Inspection
February 2008

ONTARIO: Health unit calls for stronger food handling rules in restaurants
27.feb.08
London Free Press
Patrick Maloney
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/2008/02/26/4878100.html
Middlesex-London Health Unit officials, already urging that inspection results be posted at city restaurants, have also recommended all local eateries have one supervisor trained in “safe food handling practices” on-site at all times.
Jim Reffle, the health unit’s director of environmental health, was quoted as saying, “When we spoke with industry representatives . . . they felt that was something they could support,” provided the “requirements weren’t too onerous.”
Reffle made the presentation last week to health unit board members, noting that kind of mandatory certification of restaurants is required in Toronto, Hamilton and Brantford.
Reffle recommended the board ask city council to amend the business licensing bylaw and add the food-handling requirement.
But the proposal was included with a more contentious issue — the plan to force all city eateries to post the results of safety inspections at their front entrances.
One sample inspection report was presented last week to board members, some of whom complained it was too wordy and complicated. They pushed for a colour-coded system, used in Toronto.
In that city, a streetlight system indicates the inspection record: Green (pass), yellow (cautionary pass) and red (fail).
But health unit staff are uncomfortable with that system, noting many people mistake a yellow mark as a major health breach, which is not the case.
Both motions were deferred by the board pending public consultation.

HAWAII: State health department suspends permit for Sekiya’s restaurant; Remedies underway
26.feb.08
Hawaii Reporter
Hawaii Health Department
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?dfaa0bcb-5aea-4a4e-8f46-29a4fa9e25c8
Honolulu -- The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) today met with the owners and management for Sekiya’s Restaurant and Delicatessen located at 2746 Kaimuki Avenue in Honolulu to confirm additional measures taking place to ensure food safety and sanitation at the restaurant. The DOH issued a Notice of Permit Suspension to the restaurant effective February 23, 2008. The restaurant closed to conduct intensive prevention measures.
In December 2007, the DOH confirmed six related cases of illness caused by the bacteria E. coli O157:H7 and one case in February 2008. All have recovered from their illnesses. An investigation concluded that all seven individuals had a history of consuming food prepared at Sekiya's restaurant in Kaimuki.
Following the confirmation of E. coli O157:H7 cases in December, DOH sanitarians inspected Sekiya’s restaurant and worked with management to eliminate practices that may have contributed to the illnesses. Follow-up inspections within three days of the initial investigation revealed that all major violations had been corrected. Environmental samples were collected during the follow-up inspections, and all samples have turned up negative for E. coli O157:H7 and other disease causing bacteria after undergoing testing at the State Laboratory.
Although all major health code concerns had been corrected before the restaurant’s closing last weekend, the occurrence of a case more than five weeks after the initial cluster of illnesses led DOH to conclude there was still potential for the bacteria to be present in the establishment. Restaurant operations have been suspended temporarily while more extensive sanitation measures are taken. The DOH is also continuing to investigate the exact source of the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.
Sekiya's has been fully cooperating with the DOH and will remain closed while an intensive mitigation plan developed together with the DOH is fully implemented. The restaurant owners are committed to assuring the health of their customers and have hired a private food safety consultant to assist them in taking the following measures to prevent any future problems:
* 1) Removal of all food products and supplies.
* 2) Complete disinfection and cleaning of the entire establishment.
* 3) Management and employees will engage in a comprehensive course of study on food safety via classes provided by the DOH.
* 4) Owners will outline active managerial controls to ensure that the provisions of the DOH's food code are adhered to.
The DOH will continue its investigation to assure the public that this incident has been fully examined and contained. Special remedial measures have been developed together with Sekiya’s food safety consultant and, with Sekiya’s continued cooperation and verification by DOH of these measures being effectively implemented; Sekiya’s permit will be reinstated.

Restaurant inspection scores released
26.feb.08
thenorthgeorgian.com
http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2008/02/26/news/business/01business.txt
Following are the food service inspections for Feb. 19-21 by the Habersham County Health Department's Environmental Health Section.
A score of 85 and above is considered passing.
Food service establishments are required to post their score sheets in public so that customers can review them.
For more information about an inspection, contact the environmental health office at (706) 776-7659.
* Reba's, 4412 Hollywood Highway, Clarkesville. Inspection time: 10:45 a.m. Purpose of inspection: Routine. Score: 100; current grade: A; last score: 97.
* Big Dogs Market Grill, Cornelia. Current score: 100; grade: A. Opening inspection - recommend permit.
* Grey Eagle Coffee House, 888 Central Ave., P.O. Box 1837, Demorest. Inspection time: 3:40. Current score: 100; current grade: A. Recommended permit.

US: L.A.’s letter grades get ‘A’ in 10-year test of health audits
18.feb.08
Nations Restaurant News
Lisa Jennings
LOS ANGELES -- When walking into Wolfgang Puck’s iconic Spago in Beverly Hills, Calif., diners may or may not notice a conspicuously placed sign beside the door with a bright blue letter “A.”
Researchers were cited as saying letter grades given by health inspectors appeal to diners and yield higher sales and compliance rates among operators while trimming rates of hospitalizations for foodborne illnesses. The grade indicates that Spago scored a 90 or higher on its most recent restaurant inspection, a distinction now enjoyed by an overwhelming majority of the nearly 38,000 restaurants inspected routinely by Los Angeles County’s health department.
The county—by far the largest of a small but growing number of jurisdictions nationwide that require conspicuously posted grades to inform prospective patrons about restaurants’ health inspection results—recently issued a different kind of report card. Earlier this month, the county released data indicating that its 10-year-old letter grade system had inspired a dramatic jump in the proportion of restaurants able to boast top marks and win favor with health-conscious diners. The data were cited by local media and by quoted consumers as evidence of a win-win for the dining public and restaurateurs.
What’s more, researchers have found a correlation between higher health inspections grades and sales increases at Los Angeles restaurants. And a three year study published in 2005 in the Journal of Environmental Health concluded that the county’s grading system had contributed to a sustained 13-percent reduction in hospitalizations for foodborne illnesses.
Such findings suggest a strong possibility that more municipalities could take note of Los Angeles’ success with its grading system and consider similar approaches to inspection disclosure through public postings.
Phillip Leslie, a Stanford University economist who studied before-and-after indicators related to Los Angeles County’s grade program, examined quarterly sales tax reports and found that achieving an A increased the average restaurant’s revenues by 6 percent. A grade of B brought revenues up 1 percent to 2 percent, but a C caused revenues to drop an average of 1 percent.
In surveys conducted in cities where there is no public posting of restaurant inspection results, consumers say they don’t really care about them, Leslie explained. “But people love these grade cards in Los Angeles,” he said, “and, clearly, restaurants can also benefit as well.” Critics, however, say the challenges associated with restaurant inspections can be exacerbated by the sharing of overly simplified information with the general public.
Christine Andrew, the National Restaurant Association’s director of health and safety regulatory affairs, was cited as saying though letter grades, numeric scores and color codes can symbolize compliance, such systems don’t necessarily give an accurate picture of an establishment’s food safety practices. A letter grade offers only a snapshot, she contends, while stressing that inspection and enforcement rules vary by jurisdiction. According to Andrew, some inspectors might give the same number of demerits for a chipped kitchen tile as for food kept at improper temperatures, and a letter grade won’t convey that level of detail.

ALABAMA: Health department restaurant ratings
25.feb.08
The Birmingham News
http://www.al.com/entertainment/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/120393094586860.xml&coll=2
84 and under
Emperors House II, 7740 Crestwood Blvd. (80). Potentially hazardous food did not meet proper temperature requirements during cold holding (5 points); thermometers not properly provided (1 point); food contamination not properly prevented during storage (1 point); in use, food/ice dispensing utensils not properly stored (1 point); nonfood contact surfaces not clean (1 point); nonfood contact surfaces not in good repair (1 point); effective stopper not properly provided for utensils-washing sink compartment (1 point); storage of clean utensils not proper (1 point); leak at hand sink and needs repair (1 point); hand sink not properly use-restricted and handwashing sign not properly posted (2 points); covered waste receptacles not properly provided in restroom (1 point); trash bin not properly covered (1 point); walls not clean and not in good repair (2 points); lighting not properly provided (1 point).
Nanyang Egg Roll Express, 1615 Montgomery Highway, Hoover (83). Three-compartment sink improperly used for washing hands (5 points); food not properly protected from contamination (5 points); in use, food dispensing utensils not properly stored (1 point); nonfood contact surfaces not clean (1 point); nonfood contact surfaces did not meet proper requirements (1 point); handwashing sign not properly posted (2 points); premises not maintained free of unnecessary articles (1 point); lighting not properly provided and filter not properly provided in vent hood (1 point).
Sbarro, No. 365, 2000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite G, Hoover (84). Proper proof of required food safety training not properly provided (5 points); nonfood contact surfaces not clean (1 point); test strips not properly provided (1 point); wiping cloths not properly stored (1 point); leak at hand sink not in good repair (1 point); soap and towels/drying devices not properly provided (2 points); toilet lid not in good repair (1 point); ceiling and walls not clean and/or not in good repair (2 points); ceiling not clean (1 point); original food permit not properly displayed in public view (1 point).
Subway, No. 37572, 750 Academy Drive, Bessemer (79). Proper proof of required food safety training not properly provided (5 points); food contact surfaces not clean (5 points); presence of roaches (4 points); food contamination not properly prevented during storage (1 point); nonfood contact surfaces not clean (1 point); drying of clean dishes not proper (1 point); floors not clean (2 points); dressing room not properly used to store employees' personal items (1 point); toxic items not properly stored (1 point).
Taco Bell, No. 3962, 1801 Pinson Valley Parkway, Tarrant (83). Proper proof of required food safety training not properly provided (5 points); food contact surfaces not clean (fountain drink nozzles) (5 points); thermometers not properly provided (1 point); nonfood contact surfaces not clean (1 point); storage of clean utensils not proper (1 point); plumbing not in good repair (1 point); trash bin lid not properly closed (1 point); ceiling not clean (2 points).
Waffle House, No. 1033, 1440 Gadsden Highway (68). Employee had bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods (5 points); proper proof of required food safety training not properly provided (5 points); potentially hazardous food did not meet proper temperature requirements during hot holding (5 points); food contact surfaces not clean (5 points); back flow prevention device not properly provided for the mop basin faucet (4 points); in use, ice dispensing utensils not properly stored (1 point); hand sink not properly accessible (2 points); covered waste receptacle not in order in women's restroom (1 point); trash bin not properly closed (1 point); floors not clean (2 points); toxic items not properly separated/stored (1 point).
97 and above
AFC Sushi at Publix, No. 839, 2543 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover (100).
Amerex Cafeteria, 7595 Gadsden Highway, Trussville (98).
Baha Burgers, 3439 Colonnade Parkway (98).
Bessemer Taqueria, 900 Ninth St., Bessemer (97).
Captain D's, No. 3314, 1143 Forestdale Blvd. (97).
Chick-Fil-A, 385 Fieldstown Road, Gardendale (100).
Clumpies Ice Cream Co., 63 Church St., Mountain Brook (100).
Firehouse Subs, 1483 Gadsden Highway (97).
Hot & Hot Fish Club, 2180 South 11th Court (98).
Lucy's Coffee & Tea, 2007 University Blvd. (97).
Moe's BBQ, 2501 Rocky Ridge Road (98).
Mosley Mart, 1234 Union Grove Road, Adamsville (99).
Newks Express Cafe, 2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Suite 130 (99).
O'Henry's Coffees, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Homewood (99).
Quiznos, 216 North 20th St. (99).
Seattle Drip Coffee Company, 2620 South 18th Place (99).
Shoney's, No. 2131, 521 Fieldstown Road, Gardendale (98).
Taqueria Fiesta Mexican Food, 9917 East Parkway, Suite B (97).
Taziki's Greek Fare, 3439 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 1700 (98).
Winn-Dixie Bakery, No. 435, 4476 Montevallo Road (100).
SHELBY COUNTY
97 and above
Blue Spring Manor, 2870 Shelby County 83 (98).
Cozumel Grill Mexican Restaurant, 2754 Pelham Parkway (99).
The Denslar House, 30535 Alabama 25 (100).
Guthrie's of Inverness, 4505 Riverview Parkway (97).
Lazy Susan's, 21078 Alabama 25 (98).
Lou's Bakery, 88-C U.S. 31 South (98).
Mt Laurel Grocery-Deli, 19 Mt Laurel Ave. (98).

OHIO: Restaurant inspection report
25.feb.08
The Advocate
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080225/NEWS01/802250307/1002/NEWS01
# Arby's Inc., No. 709, Feb. 12, 540 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Food in containers not covered in Beverage Air freezer. 2. Test strips for sanitizer in three-bay sink are wet. 3. Door seal torn on Beverage Air freezer. 4. No air gap for ice machine at floor drain.
# Sonic Drive-in, Feb. 12, 695 S. 30th St., Heath, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Door seals torn on Wasserstrom units (2), and McCall freezer. 2. Floor under shelves in walk-in cooler has food particles.
# Subway, Feb. 12, 1134 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Floor torn in walk-in cooler.
# Wendy's, Feb. 12, 530 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Door seal on Master Bilt freezer is torn. 2. Paint peeling on vent hood above chili stove. 3. Food particles in Master Bilt freezer.
# Subway, Feb. 13, 42 Columbus Road, Utica, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Hand-wash sink in kitchen has water shut off because of plumbing leak. 2. Loose floor covering in walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer.
# Duchess Shoppe, No. 225, Feb. 13, 12 Columbus Road, Utica, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No thermometer in Summit cooler. 2. Guards on fans in walk-in cooler are dirty. 3. Cold-water faucet does not work for hand sink at front counter. 4. Floor under 3-bay sink has a lot of miscellaneous items.
# Utica Nursing Home, Feb. 13, 233 N. Main St., Utica, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Bulk-food containers in kitchen (cereal) not labeled. 2. Cold-water faucet for hand sink in kitchen will not shut off.
# LEADS Head Start, Feb. 13, 308 N. Main St., Utica, standard inspection, no violations.
# Watts Restaurant, Feb. 13, 77 S. Main St., Utica, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Foods uncovered in walk-in cooler. 2. Door seal torn on McCall cooler.
# Olde Summit Towne Restaurant, Feb. 13, 14163 Broad St. SW, Pataskala, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No thermometer found in following units: True two-door cooler, Friedrich walk-in cooler, Herrel walk-in cooler, Delfield 3-door prep cooler. 2. Observed damaged floor in Herrel walk-in cooler. 3. No sanitizer test strips available at bar sink. 4. Repair/replace as necessary to achieve proper operation both wash and rinse temperature gauges on dish machine. 5. Friedrich walk-in cooler, clean fan guard to remove dust/debris; clean shelves; clean floor under shelves thoroughly; Herrel walk-in cooler, clean fan guards. 6. No shields on lights in dish room. 7. No soap available at hand sink. 8. Various holes in ceiling, missing panels in ceiling in all food-prep areas need repaired. 9. Various spots on floor throughout food-prep area need repaired/replacement of worn/missing flooring. 10. Clean floors thoroughly throughout food-prep areas with special attention to those areas under equipment and shelves; floor in dish room needs repainted to present a smooth, easily cleanable surface.
# The Pizza Place, Feb. 13, 2 S. Main St., Croton, 30-day inspection, no violations.
# Early Birds Breakfast, Feb. 13, 8290 Mount Vernon Road, St. Louisville, 30-day inspection, no violations.
# Famous Recipe Fried Chicken, Feb. 13, 1636 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Cove molding is missing in dish room around three-bay sink. 2. Spatula has melted. 3. Floor in fryer area is dirty.
# Tee Jaye's Country Place, No. 8, Feb. 13, 1195 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Lights are burned out in kitchen. 2. Floor under/around equipment is dirty. 3. Ice scoop is cracked. 4. No thermometer in cold tables on (unreadable).
# J&D Deli, Feb. 13, 78 W. Main St., Newark, 30-day inspection, with violations. 1. No soap or towels at hand sink. 2. No thermometer in four-door cold table. 3. No test strips for sanitizer.
# Valley Lanes, No. 188, Feb. 13, 1246 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Light not working in walk-in. 2. Lighting is low in storage room. 3. Floor is dirty in storage room and under/around equipment. 4. Inside of reach-in is dirty. 5. Water is pooling in beer cooler.
# Church Street Entertainment Inc., Feb. 14, 370 W. Church St., Newark, 30-day inspection, with violations. 1. No soap or towels at hand sink at bar. 2. Floor is dirty in prep area.
# Moundbuilders Elks Lodge No. 821, Feb. 14, 87 S. Second St., Newark, standard inspection, with violation. 1. No thermometer in reach-in.
# Moundbuilders Country Club Restaurant, Feb. 14, 125 N. 33rd St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Door seals on cold table by hand sink are dirty. 2. Foods are not date-marked. 3. Bare hand contact of ready-to-eat foods. 4. Food in containers are on the floor in the walk-in.
# Louies Pizza, Feb. 14, 1019 Westgate Ave., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Doug's Point Pizza, Feb. 14, 290 N. Cedar St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Light burned out by three-bay sink. 2. Walls have splashes/splatters.
# Cedar Grill, Feb. 14, 144 N. Cedar St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Licking County Alcoholism Prevention Program, Feb. 14, 62 E. Stevens St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Nick's Village Pizza, Feb. 14, 62 S. Main St., Utica, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No metal stem thermometer in kitchen. 2. Door seals on Beverage Air cooler are torn.
# Village Inn, Feb. 14, 50 S. Main St., Utica, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No test strips for sanitizer at three-bay sink.
# Redskin Lanes and Pizza, Feb. 14, 100 N. Washington St., Utica, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Lights are not shielded in the kitchen. 2. Hand sink in kitchen is dirty. 3. Lid broken on pizza flour container. 4. Door seal torn on cooler.
# Dairy Shack, Feb. 14, 28 W. Columbus Road, Utica, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Vent hoods (2) over grill and fryers have grease collected. 2. No test strips for sanitizer in three-bay sink. 3. Freezers in back room have dust/dirt on top. 4. No shields on lights in back room.
# Creno's Pizza, Feb. 14, 1256 Columbus Road, Granville, 30-day inspection, with violations. 1. Lighting in walk-in cooler at 7 foot candles; 10 F.C.'s required. 2. Single door cooler at 45 degrees F./adjust to 41 degrees F.
# Legend Marathon, Feb. 14, 249 S. Main St., Utica, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No hot water at three-bay sink. 2. No thermometer in Frigidaire cooler. 3. No test strips for sanitizer in three-bay sink. 4. No sanitizer for three-bay sink. 4. Shield lights over three-bay sink have no covers or end caps.
# Nona, Feb. 14, 128 E. Broadway St., Granville, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Light by Hobart mixer needs shield replaced. 2. Resurface/replace cutting board at three-door prep cooler.
# Johnstown High School Athletic Boosters, Feb. 14, 401 S. Oregon St., Johnstown, standard inspection, no violations.
# Village Market, Feb. 15, 8260 Mount Vernon Road, St. Louisville, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Incorrect test strips for sanitary tabs in three-bay sink. 2. Lights not shielded over three-bay sink.
# Nick's Pizza, Feb. 15, 6 S. Sugar St., St. Louisville, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Interior top cavities of microwave in kitchen have food splash. 2. Door seal on Beverage Air cooler is torn.
# The Carryout, Feb. 15, 122 N. Washington St., Utica, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Top interior cavities of microwave have food splash. 2. No thermometer in deli case.

The ABC's of restaurant ratings
22.feb.08
The Orange County Register
Gwendoyln Driscoll
http://www.ocregister.com/news/violations-restaurant-food-1985892-county-system
In 2007, Mariscos Moncho El Pescador on South Main Street in Santa Ana had one rodent and four cockroach infestations. It had a total of 25 major violations and a record 115 minor violations. It was closed by the health department six times.
In the same year, The Arches Restaurant on 29th Street in Newport Beach had no violations – major or minor.
For a consumer, there is, according to this story, no way to know the difference. Orange County, in contrast to all neighboring counties, mandates only that restaurants post a seal that indicates the restaurant meets a minimum standard of food safety – without defining, as other counties do, a range of excellence.
The result, critics say, is a food safety information system that – in failing to publicly distinguish between restaurants with high rates or serious kinds of violations and those without – is friendlier to restaurants than the diners who patronize them.
Those critics point to surrounding counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego, which employ an "ABC" food safety rating system that restaurant owners must prominently display on their doors or windows.
That system summarizes degrees of food safety, from those with few major or minor violations – the "A" restaurants – to those with more.
With its threat of both public shame and loss of business for restaurants that do not garner the coveted "A," it also compels restaurant owners to practice better hygiene, according to Terrance Powell, director of environmental health for Los Angeles County.
Powell (no relation - dp) was cited as saying that the "ABC" rating system increased the percentage of Los Angeles restaurants with an "A" rating from 57percent 10 years ago to more than 80percent today.
Orange County Health Care Agency experts say it is not their place to define the degrees of difference between Mariscos Moncho El Pescador's 25 major violations and The Arches' zero.
Richard Sanchez, director of environmental health for the Health Care Agency, was quoted as saying, "We give the consumer the (inspection reports) and let them make up their mind."
Food inspection reports are publicly available on the Health Care Agency's Web site, but it is up to the consumers to decide for themselves if one, two – or 34 – major violations at a restaurant are significant.
According to state law, restaurants must provide inspection reports to consumers on request, but few diners know to ask for such records.
The reports themselves are not always easy to understand. Why, for example, did La Pizza Loca on West McFadden Ave. receive the county's highest award – the "Award of Excellence" – when it also received 24 minor violations?
Minor violations, experts say, are easy to get and
The story goes on to say that defenders of the ABC system, such as Powell, said despite concerns about the "overly harsh" nature of letter grading, the number of restaurants has steadily risen in Los Angeles, adding, "When we started the program, the critics said the public wasn't savvy enough to understand, the system is too harsh, or the system … is only a snapshot. Having done this for 10 years, we've captured a lot of data that refutes each and every one of those arguments."
Powell said a visible rating system was less an economic issue than a political one because it would compel county health officials and politicians to take on a potentially recalcitrant restaurant industry.
"It comes down to what is the political will to put that into place," Powell said. "What industry that you know would welcome putting their laundry out on the line every time they were inspected or regulated in some way? This form of disclosure is … a hard bargain between the decision makers and industry."
Is Orange County's rating system more business-friendly than consumer-friendly?
John Moorlach, chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, was quoted as saying, "Our board is a little less inclined to be a nanny state. We'd prefer to work with business, get things cleaned up, instead of having long-term admonishments that are publicized. Maybe it's more of a grown-up approach."
Assemblyman Todd Spitzer, R-Orange, then a member of the Board of Supervisors., was quoted as saying, "But now Orange County does stand out as an aberration – why don't we have what all these other counties have? I think it's a legitimate question for the board to revisit."

Who is served by restaurant inspections?
22.feb.08
The Orange County Register
Gwendoyln Driscoll and Ronald Campbell
http://www.ocregister.com/news/ccit-bottomrule-toprule-1985793-leftrule-rightrule
The Orange County Health Department says its restaurant inspection system gives consumers the freedom to make up their own minds. Critics say it protects restaurants, not diners.
The cooking utensils were so filthy at the Luc Dinh Ky restaurant, tucked within a busy strip mall of Little Saigon, that twice in one year, food inspectors had them destroyed.
There were other problems. Contaminated food stored at unsafe temperatures. Employees who didn't wash their hands. Dirty dishes. A backed-up sewage system that overflowed onto kitchen floors.
Again and again, county health inspectors returned to Luc Dinh Ky to find potentially health-threatening problems: 34 "major" food safety violations in all, the most found in any Orange County restaurant in 2007.
Luc Dinh Ky remains open for business.
The lesson Orange County diners might draw from the operation of restaurants such as Luc Dinh Ky brings to mind an ancient warning: caveat emptor– let the buyer beware. In a county without a visible food safety rating system, restaurants with multiple major violations – defined by the Orange County Health Care Agency as practices that "pose the highest risk of causing food poisoning or food borne illness" – can operate largely free from public scrutiny.
Until now.
The story says that the Register has sorted through hundreds of thousands of county food inspection reports to identify restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, grocery stores and other food venues in Orange County that have the least and the most food safety violations.
The customers of Laguna Niguel's humble Frosted Cup Frozen Yogurt &Gelato shop, which had zero major or minor violations in 2007, might feel more reassured than the employees of the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point, whose "Employee Buffet" had five major violations, including a cockroach infestation.
The kitchen area in Santa Ana's Heart of Jesus Retreat Center kept its guests pure in spirit andbody with zero violations in 2007. But San Juan Capistrano's state-of-the-art JSerra Catholic High School, a private school that sits on 29 acres and is in the midst of building an $85million athletic facility, racked up four major violations, including two related to the cleaning of dishes and cooking utensils.
The findings also illustrate the difficulties consumers face in sorting through the county's complicated food rating system. For example: Luc Dinh Ky, Orange County's "worst" restaurant in terms of sheer numbers of major violations, may not be its most unsanitary. That distinction may go to the ABC Baguette &Bakery in Westminster, a facility whose three rodent infestations in 2007 – and subsequent multiple failures to heed county health department warnings – got it shut down seven times in 2007.

What the restaurants say, Restaurant managers note that most violations are addressed immediately
22.feb.08
The Orange County Register
Gwendolyn Driscoll
http://www.ocregister.com/news/restaurant-violations-food-1985933-health-major
According to this story, the Orange County Register contacted all restaurants and food venues with major violations or multiple suspensions named in this story at least once and, in the case of Luc Dinh Ky, multiple times in person and over the telephone. Most restaurants who commented for the story said that all problems had been addressed and that their kitchens and dining rooms were safe. Here are some of their responses:
•"I wouldn't describe them as major," said Kory Kramer, chief of staff for JSerra CEO Tim Busch, of the four major violations Orange County Health Care Agency inspectors cited at the school's facility. "All these were fixed when the inspectors were there. In terms of common sense it's not major."
Kramer said school leadership had not been aware of the violations, relating to inappropriate food temperatures and sanitizing methods, until the Register called. He said a food service worker did not think to alert management "I guess because it was remedied on the spot."
•Ritz-Carlton spokesperson Deanne French said that all violations had been addressed and that "the health and safety of our ladies and gentlemen is of utmost importance." French said food workers at the Dana Point hotel receive 100 hours of food safety training a year.
•Saiful Islam, manager of the Hometown Buffet in Laguna Woods, said that past violations had been fixed and "the last time the health department came they were very happy."
"Cleanliness is a top priority," Islam said.
•Kimberly Nguyen, owner of Danang Restaurant in Westminster, said the restaurant had changed names and owners in October 2007, despite indications to the contrary in county Health Care Agency records. When called back a second time, Nguyen said that the restaurant had "plans" to change its name but had not yet done so.
Nguyen said Danang restaurant was "OK because (the health inspector) came (and) he checked with me."
•Quoc Phan, former manager of Westminster's Huong Giang Restaurant said "he (didn't) know what happened" when told his kitchen garnered 20 major violations but he said the restaurant was now clean and the management had plans to remodel.
•Vincent Nguyen, manager of Garden Grove's Phat Ky Mi Gia, said he had no comment.
Several restaurants did not respond to multiple attempts to obtain comment for this story.

GEORGIA: Restaurant inspection scores released
22.feb.08
The Northeast Georgian
http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2008/02/22/news/business/03business.txt
Following are the food service inspections for Feb. 12-15 by the Habersham County Health Department's Environmental Health Section.
A score of 85 and above is considered passing. Food service establishments are required to post their score sheets in public so that customers can review them.
For more information about an inspection, contact the environmental health office at (706) 776-7659.
Feb. 12
* McDonald's, Highway 441 Bypass, Cornelia. Inspection time: 10:30 a.m. Purpose of inspection: Routine. Score: 84; current grade: B; last score: 93.
Out of compliance with the following: Adequate handwashing facilities supplied and accessible - corrected on site; Proper cold holding temperatures/proper hot holding temperatures - corrected on site; Food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed and used; hot and cold water available: adequate pressure; sewage and waste water properly disposed.
Feb. 15
* McDonald's, Highway 441 Bypass, Cornelia. Inspection time: 10:45 a.m. Purpose of inspection: Follow-up. Current score: 98; current grade: A; last score: 84.
Out of compliance with the following: Posted: Permit/Inspection/Choking Poster/Handwashing; utensils, equipment and linens properly stored, dried, handled.

KENTUCKY: Restaurant inspections reported
21.feb.08
Commonwealth Journal
http://www.somerset-kentucky.com/local/local_story_052082553.html
• 85-100 — pass inspection.
• 70-84 — must be re-inspected within 30 days.
• Under 70 — a suspension of permit notice is sent to owner; if owner doesn’t reply in 10 days, the permit is revoked and the restaurant is closed.
•••
The following establishments were inspected by the Lake Cumberland District Health Department:
HWY. 90 MARKET
2555 Ky. 90, Bronston
Rating Score:
Food Service: 96
Retail Food: 98
VIOLATIONS: Medicine out of date; baby food out of date (pulled from shelves); raw food stored above ready-to-eat flood in retail cooler; scoop being used without a handle; employee drink stored in food preparation-storage area; meat slicer unclean; dishes unclean in cabinet; only one restroom in facility (limited to 12 seats – remove all others).
THE RIVER HOUSE RESTAURANT
6075 South U.S. 27
Rating Score: 95
VIOLATIONS: Shelves in bar are not smooth and easily cleanable; inside of ice machine is unclean; large can opener blade is uncleaned; soda nozzles are unclean; floor unclean in hard-to-reach areas; floor unclean under dishwasher; light shield end caps missing.
TACO BELL
229 South U.S. 27
Rating Score: 100
No violations at time of inspection.
PULASKI BOWL
1084 South U.S. 27
Rating Score: 95
VIOLATIONS: Improper scoops used in flour, cornmeal, etc.; microwave oven unclean in food preparation area; can opener unclean in food preparation area; pans stored unclean in clean storage area; shelving in food preparation area unclean.
MODERN VENDING
115 University Drive
Rating Score: 100
No violations at time of inspection.
CASTLE’S GAS & DELI EXPRESS
6515 Ky. 461
Rating Score:
Food Service: 95
Retail Food: 97
VIOLATIONS: Bagged ice not properly labeled with vendor’s information; meat slicer is unclean; potato slicer is unclean; no paper towels in men’s restroom; floor in food service is not smooth and easily cleanable and is in poor repair (repeat violation).
PAPA JOHN’S
849 South U.S. 27
Rating Score: 98
VIOLATIONS: Scoop without handle.
PENN STATION
848 South U.S. 27
Rating Score: 96
VIOLATIONS: Scoop without handle, ice scoop not stored properly; back door in poor repair (door sweep).
D & D E-Z FOOD MART
4113 North U.S. 27, Science Hill
Rating Score:
Food Service: 97
Retail Food: 98
VIOLATIONS: Hot holding case in poor repair; no mop sink in facility; floor unclean in storage room in back; bottom shelving unclean in cappuccino cabinet; dishwashing – wash in soapy water, rinse in plain water, sanitize and air dry.
PEKING CHINESE RESTAURANT
1004 South U.S. 27
Rating Score: 89
VIOLATIONS: Sesame chicken out of temperature, 82 degrees (voluntarily destroyed with bleach); raw foods prepared above and beside ready-to-eat foods; scoops being used without handles; employees eating and drinking in food preparation area (corrected); raw shelves in food preparation-storage area – to be smooth and easily cleanable; wet wiping cloths kept out of solution; work station beside ice machine is unclean; plates at food bar are stored incorrectly – store bottoms up; leak at hand sink beside ice machine; floor unclean in storage and under stove in back room; wall behind dishwasher is in poor repair.
MILL SPRINGS VIDEO & ICE CREAM
9241 West Ky. 80
Rating Score: 100
No violations at time of inspection.

MANHATTAN, KS: Area food inspections - Feb 05
21.feb.08
Manhattan Mercury
http://www.themercury.com/nightlife/article.aspx?articleId=04288f249d664f5d91436be4ccdeda31
As a public service, the Mercury is publishing a weekly list of findings by the food service inspector at the Manhattan-Riley County Health Department. What follows is from the reports for the weeks ending January 17.
The findings should be seen as a snapshot of conditions existing at the exact time of inspection rather than as a reflection of the permanent conditions in an establishment. Two types of violations are reported here: Critical and non-critical violations. A critical violation is a key risk factor that poses the greatest potential for foodborne illness, according to the state.
Each critical violation is described in the report; non-critical violations are reported by number. All violations listed here were corrected on site at the time of the inspection unless it was noted that a follow-up inspection was required.
Kite's Bar and Grill
613 N 12th St.
Date: Jan. 31. Routine inspection. Two critical violations. 1. Old labels on plastic food storage containers. 2. No detectable clorine in kitchen, bar 1, bar 3; bar 2, 100ppm. Three non-critical violations.
Gumby's Pizza of Manhattan
702 N 11th St.
Date: Jan. 30. Re-inspection. One critical violation. 1. Handsink next to 3 vat sink in disrepair, no handles and loose from wall. One non-critical violation.
Alpha Delta Pi
518 Sunset
Date: Jan. 30. Routine inspection. Three critical violations. 1. One container of chives and one container of frozen green peppers held past seven days. 2. Plates not sanitized. 3. Dishes washed at 155.8 degrees.
Acacia Fraternity
2005 Hunting Ave.
Date: Jan. 30. Routine inspection. Two critical violations. 1. Dried food debris on top of microwave oven. 2. Hose hanging below flood rim of utility sink in kitchen bathroom, no backflow prevention on faucet. Three non-critical violations.
Alpha Chi Omega
1835 Todd Road
Date: Jan. 30. Routine inspection. One critical violation. 1. Roast beef on warmer at 78 degrees. One non-critical violation.
Woodrow Wilson Elementary
312 N Juliette Ave.
Date: Jan. 30. Routine inspection. One critical violation. 1. Unlabeled chemical spray bottle.
Bourbon Street Grill
100 Manhattan Town Center #305
Date: Jan. 29. Re-inspection. One critical violation. 1. Paint brush used as "basting" brush, not intended for food use. Two non-critical violations.
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar
1231 Moro St.
Date: Jan. 29. Follow-up inspection.
Wendy's #3512
100 Good Food Place
Date: Jan. 29. Routine inspection. One non-critical violation.
Cold Stone Creamery
1225 Moro St.
Date: Jan. 29. Routine inspection. One non-critical violation.
Dairy Queen West
3116 Anderson Ave.
Date: Jan. 29. Follow-up inspection.
Chi Omega
1516 McCain Ln.
Date: Jan. 25. Routine inspection. Three critical violations. 1. Buffet line: pancake batter 56 degrees. 2. Employee handled soiled dishes, then clean dishes without washing hands. 3. Employee handled ready to eat canteloupe with bare hands. One non-critical violation.
Subway #14745
3041 Anderson Ave.
Date: Jan. 25. Routine inspection. Two critical violations. 1. Pans washed and rinsed, not sanitized. 2. No detectible sanitizer on dishes. Three non-critical violations.
Chinese Chef
2704 Anderson Ave.
Date: Jan. 25. Routine inspection. Five critical violations. 1. Raw chicken stored with cooked noodles in walk-in cooler. 2. Peelers stored with dried food debris. 3. No detectable sanitizer or chlorine in dishwasher. 4. Dishes washed and rinsed, but not sanitized. 5. Bottle of green cleaner not marked with common name. Four non-critical violations.
Kitchen Capers
100 Manhattan Town Center #205
Date: Jan. 23. Routine inspection. One non-critical violation.
Bluemont Elementary School
714 Bluemont Ave.
Date: Jan. 23. Routine inspection.
East Campus High School
901 Poyntz Ave.
Date: Jan. 23. Routine inspection. One critical violation. 1. Interior of microwave soiled with food.
TCBY
100 Manhattan Town Center #643
Date: Jan. 23. Routine inspection. One critical violation. 1. Raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat bananas in walk-in cooler. Two non-critical violations.
Kramer Food Center
KSU- Claflin and Denison
Date: Jan. 29. Routine inspection. Four critical violations. 1. Turky on serving line at 48 degrees. 2. Employee iching body then handling food in containers and plastic wrap, no handwashing. 3. Slicer with dried food on blade from previous day. 4. 149 ppm sanitizer for post and pans in dishwasher.

TAIWAN: Customer finds rat in Taipei 101 stylish restaurant
20.feb.08
The China Post
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2008/02/20/143623/Customer-finds.htm
Barfblog Post
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Chinese-language media was cited as reporting yesterday that a diner was seriously upset when he saw a rat scurrying about one of Taipei 101's stylish Japanese restaurants.
The man, surnamed Chai, was cited as saying that he and his foreign guest hadn't finished dinning yet on Feb. 2, when a small rat scrambled quickly from the shopping mall into Minhan 101, and then towards the kitchen, adding "That was disgusting. The Taipei 101 is a national landmark visited by numerous foreigners."
Wang Yen-chi, spokesperson for Taipei 101, was cited as saying that rat-eradication campaigns on the fourth floor will be increased, up from two disinfections per moths.
Further, officials from the Taipei City Department of Health said to local media that health inspectors will be dispatched and a thorough review of the Taipei 101 restaurant inspection policy will be conducted.

MINNESOTA: Slayton Pizza Ranch closes
19.feb.08
Marshall Independent
Deb Gau
http://www.marshallindependent.com/News/articles.asp?articleID=19410
Lots of small-town residents try to support their local businesses. But in the case of the Pizza Ranch in Slayton and its owner, Dave Tiegs of Tracy, there was something more. Tiegs supported the Slayton community and the local schools, and when an outbreak of hepatitis A was reported at the restaurant last spring, community members rallied around him and his employees.
That’s what made the Pizza Ranch’s closing on Friday a shock to many. Community members said Monday they didn’t know why the business shut down.
Tiegs said Monday that he was unable to speak to an Independent reporter because of scheduling and time conflicts, but offered to speak at a later time.

GEORGIA: Restaurant inspection scores released
19.feb.08
The Northeast Georgian
http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2008/02/19/news/business/01business.txt
Following are the food service inspections for Feb. 7-11 by the Habersham County Health Department's Environmental Health Section.
A score of 85 and above is considered passing. Food service establishments are required to post their score sheets in public so that customers can review them.
For more information about an inspection, contact the environmental health office at (706) 776-7659.
Feb. 7
* JJ's Pizza and Hot Subs, Cornelia. Score: 97; current grade: A. Out of compliance with the following: Posted: Permit/Inspection/Choking Poster, Handwashing.
* Jayne's Country Inn Catering, Baldwin. Score: 100; current grade: A.
Feb. 11
*D's Grill-en, 180 Historic Highway 441, Demorest. Score: 100; current grade: A.

KENTUCKY: Inspections reported
18.feb.08
Commonwealth Journal
http://www.somerset-kentucky.com/local/local_story_049092709.html
• 85-100 — pass inspection.
• 70-84 — must be reinspected within 30 days.
• Under 70 — a suspension of permit notice is sent to owner; if owner doesn’t reply in 10 days, the permit is revoked and the restaurant is closed.
•••
The following establishments were inspected by the Lake Cumberland District Health Department:
BLIMPIE SUBS & SALADS
177 Washington Drive
Rating Score: 97
VIOLATIONS: Ice buildup on shredded cheese (cheese discarded); reach-in freezer in need of defrosting.
WE’RE ROLLING PRETZEL
177 Washington Drive
Rating Score: 97
VIOLATIONS: Inside of ice machine is soiled; utensil container is soiled.
LAKESIDE PIZZA & PUB
6337 South U.S. 27, Burnside
Rating Score: 90
VIOLATIONS: Door sweep in poor repair; wall in poor repair (next to dishwasher); hand towels not stored in sanitizer (several places); ice machine unclean; scoops without handles; restrooms in poor repair; no towels in men’s room; vents unclean; lights not shielded above grill.
SPRADLIN KOUNTRY KITCHEN
7789 South U.S. 27, Burnside
Rating Score:
Food Service: 88 (follow-up inspection: 93): Ceiling in poor repair; floor unclean; utensil container unclean; cooler in poor repair; spray bottle not labeled and stored with food items (corrected); utensils not stored properly; walls unclean; restrooms in poor repair; no paper towels at hand sink.
GINNY’S PLACE
8224 South U.S. 27, Burnside
Rating Score: 91
VIOLATIONS: Large can opener in poor repair; seats in dining area in poor repair; three-compartment sinks not set up properly; tooth picks are not single service; debris at rear of building.
KROGER
181 South U.S. 27
Rating Score:
Food Service: 100
Retail Food: 100
No violations at time of inspection – OK to open.
KOUNTRY KORNER
9249 West Ky. 80
Rating Score: 98
VIOLATIONS: Food not labeled outside of original container; ice scoop not stored properly.
CROSSROADS IGA
1830 East Ky. 80
Rating Score:
Food Service: 98
Retail Food: 100
VIOLATIONS (food service): Single service items stored on floor (lids, plastic containers, etc.); floor in poor repair in food preparation area.
BINGO DOME #2
232 Enterprise Drive
Rating Score: 96
VIOLATIONS: Stir sticks not dispensed properly; drink nozzles unclean; sink in poor repair; countertop in poor repair.
WARD’S RESTAURANT
12550 North U.S. 27
Rating Score: 95
VIOLATIONS: Ready-to-eat foods stored under raw meat; meat slicer blade unclean; single-service items stored on floor in outside storage building.
RUCKEL’S
West Ky. 70, Eubank
Rating Score: 97
VIOLATIONS: Food store on floor – freezer, cooler, dry storage; floor unclean.
HWY. 90 MARKET
2555 Ky. 90, Bronston
Rating Score:
Food Service: 96
Retail Food: 98
VIOLATIONS: Medicine out of date; baby food out of date (pulled from shelves); raw food stored above ready-to-eat flood in retail cooler; scoop being used without a handle; employee drink stored in food preparation-storage area; meat slicer unclean; dishes unclean in cabinet; only one restroom in facility (limited to 12 seats – remove all others).

TEXAS: Food establishment inspection report
18.feb.08
amarillo.com
http://www.amarillo.com/stories/021808/new_9630875.shtml
The following report reflects only demerits the establishments received.
0 demerits - no major violations at the time of inspection.
15 demerits - considered an average number.
30 demerits or above -requires re-inspection within 24 hours.
COS - corrected on site during inspection.
These establishments had 0 demerits during a routine inspection: Abuelo's Mexican Embassy, 3501 S.W. 45th Ave.; Aqua Star, 2530 S. Georgia St.; Beverly's Best Inc., 2600 Wolflin Ave.; Chicken Express, 3514 E. I-40; Children's Circle of Friends, 3510 Bowie St.; Chop Chop Japanese Steakhouse, 3300 S. Coulter St.; Corner Mart dba La Esquina, 1500 N. Mirror St.; Fannin Middle School, 4623 S. Rusk St.; Glacier Water, 1015 S.E. 27th Ave., 1505 S. E. Third Ave., 201 N. 23rd St., Canyon, 2200 Bell St., 3405 S. Georgia St., 4701 S. Washington St., 5601 W. Amarillo Blvd., 5707 4th Ave., Canyon, 5807 S.W. 45th Ave.; Highland Park School, 3801 N. FM 1912; Kitchen Gallery, 2600 Wolflin Ave.; La Movida Pool House, 1200 S.E. 10th Ave.; Lakeview Elementary School, 6407 Lair Road; Los 3 Garcia, 1421 N. Nelson St.; MGC Food Service, 509 S.E. Seventh Ave.; Pak-A-Sak, 2800 Fourth Ave., Canyon; Park Place Towers, 1300 S. Harrison St.; Pizza Palm, 3514 E. I-40; Region 16 Nelson St. Headstart, 1023 N. Nelson St.; Sanborn Elementary, 700 S. Roberts St.; Sundown Lane Elementary, 4715 Sundown Lane; Toot-N-Totum No. 40, 2700 W. I-40; Toot-N-Totum No. 84, 4041 S. Washington St.; Toot-N-Totum No. 9, 2400 S.W. 46th Ave.; Walgreen's No. 5614, 1600 S. Western St.
These establishments had 0 demerits during a follow-up inspection: Aramark Dining Hall, 2402 Fourth Ave., Canyon; Best Western Canyon, 2801 Fourth Ave.; Chez La, 7201 Evans Drive; Chiyo's, 810 N. Pierce St.; DJ's, 2309 S.W. Third Ave.; Eskimo Hut/Bonzai Grill, 7200 McCormick Road; Hungry Howies, 3300 S. Washington St.; La Tia Lila Burritos, 1316 S.E. 10th Ave.; Luxury Inn & Suites, 2915 E. I-40; Mercado Latino, 3500 E. Amarillo Blvd.; My Thai Restaurant, 2029 S. Coulter St.; Pepito's Mexican Restaurant (Permit HFCM23), 408 23rd St., Canyon; Ship's Lounge, 1113 S.E. 10th Ave.; Toot-N-Totum No. 8, 1627 N. Grand St.
These establishments received demerits for being out of compliance as stated:
(3) African Mini Market, 810 Columbine St.: Food stored in grocery sacks. COS.
(11) Allsup's No. 166, 302 N. 15th St., Canyon: Burritos at improper temperature; COS. No probe thermometer; drink spouts dirty. To be corrected within seven days.
(3) Amarillo City Jail, 609 S. Pierce St.: No sanitizer test strips. COS.
(6) Asian Garden, 2222 S.W. 27th Ave.: Bleach water sanitizer too weak; uncovered food in refrigeration; containers stacked on open food. COS.
(7) Blackstone Cafe, 202 S.W. 10th Ave.: Can opener and holder dirty. COS. Cold water handle of faucet at hand sink needs repairing. To be corrected by next regular inspection.
(26) Brady's Dairy Queen, 1900 S. Washington St.: Many drinks in kitchen without lids and straws; employee repeatedly deposited ice scoop handle in ice without regard to handle; cut lemons in standing water; spray wand below flood rim. COS. Sanitizing dispenser not dispensing correct amount of sanitizer; sanitizing solution for wiping cloths too strong; no thermometers in meat chest freezer and both freezer make tables; tea urn nozzles, inside both make table freezers, can opener, holder and plastic insert dirty; hot hold chicken strip drawers and baskets dirty; ice bin of drink dispenser in customer self-serve area and inside lid of ice machine dirty. To be corrected within 10 days. No certified food manager. To be corrected within 12 days.
(3) Broken Spoke, 3101 S.W. Sixth Ave.: Ice scoop on dirty surface; soda nozzle holster dirty. COS.
(3) Buttons & Bows Preschool, 3815 S. Lipscomb St.: Can opener, holder, refrigerator shelves and freezer shelves dirty. COS.
(3) Cafe Bella, 7306 S.W. 34th Ave.: Slicer dirty. COS.
(3) China Town, 114 S.W. Sixth Ave.: Inside of older refrigerator dirty. To be corrected within 60 days.
(3) Coffee Beans & Machines, 2431 Wolflin Village: Sanitizer too strong. COS.
(3) Desperado's Catering, 701 S. Pierce St.: Equipment not completely air dried after ware washing; no bleach test strips. COS.
(3) Duke Tracy's, 3101 S.W. 26th Ave.: Soda gun and holster dirty. To be corrected within six months.
(6) El Apache, 2628 E. Amarillo Blvd.: No covered trash can in female restroom; no thermometer in refrigerator. To be corrected by next regular inspection.
(3) Family Dollar Store No. 2387, 831 Martin Road: Chemical products stored above foods. COS.
(4) Family Dollar Store No. 4401, 2420 N. Grand St.: Dented cans on shelf for sale. COS.
(23) Great Western Dining Services, 2201 S. Washington St.: Sandwiches and sandwich wraps at improper temperature on salad bar; pizza at improper temperature in pizza warmer; hamburgers/chicken sandwich at improper temperature; COS. Bulk containers with contents not easily identifiable, or not labeled with name of contents; pizza warmer not at proper temperature; no sanitizer in dish machine. To be corrected within 10 days. No certified food manager. To be corrected within 14 days.
(3) Henk's Bar-B-Q, 1508 S. Grand St.: No soap at hand sink by three-compartment sink. COS.
(4) Houston Middle School, 815 S. Independence St.: One dented can. COS.
(4) King And I Restaurant, 2300 Bell St.: Scoops in rice with handle touching product; improper scoops in onions and tomatoes in walk-in cooler. COS.
(8) Lamar Elementary, 3800 Lipscomb St.: Flour bin in storage area not labeled; dented can on rack for use. COS.
(22) Lin's Grand Buffet, 8440 W. I-40: Eggs on buffet line not at proper temperature; dented cans on rack and shelves; cracked eggs in tray; utensil not being used to handle lemons placed in drinks at wait station; spray bottles of chemical not labeled; sanitizer in three compartment sink not at proper strength; ware washing machine not sanitizing; microwave, knives and knife racks, ice machines in kitchen and wait station dirty. COS.
(3) Mary & Rogers Day Care, 4220 Wolflin Ave.: Food manager permit not posted. To be corrected by next regular inspection.
(7) Moose's Bar & Grill, 3514 S.W. Sixth Ave.: Employee coughing into gloved hand while cooking. COS. Microwave and vent hood dirty. To be corrected within 12 days.
(9) Mr. Pollo, 1400 Ross St.: No thermometers in refrigerated table and fruit display. COS. Faucet at hand sink in kitchen needs repairing; no soap and towels at hand sink by fruit area. To be corrected within seven days.
(6) Namaste, 907 S. Madison St.: No thermometer in refrigerator. COS. No certified food manager. To be corrected within 30 days.
(6) OHMS Cafe, 619 S. Tyler St.: No towels at hand sink; mixers dirty; food stored in open cans. COS.
(7) Orient Cuisine, 717 S. Fillmore St.: Container of sticky rice not labeled. COS. Inside stand-up freezer dirty and needs defrosting. To be corrected within 60 days.
(3) Pic-N-Save, 3301 E. Amarillo Blvd.: No paper towels at hand sink. COS.
(6) Pizza Hut, 204 S. Western St.: Can opener dirty. COS. No certified food manager. To be corrected by next regular inspection.
(3) Retail Ready Foods, 1324 N. Mirror St.: No paper towels in female restroom. COS.
(6) San Jacinto Christian Academy, 501 S. Mississippi St.: Improper procedure used for manual ware washing; improper sanitizer test strips used; tin cans used for food storage; can opener dirty. COS.
(3) Save N Save Discount, 3001 E. Amarillo Blvd.: Soda fountain dirty around nozzles. COS.
(16) Sonic Drive In, 4320 S.W. 45th Ave.: Cut lemons/limes on dirty surface; bad limes; individual portions creamers on floor. COS. Dressing and condiment cooler not holding proper temperature; drain line from three-compartment sink leaking; inside every refrigerator and freezer dirty; three-compartment sink, can opener and holder, cutting board and all stainless steel table tops dirty. To be corrected within 10 days.
(3) Subway, 208 23rd St., Canyon: Walk-in cooler not holding at proper temperature. To be corrected within eight days.
(11) Subway, 6000 S. Western St.: Chicken at improper temperature; hand sinks blocked by trash can, pans of cookies and trays of bread; microwave dirty. COS.
(6) Subway No. 25567-216, 1412 S. Ross St.: Sanitizer in bucket too weak; tea nozzles dirty. COS.
(13) Subway No. 7429-212, 3300 E. I-40: Personal drinks at kitchen work stations without lids and straws. COS. Condensation leak in walk-in cooler; soda fountain machine nozzles dirty; syrup connections leaking; unused syrup connections not cleaned and covered; no certified food manager. To be corrected within 10 days.
(4) Taco Bueno, 6001 W. I-40: Employee scooping ice with large cup. COS.
(18) Tacos Garcia, 2200 E. Amarillo Blvd.: Personal drinks in kitchen area with lids and straws; products in reach-ins more than 24 hours not date marked; water at three-compartment sink not at proper temperature; cold water leaking in men's bathroom; no thermometer in meat chest freezer. COS. Inside ice machine dirty. To be corrected within 10 days.
(23) Thai Kitchen Restaurant, 713 23rd St., Canyon: Raw chicken at improper temperature; employees not using proper hand-washing procedure; personal drink without lid; employee wiping hands on apron; gloves not used when cutting lemons for tea; no paper towels at hand sink in kitchen. COS. Four thermometers missing in units in back room. To be corrected within 10 days.
(10) Toot-N-Totum No. 11, 4600 S. Washington St.: Open containers of frozen hot dogs not date marked. COS. Thermometer broken in ice cream display case; three-compartment sink and tea nozzles dirty. To be corrected within 10 days.
(7) Toot-N-Totum No. 19, 3609 S. Washington St.: Dented cans on shelf for sale; COS. Soda and tea nozzles dirty. To be corrected within 10 days.
(7) Toot-N-Totum No. 20, 3310 Wimberly Road: Breakfast sandwich past expiration date; dirty tongs with dry food. COS.
(6) Toot-N-Totum No. 36, 1901 S. Washington St.: No soap in men's restroom; ice tea container and nozzle, cappuccino machine and microwave dirty. To be corrected within 10 days.
(3) Toot-N-Totum No. 45, 2601 S.W. Third Ave.: Previous health inspection report not posted. COS.
(11) Toot-N-Totum No. 65, 2500 S. Georgia St.: Dented can on shelves; moldy cheese in refrigerator. COS. Several hot dog items out of date; hot dog tubs broken and need replacing. To be corrected within 10 days.

CALIFORNIA: Whole Foods fails county health inspection
16.feb.08
Napa Valley Register
Jennifer Huffman
http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2008/02/16/news/local/doc47b692d06f320182789954.txt
Barfblog Post
Napa’s new Whole Foods received, according to this story, an F grade in its first county food facility inspection.
Store manager David Cosper was cited as saying the market’s sheer size and diversity of offerings may have contributed towards the failing grade, which Whole Foods took steps to fix “immediately."
The report, dated Jan. 31, details 16 inspection categories that were out of compliance, including three major violations.
The major violations, which must be corrected immediately, included improper handwashing and use of gloves at a hot counter area, improper hot and cold holding temperatures in several food areas and lack of availability of hot or cold water at two sinks. Other violations included improper handling of food and food storage, uncovered containers and missing sneeze guards.
Cosper was further quoted as saying that since the first inspection, “we added hourly sanitation walks through the store by our leadership team. We replaced and recalibrated all temperature gauges in the store. We’ve re-inspected all refrigeration and heating equipment.”
New team members are being trained to understand “strict sanitation standards and operating procedures.”
Steve Lederer, director of the Napa County Department of Environmental Management, was cited as saying that shopping or eating at Whole Foods does not present an immediate health and safety issue, adding, "Any immediate issues of health and safety to the public were immediately resolved. … (Whole Foods) had a number of things they need to work on. ... They are genuinely concerned and interested in resolving the issues. We think they can get their arms around what they need to do, and certainly improve from that last inspection. We will keep an eye on them until they do.”
Food facility inspection reports are available online at
www.co.napa.ca.us/emd-pub/consumer/search.aspx, however to date, the site has yet to upload Whole Foods’ inspection report.

TEXAS: February 15-Leger's restaurant report
15.feb.08
KFDM News
Bill Leger
http://www.kfdm.com/news/grade_24760___article.html/lumberton_dairy.html
All week viewers have been contacting us concerning internet reports of a study that found a majority of lemons served with drinks in restaurants were contamined with bacteria that can make you sick. We confirmed the results of the study with the New Jersey microbiologist who conducted the research. Here's what she found.
Lemon Study
69.7% Bacterial Growth (including fecal)
30.3% No Bacterial Growth
Source: Anne LaGrange Loving, M.S., M.(A.S.C.P.)
A microbiologist from New Jersey tested 76 lemons from 21 different restaurants and found that almost 70 percent of them were contaminated with bacteria including fecal bacteria, which can make you very sick.
Only 30-percent had no bacterial growth. Anne LaGrange Loving said the bacteria could have come from a number of sources and may have been on the lemons even before they arrived at the restaurants.
Restaurant workers are supposed to handle lemons with either gloves or tongs..and not with bare hands.. but how many of them actually do that?
And how would you know whether or not they're following the rules? We asked the Chief Sanitarian of the Beaumont Health Department for some suggestions for people who are concerned about the results of this study.
Girard suggested simply asking the waitress to serve the drink without the lemon slice. She also suggested requesting that the lemon slices be placed in a separate bowl and not on the rim of the glass. Now here are the latest restaurant inspection results from Hardin County.
DAIRY QUEEN 1180 North 5th Street in Silsbee/GRADE= 50 (Follow-Up= 85)
We begin with Dairy Queen on North 5th Street in Silsbee. Inspector Kellum found the restaurant equipment so dirty that she ordered the restaurant closed for cleaning. The men's rest room was also broken and needed to be repaired. Initially Dairy Queen in Silsbee earned a failing grade of 50.. But when the inspector returned for a follow-up they improved to an 85.
DAIRY QUEEN 827 North Main in Lumberton/Grade=65 (Follow-Up=90)
Inspector also found problems at the Dairy Queen on North Main in Lumberton. Inspector Kellum reports dishes were dirty and needed to be rewashed. The freezer and microwave were dirty and needed to be cleaned. No one was washing hands and employees needed hair restraints. Dairy Queen in Lumberton initially scored a failing grade of 65.. But on the follow-up they showed a dramatic improvement and scored a 90.
Country Dreams
11846 Minter Road
Kountze
Grade=100
Burge Fish and Seafood
4805 Hwy 69 Lumberton
Grade=100
Domino's Pizza
3026 South Main
Lumberton
Grade=100
Weekly Dish
18003 Hwy 105
Sour Lake
Grade=100
Chicken Express
520 South Main
Lumberton
Grade=87
The Donut Palace
555 South Hwy 69
Kountze
Grade=93
Subway/Pizza Inn
200 South Pine
Kountze
Grade=100
Big Thicket Country Store
807 North Main
Lumberton
Grade=90
Katfish Kitchen
835 South Main
Lumberton
Grade=97

CALIFORNIA: Restaurant inspections: week ending Feb. 15
15.feb.08
OC Register
http://www.ocregister.com/news/feb-permit-suspended-1981329-infestation-reinstated
Restaurants’ permits can be suspended for any one of a number of major violations. During suspensions, the eateries must remain closed until county health officials can re-inspect the facilities. Suspensions are lifted after inspectors confirm the violations have been corrected.
3 Amigos #2, 10472 Beach Blvd., Stanton; sewage overflow; permit suspended Feb. 8; reinstated Feb. 8.
Anaheim Convention Center Main Banquet Kitchen, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim; rodent infestation; permit suspended Feb. 14.
Anneliese School, 20062 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach; insufficient hot water/plumbing in disrepair; permit downgraded to pre-packaged foods Feb. 13.
Beach Girls, 15549 Beach Blvd., Westminster; failure to comply with notice of violation; permit suspended Feb. 14.
Bristol Deli and Market, 3033 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; cockroach infestation; permit suspended Feb. 14.
Carnitas Urupan, 2106 W. 5th St., Santa Ana; fire or other disaster damage; permit suspended Feb. 12.
Dana Point Yacht Club, 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point; rodent infestation; permit suspended Feb. 13.
Huong Vy Restaurant, 9372 Westminster Blvd., Westminster; no water supply; permit suspended Feb. 11; reinstated Feb. 12.
Kona Coffee & Juice, 7808 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park; insufficient hot water; permit suspended Feb. 13; reinstated Feb. 13.
Martha's Panaderia, 6967 Cerritos Ave., Stanton; cockroach infestation; permit suspended Feb. 14.
Ngu Binh Restaurant, 14072 Magnolia St., Westminster; cockroach infestation; permit suspended Feb. 13; reinstated Feb. 14.
Phuoc Thanh, 13191 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove; cockroach infestation; permit suspended Feb. 14.
Seafood Place Chinese, 420 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim; rodent infestation; permit suspended Feb. 7; reinstated Feb. 8.
Stanton Mexicatessen, 7440 Cerritos Ave., Stanton; cockroach infestation; permit suspended Feb. 8; reinstated Feb. 8.
T & K Food Market, 9681 Bolsa Ave., Westminster; rodent infestation; permit suspended Feb. 13; reinstated Feb. 14.
Thanh Thanh Food To Go, 14208 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove; insufficient hot water; permit suspended Feb. 8; reinstated Feb. 8.
Wasa Sushi, 13124 Jamboree Rd., Irvine; fire or other disaster damage; permit suspended Feb. 9.
Permit status taken from Orange County Health Care Agency Web site. See foodinspections.ocgov.com/closures/ for complete listings.

ONTARIO: Health authorities shut down Chinatown restaurant after rat photos surface
15.feb.08
National Post
Rob Roberts
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2008/02/15/health-authorities-shut-down-chinatown-restaurant-after-rat-photos-surface.aspx
Barfblog Post
Toronto public health authorities shut down one of Chinatown’s most prominent restaurants yesterday, after a passerby took a photo of rats on a countertop.
Passerby Vivian Hui was cited as saying rats were visible through a window of the Dumpling House Restaurant yesterday afternoon, adding, "I noticed what I thought was a cat on the counter inside Dumpling House but it turned out to be four or five rats piled on top of each other eating from a bowl of flour or something."
She e-mailed her boyfriend, Matt Alexander, who alerted health authorities. He also sent the photo to blogto.com, a popular Toronto city blog ‘‘for some quick exposure,’’ he said last night. ‘‘We were both so disgusted we wanted to make sure something was done about as soon as possible.”
Toronto Public Health was cited as saying inspectors went to the restaurant immediately, saw evidence of an infestation, and shut the restaurant down. The story says that the Dumpling House, at 328 Spadina Ave., has hosted a photo op by-then Liberal leadership candidate Paul Martin during the April, 2003, SARS crisis, is popular with other celebrities, and has been reviewed well by various publications.
A gracious manager who answered the phone at the restaurant last night was cited as saying they agreed with health inspectors that the restaurant needed to be shut down, adding, ‘‘I fully agree. If there’s a problem, some indication, we have to take it seriously. We have pest control guys working on the case right now.’’
He said the shutdown and cleanup will likely cost the restaurant about $10,000, but will likely be open again by next Wednesday.
‘‘We have a very good reputation. That’s why we are taking this very seriously. I think [this shutdown] may affect business for a very short time, but not very much because our cleaning conditions are good.’’
The manager said he had never seen rats himself in the restaurant, and said any rat problem is not confined to Dumpling House. He said downtown has a rat problem generally, and the city needs to do something about it.

TEXAS: Restaurant earns lowest score two years running
14.feb.08
WOAI News
Jaie Avila
http://www.woai.com/content/troubleshooters/story.aspx?content_id=2d73bc2d-0b7d-450a-b344-43801bd1a885
It is becoming an annual event for one local restaurant. It received this week's worst health inspection score and it earned the same title exactly one year ago. News 4 Trouble Shooter Jaie Avila makes another visit to that restaurant in this week's Kitchen Cops report.
Worst Score of the Week
China Harbor, 191 SW Military Dr.
The restaurant with the worst health inspection score this week is the China Harbor Three. This is the one on Southwest Military Dr. The inspector told them to throw out some salmon which didn't look fresh, and he also ordered them to fix the dishwasher because it wasn't sanitizing properly.
China Harbor earned 38 demerits, which the health department considers a poor score.
The inspector reminded workers you can't smoke inside, ever, not even when the place is closed. Plus, they have to put labels on cooked food daily. Not just when the inspector shows up.
When we stopped by, a manager assured us everything on the inspector's report had been corrected.
The manager wouldn't let us check out the kitchen for ourselves, but he did have a new report showing the inspector came back and did a re-inspection.
The new report says restaurant workers have made all the changes needed to make your dining experience safe.
Taqueria La Laguna
1106 Quintana Rd.
This week's blue plate winner is also on the southwest side, near the former Kelly USA. It is Taqueria La Laguna on Quintana Road.
"I like my food clean, and I know other people would love their food clean," says Gabriella Ferris, the restaurant manager.
Taqueria La Laguna earned a perfect score on its latest inspection. That's great news for its customers!

GEORGIA: Restaurant inspection scores released
14.feb.08
The Northeast Georgian
http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2008/02/14/news/business/01business.txt
Following are the food service inspections for Jan. 25-Feb. 4 by the Habersham County Health Department's Environmental Health Section.
A score of 85 and above is considered passing.
Food service establishments are required to post their score sheets in public so that customers can review them.
For more information about an inspection, contact the environmental health office at (706) 776-7659.
* The Attic, 1344 A Washington St., Clarkesville. Score: 95; current grade: A. Recommend permit. Out of compliance with the following: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized. Non food-contact surfaces clean.
* Blue Pacific Grill, 1460 Washington St., Clarkesville. Current score: 96; current grade: A. Recommend permit. Out of compliance with the following: Adequate handwashing facilities supplied and accessible.
* Little Caesars, 2160 Highway 441, Cornelia. Inspection time: 2:15 p.m. Purpose of inspection: routine. Current score: 91; current grade: A. Out of compliance with the following: Adequate handwashing facilities supplied and accessible. Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized. Physical facilities installed, maintained and clean.
* Michael's, 322-D Merchants Way, Cornelia. Inspection time: 11:15 a.m. Purpose of inspection: routine. Current score: 100; current grade: A; last score: 100.

PENNSYLVANIA: Local school cafeterias earn overall good grades
12.feb.08
Clarion News
Rodney L. Sherman
http://www2.theclarionnews.com/General_News/70826.shtml
CLARION -- Businesses, schools and community organizations serving food to the public in Clarion County generally, according to this story, receive good marks from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture restaurant inspectors.
The state recently made the complete inspection reports for food-serving entities available on the Internet at www.agriculture.state.pa.us/pafoodsafety.
From that website, click on “Restaurant Inspection Database” and enter Clarion County in the search option to see the most recent inspection results for all establishments serving food in Clarion County.
The Clarion County list includes 256 reports from 2006, 2007 and 2008, including inspection reports from public and private schools in Clarion County.
The Allegheny-Clarion Valley Elementary School cafeteria was most recently inspected April 26, 2007 , and two violations were noted.
Inspectors said the bottom of the steamer had an accumulation of crumbs from the previous day and the top of the ovens had an accumulation of dust.
Overall, the elementary cafeteria was found to be in compliance.
The Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School cafeteria also was most recently inspected April 26, 2007 , and three violations were noted.
Inspectors said a “butcher block” style preparation table was no longer smooth enough to be easily cleaned and that there were cracks between the maple wood.
Also, “a rack used to dry hand sanitized ware causes standing water below that rack. This is not a violation if that standing water is dried each day. However, recommend using floor pan to catch much of this water or using an absorbent material to minimize the amount of standing water under this unit.”
And finally, “Hood filters have an accumulation of static dust. Discussed the construction/design of the ventilation filters. The filters are modified to increase the velocity or retard the volume of vented air by covering the majority of the filters? The top of the ovens (ones higher than the staff could see) have some accumulation of dust.”

ARIZONA: County's restaurant inspections lagging: Staff still short 7 workers despite recent hirings
12.feb.08
Tucson Citizen
Tom Stauffer
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/taste/76636.php
After more than a year fighting a losing battle of attrition among county employees best known for conducting restaurant and swimming pool inspections, Pima County official Sharon Browning filled nine vacancies in January, stating, "I think what's changed is that the (current) economy has people looking for jobs that provide good medical insurance and benefits that they can get with a government job, as opposed to just looking for the highest salary."
The story says that despite the hiring bonanza, Browning remains seven workers short of the 28 people budgeted for the unit, which is charged with inspecting more than 10,000 licensed restaurants, bars, grocery stores, trailer parks, schools and swimming pools. In addition to scheduled inspections, the unit also responds to more than 100,000 calls a year related to complaints, outbreaks, recalls and other health-related emergencies.
State statutes mandate that counties conduct unannounced inspections of restaurants every six months.
Using the 45 locally owned restaurants that are members of the Tucson Originals as a random sampling reveals that 25 of them haven't been inspected in the past six months and 10 more have gone at least a year without an inspection.
Thousands of licensed food establishments operate in the county, many with multiple licenses.
Ben Stepleton, program manager for Food Safety and Environmental Services for the Arizona Office of Environmental Health, which oversees the county health departments, was quoted as saying, "I don't feel that there is any cause for public concern, but hopefully the public will understand all the things public sanitarians do and the importance of providing the proper resources."
Browning, whose sole job would be overseeing the division were it fully staffed, has since 2005 worn three hats: manager, supervisor and sanitarian.
A full staff would include Browning, three supervisors, 20 sanitarians and four sanitarian assistants. Right now she has no supervisors and is short three sanitarians and one assistant.
Like an overwhelmed emergency room at a hospital, the county applies the concept of triage in protecting public health by prioritizing inspections. Schools, assisted living centers and restaurants that have performed poorly on inspections have been bumped ahead of restaurants that have good inspection records or pose less risk to public health because of the type of food they serve or the way it's prepared.

OHIO: Restaurant inspection report
11.feb.08
The Advocate
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080211/NEWS01/802110305/1002/rss01
The following food operations recently were inspected by Licking County Health Department:
# Licking Heights Athletic Boosters, 6565 Summit Road, Pataskala, standard inspection, no violations.
# Kroger Co. No. 854, 659 Coshocton St., Johnstown, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Resurface/replace worn cutting board at garbage disposal area. 2. Lights burned out in various areas throughout store. 3. Walk-in freezer, deli area, clean floor; clean floor under icing table.
# Shamrock Motel and Store, 8409 National Road, Pataskala, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Remove Rival household-style crock pot. 2. Clean microwave oven or replace if not cleanable. 3. Clean/sanitize interior of cabinets under slicer table. 4. Counter with cracked tile by microwave needs replaced with smooth, easily cleanable surface. 5. Repair/replace burned-out lights over three-compartment sink. 6. Replace missing light shields in hood.
# The Diner, 14 S. Main St., Croton, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Walk-in cooler at 44 degrees F. 2. Remove household-style waffle maker from facility.
# Pizza Hut No. 24189, 744 W. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Green shelves throughout RFE are dirty. 2. Thermometers in cold table and (unreadable) are missing. 3. Door seals on cold table and condenser on walk-in are dirty.
# Licking County Jail, 155 E. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Helen's Family Restaurant, 1150 Mount Vernon Road, Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Lights burned out in basement. 2. Food items are not date-marked in reach-in. 3. Floor under equipment is dirty.
# Circle K No. 5303, 369 W. Church St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Three-bay sink, shelf in walk-in, and fan guards on condenser are dirty. 2. Light shields are missing in dish room. 3. Floor is dirty in walk-in, storage room and under/around equipment. 4. Storage room is cluttered. 5. No soap at service bar hand sink. 6. No sanitizer.
# Donatos Pizza No. 39, 1059 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Door seals are torn on proofer. 2. Carts on wheels are dirty.
# Frederix Pizza, 410 Main St., Gratiot, standard inspection, no violations.
# Happy Gyro, 771 S. 30th St., Heath, No. 613, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Faucet leaks at spout on three-compartment sink.
# Taco Bell No. 3380, 790 S. 30th St., Heath, standard inspection, no violations.
# W.G. Grinders, 659 S. 30th St., Heath, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Box of cups are setting on the floor.
# Lapaloma, 1112 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, no violations.
# Taco Bell No. 19421, 771 S. 30th St., Heath, standard inspection, no violations.
# Christy's Pizza and Subs, 15 E. Church St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Granville Inn, 314 E. Broadway St., Granville, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No designated hand sink(s) observed for washing hands. 2. No paper towels/hand-drying found at hand sink indicated by staff. 3. Salad spinner found in hand sink. 4. Hand sink in men's restroom, no hand-washing sign; no signage found at any sink. 5. Wiping cloths scattered throughout kitchen.
6. No indicator for wash solution temperature of dishwasher. 7. No sanitizer found in rinse water of dish machine. 8. Bell peppers observed draining on wiping cloth. 9. Continental two-door cooler, replace damaged, torn door gaskets; observed no door handles, no door seals, no inner door panels; Delfield slide door display cooler observed with cracked inner liner; other Continental two-door cooler, replace torn, damaged door gasket left-hand door; chest freezer in baking area inner door panel cracked; Cabinet/prep table across from range, cutting board worn, cabinet rusted through. 10. Repair/replace leaking faucet at three-compartment sink.
11. Observed wet/damp containers stacked. 12. No covered trash container found in ladies restroom. 13. Rolls observed uncovered. 14. All coolers/refrigerated units must be kept at 41 degrees F. 15. Several coolers/refrigerators observed with no thermometer in unit to monitor temperatures required by rule.
16. Brussel sprouts and mushrooms observed in preparation without being washed prior to preparation. 17. Clean can opener and mounting bracket of food build-up; clean tops of ice machines to remove dust/debris build-up; clean scoops stored on tops of ice machines; clean door gaskets and sealing surfaces of mold build-up on three-door cooler. 18. Clean and seal floor in walk-in cooler. 19. Remove any unneeded/unnecessary equipment from premises such as inoperable walk-in cooler (freestanding) in basement. 20. Lighting in kitchen area shall be properly shielded.
21. Repair/replace burned-out lights throughout kitchen area; correct cause of peeling paint noted throughout kitchen/food prep area; clean/or simply replace dirty, worn carpet in serving/waitress alley; clean thoroughly ceiling fan in serving alley of dust and debris, walls in kitchen area, ceiling tile in kitchen area, air handler vents; clean men's room thoroughly. 22. Observed dishwasher move from dirty to clean dishes with no handwashing in between. 23. Observed food debris under equipment in kitchen/prep area; clean floors under equipment on a regular basis.
# Duke and Duchess Shoppe, 1175 W. Church St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Self-service doughnuts do not have ingredient labels. 2. Lights burned out in walk-ins.
# Noah's Ark, 814 E. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Speedway No. 9312, 117 E. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Floor is dirty in storage rooms and walk-in. 2. Lights are burned out in storage room.
# Sak's Market East, 599 E. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Fan guards on condensers in walk-in are dirty. 2. No test strips for sanitizer. 3. Lights in dish room are burned out.
# Washington Square Dev. Corp., 340 Eastern Ave., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Inside of drawers of prep tables have debris collecting. 2. Ceiling above hand sink is missing; provide missing tiles. 3. Wall by hand sink has water damage. 4. Wall where cabinets were has holes in it.
# McMarket Convenient Store, 310 N. Cedar St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Bummies Hi Spot, 155 N. Cedar St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Thermometer in reach-in is missing. 2. Food items are not date-marked. 3. Walls and ceiling in walk-in and floor in walk-in are dirty. 4. No test strips for sanitizer.
# Shepherd Hill Hospital, 200 Messimer Drive, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Market Basket, 1850 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Walls in pop storage room are dirty. 2. Light is burned out in walk-in.
# OSU-Newark Concession Stand, 1179 University Drive, Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No hand wash signs at hand sink. 2. No sanitizer present. 3. No test strips for sanitizer. 4. No probe thermometer. 5. Cobwebs have formed on ceiling, and floor is dirty.
# Newark Campus Child Development Center, 1175 University Drive, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Burger King No. 2, No. 4307, 1255 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. There is a roof leak in the dining room. 2. One filter is missing above fryers.
# V.F.W. Post 1060, 469 Forry St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Light burned out in kitchen. 2. Shelves in kitchen have spills on them.
# Big League Baseball, 971 Mount Vernon Road, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Eastern Grill, 597 E. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Light burned out in walk-in. 2. Floor in basement is dirty. 3. Shelves in basement are dirty.
# Newark Eagles No. 387, 52 Forry St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Utensils stored handles down. 2. Can opener, chopper on wall, cart on wheels, and inside of cabinets are dirty. 3. Food items are not date-marked. 4. Walls and ceiling in walk-in are dirty. 5. Pop and tea stored on floor in walk-in.
# Kentucky Fried Chicken, 38 N. Cedar St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Side Street Corral, 380 Seroco Ave., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# The Blue Raccoon, 606 W. Church St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Lids on Dumpster are open. 2. Floor under/around equipment is dirty.
# Central City Pizza II, 1868 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Union Station Pizza, 134 Union St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No test strips for sanitizer. 2. No thermometer in either reach-in.
# River Road Coffee House, 973 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Wrong test strips for sanitizer.
# Paramount Senior Living at Newark LLC, 920 Sharon Valley Road, Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Walls around dishwasher and ceiling around vents are dirty. 2. Lights burned out in kitchen.
# La Paloma, 19 S. Park Place, Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Cove molding is missing in restroom. 2. Wiping cloths on counter top. 3. Food items are not date-marked. 4. Floor fan is dirty. 5. Sort and organize shelves in kitchen.
# Flint Ridge Nursing and Rehab Center, 1450 W. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Ceiling in storage room has paint chipping on it.
# Elbow Lounge, 76 S. Second St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No thermometer in reach-in. 2. Foods in reach-in are not date-marked.

CALIFORNIA: Restaurant inspection violations
09.feb.08
OC Register
http://www.ocregister.com/news/feb-permit-suspended-1976632-reinstated-infestation
Agua Café/Water Gourmet,1409 W. Chapman Ave., Orange; operating without a valid health permit; closure Feb. 4.
CVS Pharmacy, 1660 W Katella Ave., Anaheim; rodent infestation; permit suspended Feb. 4; reinstated Feb. 5.
Elks Lodge #2068, 1505 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente; rodent infestation; permit suspended Jan. 31; reinstated Feb. 1.
Goko Café &Deli, 907 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach; plumbing in disrepair; permit suspended Feb. 4; reinstated Feb. 5.
Kobe Japanese Steak House, 3001 Old Ranch Parkway, Seal Beach; rodent infestation; permit suspended Feb. 1; reinstated Feb. 1.
La Reina Market, 508 N. East St., Anaheim; rodent infestation; permit suspended Feb. 4; reinstated Feb. 5.
Little Caesars, 1212 E. Yorba Linda Blvd., Placentia; insufficient hot water; permit suspended Feb. 6; reinstated Feb. 6.
Maki Sushi, 820 N. Euclid St., Anaheim; rodent infestation; permit suspended Jan. 31; reinstated Feb. 1.
McDonalds, 3562 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos; cockroach infestation; permit suspended Feb. 6; reinstated Feb. 6.
Old Ranch Country Club Main Kitchen, 3901 Lampson Ave., Seal Beach; rodent infestation; permit suspended Feb. 1; reinstated Feb. 1.
Seal Beach Tennis, 3900 Lampson Ave., Seal Beach; rodent infestation; permit suspended Jan. 30; reinstated Feb. 1.
Station, 16471 McFadden Ave., Tustin; rodent infestation; permit suspended Feb. 6; reinstated Feb. 6.
Taqueria La Raza, 925 W. Warner Ave., Santa Ana; plumbing in disrepair; permit suspended Feb. 5; reinstated Feb. 5.
Permit status taken from Orange County Health Care Agency Web site. See foodinspections.ocgov.com/closures/ for complete listings.

MISSOURI: St. Charles County restaurant ratings
08.feb.08
STL Today
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stcharles/story/24424524E5FC6A50862573E80072891D?OpenDocumenSt. Charles County inspectors grade restaurants on a numerical scale with 100 being the best score. St. Peters inspectors use the ABC system for grading with A being the best, followed by a numerical rating to reflect the number of demerits. Only the numerical ratings are listed here. Violations are expected to be corrected by the time of the next inspection. Only the more serious infractions are listed here. Occasionally, other comments by inspectors will be listed.
SF, for Smoke Free, designates establishments where smoking is not allowed in the enclosed dining area.
NSF, for Not Smoke Free, means that smoking is allowed, whether throughout the dining area or in a separate section.
ST. CHARLES COUNTY
Lake Saint Louis Pizza, 161 Civic Center Drive, Lake Saint Louis. Jan. 29. Score 96. Sanitizer for dishwashing machine not at proper strength. Ceiling panels throughout establishment absorbent, need vinyl coated. SF.
Lakeside Bar & Grill, 100 Cognac Drive, Lake Saint Louis. Jan. 29. Score 96. Food product improperly stored on the floor in walk-in cooler. Bottom of glass/mug cooler soiled at bar. Tracking on reach-in cooler soiled. NSF.
Wentzville Lounge, 11 West Allen Avenue, Wentzville. Jan. 29. Score 92. No test strips provided for sanitizer. No thermometer provided in reach-in cooler. No sanitizer solution provided for wiping cloths. NSF.
Holiday Inn, 900 Corporate Parkway, Wentzville. Jan. 29. Score 93. Chemicals improperly stored next to food products. Ceiling panels in poor condition in dry storage area. Cove base in poor condition in walk-in cooler. Shelving in poor condition throughout kitchen. NSF.
Timber Creek Grill, 1120 Technology Drive, O'Fallon. Jan. 31. Score 100. No violations. NSF.
Ruby Tuesday Restaurant & Bar, 1140 Technology Drive, O'Fallon. Jan. 31. Score 89. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one certified at time of inspection. Soda gun soiled at bar. Hand towels not being properly dispensed in kitchen. Knives stored soiled with food debris. Pantry drawer cooler in poor condition. NSF.
St. Peters
St. Peters Golf Course, 200 Salt Lick Road. Feb. 4. No score. Change of ownership inspection and approved. NSF.
FastLane Convenient Mart, 301 Salt Lick Road. Feb. 4. Score 98. No hand soap provided at handwashing sink. SF.
Petro Mart, 664 Jungermann Road. Feb. 5. Score 98. Food product uncovered in walk-in cooler. SF.
7-Eleven, 610 Jungermann Road. Feb. 5. Score 94. Interior of waste receptacles soiled. No hand towels provided at handwashing sink. Handwashing sink soiled. SF.
Mobil Mart, 200 Jungermann Road. Feb. 5. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Season's Best Produce & More, 3746 Harvester Road. Feb. 5. No score. Change of ownership inspection and approved. SF.
My Son's Incredible Edibles, 121 Main Street. Feb. 5. Score 99. Soiled wiping cloths improperly stored in sink. SF.
My Son's Cake & Candy Supply, 117 Main Street. Feb. 5. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Luigia & Raffaeles Pizza, Pasta & Catering, 548 Salt River Road. Feb. 6. No score. Opening inspection and approved to open. SF.
American Legion Post 313, 200 North Main Street. Feb. 6. Score 98. Raw food product improperly stored in reach-in cooler.

TASMANIA: I'm so sorry, says cafe owner
07.feb.08
The Mercury
Linda Smith
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23179339-5007221,00.html
Barfblog Post
Venus cafe owner Maree Little cried yesterday as she spoke of the devastation of knowing food prepared at her Hobart, Tasmania, eatery had made at least 79 people seriously ill, including mourners at funerals which her business had catered for.
She too became ill after eating food from the cafe, which had been made unknowingly with contaminated eggs.
Little was cited as saying she felt compassion for all those who had been sick, including her five-year-old granddaughter and five Venus staff who were all hospitalized, stating, "I want to sincerely apologise to all of our loyal customers, staff and other members of the community who've fallen ill as a result of eating food from Venus café. We profoundly regret that our business has been associated with this salmonella outbreak and we feel for everyone who has been admitted to hospital, or become sick as a result of eating at our cafe. It has devastated me and the staff as well. Our heart certainly goes out to those (sick) people because we know what they are going through."
The apology came after the Mercury revealed a 66-year-old Hobart man was struck down with salmonella after lunching at Venus and spent the past 12 days in hospital.
The hospitalised man was finally able to go home yesterday and said he was grateful that Venus had apologised and that the Tasmanian Greens were pushing for regulatory changes to prevent further salmonella outbreaks.
The Health Department has confirmed the outbreak at Venus was caused by an aioli salad dressing and dipping sauce which was made from raw eggs.
The contaminated food was served in the cafe on January 24-25 and at several catered functions including funerals at Millingtons in Mornington.
Ms Little was further cited as saying it was unfortunate that her business had unknowingly used contaminated eggs provided by an external egg supplier, and that her business, which she had run for 16 months, would not use raw egg in any product ever again, adding, "Our business is as much a victim as those people who have fallen ill as a result of eating contaminated food. The harm to our business and reputation is devastating, but the most important thing is the health of our customers, staff and loved ones and we sincerely hope they are able to make a full recovery as soon as possible."

Cough, sneeze, yuck! Restaurant money could make you sick
05.feb.08
Healthinspections.com
http://www.healthinspections.com/articles.cfm?YXJ0aWNsZUlEPTk5
Barfblog Post
Swiss researchers have, according to this story, found that flu germs can live on paper money up to 17 days.
The story says that past research at the University of Georgia discovered that dangerous E.coli bacteria can easily survive on the loose change in your pocket: anywhere from seven to eleven days on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.
The research points out why handwashing – especially in restaurants – is so important.
Chirag Bhatt, former director of health inspections for the city of Houston and now food safety director for Healthinspections.com, was quoted as saying, "When a food worker touches money, then touches food, there is a clear danger of spreading germs."
Researchers in the latest study found that when they mixed nose mucous with flu-virus and placed it on paper money – the virus survived up to two weeks on the bills. Something to think about when a waitress sneezes into her hand then counts change into your hand.
The study suggested that bank employees and others who handle a lot of money might want to wear gloves or even a mask.
According to Bhatt, "For the average person, this is just another reminder of how important it is to wash our hands frequently to safeguard our health."

GEORGIA: Restaurant inspection scores released
05.feb.08
Northeast Georgian
http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2008/02/05/news/business/01business.txt
Following are the food service inspections for Jan. 24-25 by the Habersham County Health Department's Environmental Health Section.
A score of 85 and above is considered passing.
Food service establishments are required to post their score sheets in public so that customers can review them.
For more information about an inspection, contact the environmental health office at (706) 776-7659.
* Great Wraps, 700 Historic Highway 441, Cornelia. Score: 100; current grade: A.
* Burger King, 1145 Business Highway 441 N., Cornelia. Purpose of inspection: routine. Score: 100; current grade: A.
* The Attic, 1344 A Washington St., Clarkesville. Score: 95; current grade: A. Permit recommended. Out of compliance with the following: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized. Nonfood-contact surfaces clean.
• Grill 51, Old Clarkesville Mill, Clarkesville. Score: 93; current grade: A. Out of compliance with the following: Management awareness: policy present; reporting; Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use; Adequate handwashing facilities supplied and accessible; Wiping cloths; properly used and stored.

OHIO: Hidden camera catches Hilton & other hotels with nasty drinking glasses
04.feb.08
HealthInspections.com
http://healthinspections.com/articles.cfm?YXJ0aWNsZUlEPTk4
Barfblog Post
Beware of the drinking glasses in your hotel rooms. Yet another television story has found that the glasses don't get washed.
WCPO in Cincinnati borrowed an idea that was first tried by a Fox television station inAtlanta. They placed hidden cameras into hotel rooms to watch housekeepers in action.
WCPO found that housekeepers aren't doing their jobs. Instead of washing the drinking glasses in guest rooms, they're just wiping them off and reusing them. And it's happening at big name hotels such as the Hilton.
The footage is enough to make you cringe. In one case, it shows a housekeeper wiping the bathroom floor with a towel then using the same towel to wipe off drinking glasses.
WCPO found glasses being reused at hotel rooms in Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas City, Phoenix, and Baltimore.

CANADA: Auditor general says restaurant inspectors aren't enforcing rules
02.feb.08
The Telegram
Peter Walsh
http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=104066&sc=79
Restaurant inspectors are behind schedule and short staffed. Violators sometimes go unpunished.
Newfoundland Government Services Minister Kevin O'Brien says restaurants are safe. Auditor General John Noseworthy isn't so sure.
In his annual report Thursday, Noseworthy found that inspectors sometimes let critical health hazards slip by. Examples include allowing five restaurants that failed inspection to stay open. The AG also found that one restaurant - which he says he can't name - violated two critical health hazards during eight consecutive health inspections, but remained open.
Noseworthy was quoted as saying, "So, that's an interesting thing. You have a critical hazard that's not corrected and yet the facility is not closed. You'd have to draw your own conclusion as to whether or not it's safe."
He also found that 11 per cent of restaurants were operating without a valid licence at the time of his review. Noseworthy deflected a question about his own faith in restaurants by quipping, "I cook at home."
O'Brien was cited as saying critical health violations are often corrected immediately, but different violations can pop up under the same heading during later inspections, adding, "It may be in the same category, but it may not be the same violation. The auditor general is looking at the numbers, but he's not really drilling down to the reasons why."
Noseworthy rejects that argument, saying the department needs to focus more on serious violations. Currently, Government Services ranks every licensed restaurant in terms of its risk to human health. Restaurants are rated either low, medium or high risk.
The province is about 50 per cent ahead of schedule for low-risk restaurants. But inspectors are 10 per cent to 20 per cent behind on medium- to high-risk establishments.
Noseworthy was further quoted as saying, "I would question the deployment of resources there. Why wouldn't you just concentrate more on the medium and high versus the low? So, it is a concern that there are food establishments that are not being inspected with the frequency that's been ... put in place by the department. There's likely an issue."
O'Brien said the department is having difficulty filling six vacant health inspector jobs. He said some restaurants are in remote locations. Bad weather can prevent inspections, too, he explained.

MICHIGAN: Downtown restaurant closed
02.feb.08
mlive.com
Alex Nixon / Kalamazoo Gazette
http://blog.mlive.com/followthemoney/2008/02/downtown_restaurant_closed.html
KALAMAZOO -- A downtown Kalamazoo eatery has been closed for more than three weeks after a health inspection uncovered problems.
Dragon Inn, at 232 S. Kalamazoo Mall, was shut down by the Kalamazoo County Environmental Health Bureau on Jan. 10 following a review of the Chinese food restaurant.
Attempts to contact owner Ken Lum were not successful Friday.
According to the inspector's report, the restaurant "must remain closed until ... a representative from Kalamazoo County Health Department has reviewed and approved of all repairs and cleaning requirements laid out in this inspection."
A sign on the door of the restaurant said it was temporarily closed for kitchen remodeling.
Problems cited in the report include:
• Discharge from a fire-suppression system contaminated numerous food containers and food contact surfaces.
• Accumulation of grease, dirt and debris on sides, top, bottom, and handles of all refrigeration units, dishwashing machine, grill, ovens, deep fryers, rice cooking and hot-holding units.
• Floor tiles, walls and ceiling in the kitchen were found to be broken, cracked, soiled or in a state of disrepair.
Find the inspection report and search for others at http://www.swordsolutions.com/inspections/pgeSearchRest.asp?Hit=DirectSearch&LastCty=30

KENTUCKY: Good grades for TV news restaurant inspection reports
01.feb.08
Ville Voice Eats
http://villevoiceeats.com/2008/02/01/good-grades-for-tv-news-restaurant-inspection-reports/
Reports filed this week by WDRB Fox-41 and WHAS-11 on restaurant inspections were actually more informative than expected. Our preemptive criticism of these reports centered on WHAS’s ratings-driven hype rolling up to its own reports, and we implied doubt that the station would unearth any real information.
Its reports, (see WHAS’s “Dirty Dining,” no link on the Fox site)however, did provide some—not a lot, but some—helpful info, and if the station gained any viewership as a result, good on them.
Here’s what they found: Both stations reported on a handful of restaurants whose windows bore “A” ratings from the Metro Health and Wellness (MHW) administration when they should have borne “Cs.” If a restaurant fails an inspection, it gets a “C” if the failure isn’t significant enough to close the operation. A week later, it gets a follow-up inspection, but even if it passes with flying colors, the “C” is supposed to remain awhile longer before an “A” grade replaces it.
MHW, the stations pointed out, was at fault for putting “As” up too quickly. When checking its own work, MHW knew it made the mistakes, but chose not to correct the error. An egregious violation? I don’t think so, especially since the operation was proven up to snuff. But it’s a violation nonetheless.
In an unusually frank interview for a government employee, Matt Rhodes, the administrator for MHW, admitted the office screwed up, and he vowed they’d handle the matter correctly in the future.
What’s troubling, however, about the MHW policy is its “Scarlet Letter” application. If a restaurant fails an inspection but quickly brings itself up to standard, shouldn’t the passing grade be applied then? I’m not certain turning those facilities into Hester Prynnes and allowing the negative impression to linger is fair or productive. The fact remains that the restaurant is now a safe place to eat, so sound the all clear, right?
Wrong. MHW believes customers need to be aware of the restaurant’s past faults.
WHAS reporter Adam Walser correctly recommended restaurant patrons consult public records, such as this restaurant inspection grade Web site, so they could be better informed.
Better yet, an astute VilleVoiceEats reader added this one, a Web site that plots on a city map restaurants that posted failing grades.

INDIANAPOLIS: Hold the Ice
01.feb.08
WTHR Channel 13 News
Bob Segall
http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=7803915&nav=9Tai
Scientists were cited as saying improper hand washing, food handling and equipment maintenance are to blame for high bacteria levels found in local restaurant ice.
The story says that What 13 Investigates discovered in the ice at many Indianapolis-area bars and restaurants is not supposed to be there. In fact, at one of every three restaurants checked, the ice contained more bacteria than toilet water, and health officials say it shows improper practices at local eateries that could make you sick.
This month, WTHR collected ice samples from 25 popular bars and restaurants and took it to a state-certified laboratory for analysis. The results showed at 13 of the 25 bars and restaurants tested, at least one ice sample tested positive for the presence of coliform bacteria.
Howard Cundiff, director of consumer protection at the Indiana State Department of Health, was quoted as saying, "When it comes to drinking water - and in this case, ice comes from drinking water - there should be no coliform bacteria at all. There is no reason it should be there and that's why the standard we use is zero."
The state health department points out that coliform bacteria is common in the environment.