L. A. Davis – Aramark (1301 L A Davis Prexy Dr., Slot 4901 Dr.)
This location had cleaning cloths left sitting on the counter. Cleaning cloths must be stored and used according to safety rules. Paper products were also found sitting directly on the floor, which can lead to contamination. These items were moved off the floor during the inspection. Finally, the building itself needed some repairs. The inspector found a broken metal panel in the walk-in cooler and broken floor tiles in the dishwashing area. Physical facilities must always be kept in good repair.
Huddle House (7735 Sheridan Road, White Hall)
This inspection was done because of a specific complaint. The inspector found insects inside the building. Food businesses must keep their premises free of pests like bugs and mice. To do this, businesses must regularly check incoming food shipments, search the building for pests, use proper pest control methods like traps, and clean up any areas where pests might hide.
Super 8 Motel (1 Hospitality Lane, White Hall)
An inspector observed coffee straws being stored in an open cup. This leaves the straws open to contamination from customers. Straws must be kept in their original packaging or stored in a way that protects them from germs.
Lybrands Bakery (2900 Hazel St.)
This visit was also triggered by a complaint. The owner explained that serving baskets are only used during lunch hours and are washed thoroughly between customers. The inspector did not see any baskets being used during the visit.
Mammoth Orange (1315 Donna Drive, Redfield)
This business did not have a certified food protection manager on staff. Food businesses must have at least one supervisor who has passed an approved test showing they understand food safety. Additionally, a vent pipe was dirty and needed to be cleaned. Facilities must be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
El Sol Mexican Restaurant (3801 Camden Road, Suite 9)
An inspector found a blocked handwashing sink, but the items blocking it were moved during the visit. There was also cooked chicken in the cooler without a date label. Any food prepared and kept for more than 24 hours must be marked with a date. This food can only be kept for a maximum of seven days before it must be eaten or thrown away. The chicken was labeled during the inspection. Finally, cleaning cloths were found lying on the counter instead of being stored properly.
Big Banjo Pizza Parlor Inc. #2 (2100 E. Harding Ave.)
During one inspection, flour was found in an unlabeled container. The container was properly labeled before the inspector left. During a separate opening inspection, the restaurant had no violations at all. The business received its official permit and was cleared to open.
Kentucky Fried Chicken (3002 Pines Mall Drive)
An inspector found several issues at this location:
- Cold Sanitizer Water: The water in the cleaning buckets was only 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Sanitizer water must be kept at the correct temperature and chemical strength to kill germs, and cleaning cloths must be washed daily. The water was remade and reached 79 degrees.
- Dirty Shelving: There was a buildup of residue on the shelves under the lobby drink machine. Non-food contact surfaces must be kept free of dust, dirt, and food debris.
- Water Temperature: The hot water throughout the building did not get above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To clean properly, hot water must reach at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Drainage Issues: Liquid waste was building up in a drainpipe that was not working right. Drainpipes must be kept clean and in good working order.
- Uncovered Trash Cans: Kitchen trash cans containing food waste were left uncovered. Trash cans must be covered when they are not in continuous use.
- Damaged Floors: There were broken floor tiles in the dry storage room that needed to be repaired.