Inspection
July 2008

UK: Fears over restaurant hygiene standards
31.jul.08
Norwich Evening News 24
Dan Grimmer
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=
news&itemid=NOED31%20Jul%202008%2011%3A51%3A53%3A397
Hygiene standards in restaurants and food outlets around Norwich could suffer if Government plans are introduced which would force the city council to scrap its pioneering five-star food safety scheme.
At the moment, places which serve food in the city are rated according to five categories, and council officers believe Norwich City Council's pioneering system helps keeps standards high.
But proposals made by the Food Standards Agency under a national scheme would see Norwich's five-star system, which has been introduced by more than 150 local authorities, come to an abrupt end.
Food safety officers at City Hall fear proposals to introduce a national standard, which could see a simple pass or fail scheme or grades from zero to three stars, would mean restaurateurs would not have the same motivation to constantly strive for better standards.
Jaan Stanton, Norwich City Council's food safety team leader, said: “There are two proposals being put forward - one is a pass or fail system which we are opposed to and a zero to three-star scheme which we do not think is as good as our five-star system.
“It is a great honour that we have been visited by the Food Standards Agency to be part of the consultation and I hope we have shown how the five-star system is working.
“We know the five-star scheme works and has brought benefits. The proposed three-star system is quite broad and means we cannot reward relatively minor improvements by giving an extra star and taking it away if it slips a little. We prefer our system because it means the proprietors keep standards high.”
As part of the consultation over the proposed changes, Dame Deirdre Hutton, chair of the Food Standards Agency yesterday visited Norwich City Council to learn more about its five-star food safety scheme.
She spent the day with the council's food safety officers, chief executive Laura McGillivray and leader Steve Morphew, who showed Dame Deirdre how effective their scheme has been at improving food safety.
Restaurateurs talked to Dame Deirdre about how much they value having their efforts to improve food safety recognised by the council.
The five-star food safety award was introduced by Norwich City Council in spring 2005 as a way of improving food safety in the city by making restaurant inspection reports available to the public.
The restaurants are given certificates with the star rating, which can be displayed, and the ratings and full inspection reports are posted on the Norwich City Council website.
Steve Morphew, Norwich City Council leader, said: “Norwich City Council is at the forefront of promoting food safety standards. We welcomed Dame Deirdre's visit and saw it as an opportunity to showcase the scores on doors five star scheme which as an organisation we are extremely proud of.”
The visit by Dame Deirdre also coincided with the re-vamp of the council's Safer Food Award webpage making it even easier for the public to access food safety information about where they eat in Norwich.
The current reports can be visited at
www.norwich.gov.uk/intranet_docs/A-Z/Environmental%20Health/2005/Food_Awards/Safer_Food_Master_List.pdf

CANADA: Health department closes Vineland Chinese restaurant
31.jul.08
St. Catherines Standard
Monique Beech
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1138855
A Vineland, Onatrio, Chinese restaurant has been closed following a suspected food contamination outbreak that made at least 19 people ill.
China Express was closed last Friday by Niagara public health officials after a number of health violations were found at the takeout restaurant at 4630 Victoria Ave., near South Service Road.
China Express remained closed Thursday for “unsanitary conditions and improper food handling,” read a notice posted at the restaurant. Public health inspectors continued to investigate the eatery, which recently changed ownership.
Nineteen people, believed to have eaten at the restaurant on or around July 24, fell ill with typical food poisoning symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
What exactly caused the outbreak is still being investigated, said Bjorn Christensen, director of environmental health with the Region’s public health unit.
Officials have taken samples from the restaurant to a lab to try to isolate the organism that caused the illness, he said. The results are not yet available.

OREGON: Norovirus outbreak responsible for P.F. Chang’s closure: More than 40 cases confirmed so far
31.jul.08
kptv.com
http://www.kptv.com/news/17056312/detail.html#-
Barfblog Post
Tigard, Oregon -- Washington County health officials said an outbreak of norovirus was responsible for dozens of customers and employees getting sick at a local P.F. Chang's restaurant.
The health department started getting calls July 24 from people who dined at the P.F. Chang's Chinese Bistro in Bridgeport Village.
The P.F. Chang's was still closed Thursday because of the illnesses.
After health department workers did some testing inside, they found out it was an outbreak of norovirus.
They've confirmed 41 cases so far – 31 customers and 10 employees -- but officials said they've been getting calls all day and that number could go up.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that quickly spreads on surfaces and between people.
Customers were confused at first as to where they had picked up the illness.
Craig and Nicole Baumer remember the wide array of dishes they tried with their friends on Saturday at P.F. Chang's. They felt fine until 24 hours later.
"Sunday night, I woke up in the middle of the night and just felt horrible," Craig Baumer said.
The Baumers thought it was a bug they picked up abroad.

WASHINGTON: Health district restaurant inspection results now online
31.jul.08
Yakima Herald-Republic
Leah Beth Ward
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/6330
YAKIMA -- The Yakima Health District is now posting results of restaurant inspections on its Web site.
Jared Keefer, an environmental health specialist with the district, told the board Wednesday at its monthly meeting that the information is part of a larger plan to make health information more readily available to the community.
The results describe what the inspector observed at the time and don't guarantee that those conditions are present at all times.
All eating establishments, including grocery and convenience store delis, are inspected at least once a year and more frequently depending on their history of compliance, Keefer said.
"If we get complaints we inspect more frequently," he said.
The information is updated monthly.
The site is at www.co.yakima.wa.us/health/eh/fsfhc.htm

GEORGIA: Restaurant linked to E. coli outbreak to re-open this week?
30.jul.08
WCTV
Caroline Blair
http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/26116184.html
The restaurant that closed voluntarily after disease investigators linked a food borne illness to contaminated beef from one of its suppliers could reopen by the middle of this week, said Southwest Georgia Public Health District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant.
“We sent the last batch of swabs out late last week to the state lab for testing. It usually takes at least two days for cultures to grow, so it is possible we could hear something back as early as tomorrow,”
Grant said.
“If the results are negative, we will be able to give the restaurant a clean bill of health to reopen,” said Grant.
Beginning in late June, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and similar symptoms sent scores of Colquitt County residents to health care providers for treatment.
Lab results confirmed eight cases of E. coli 0157 infections. Four additional patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe condition found in people with severe E. coli infections.
All confirmed and presumed cases involve people who ate at the Barbecue Pit, located at 311 First Ave., S.E. in Moultrie from mid-June through July 3.

BARFBLOG: Name and Shame of restaurants: works in Sydney, sucks in Melbourne
30.jul.08
barfblog
Doug Powell
Barfblog Post
Amy and I spent a week in Melbourne in July. We ate out a lot. And it was simply dining on faith.
As Jason Dowling reports in Melbourne’s daily paper, The Age,
http://www.theage.com.au/national/filthy-eateries-to-keep-their-cloak-of-secrecy-20080730-3ngj.html
Dozens of city food businesses, including restaurants and cafes, have been prosecuted for breaching food hygiene laws in the past five years — but Melbourne City Council will not reveal who they are. …
The council's inability to name restaurants with poor hygiene records comes as a "name and shame" food hygiene website in New South Wales had attracted 25,000 visitors in its first month.
The NSW Government has boasted the new website improved consumer information and "provides a powerful incentive for the food industry to boost its performance".
http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2008/07/30/bakers-getting-the-message-on-food-safety.html
Melbourne City Councillor David Wilson was cited as saying the council did not support wider disclosure of poor hygiene discoveries at restaurants, adding,
"We believe that it is not appropriate for details of prosecutions to be released as restaurants may have changed management since the prosecution or they may not have breached food safety regulations since the initial prosecution and publication of a past prosecution could severely impact the viability of the current business.”
Councillor Wilson, I bet you won’t have the vote next election on my friend, Melbourne Milton (left, exactly as shown) wants to see the results of restaurant inspections. Milton was so astute he said he knew the results really meant anything, didn’t make the food any safer and were just a snapshot in time, but the public disclosure made people more aware of food safety issues and people talked about it.
Barfblog Post -- Kangaroo in Restaurant
Even Durham Region in Ontario, Canada, is going to start with the red, yellow, green system of restaurant inspection disclosure.
Melbourne, figure it out. People who spend money in your restaurants should have access to inspection data if they want. Or they should take their money elsewhere.
http://newsdurhamregion.com/printArticle/103969
Barfblog Post -- Inspection Disclosure for Columbus

AUSTRALIA: Filthy eateries to keep their cloak of secrecy
30.jul.08
The Age
Jason Dowling
http://www.theage.com.au/national/filthy-eateries-to-keep-their-cloak-of-secrecy-20080730-3ngj.html
Dozens of city food businesses, including restaurants and cafes, have been prosecuted for breaching food hygiene laws in the past five years — but Melbourne City Council will not reveal who they are.
The council, which polices and enforces food safety laws in the CBD, said secrecy laws prevented the naming of businesses involved in the 40 food safety related prosecutions — one business was fined $75,000.
The council's inability to name restaurants with poor hygiene records comes as a "name and shame" food hygiene website in New South Wales had attracted 25,000 visitors in its first month.
The NSW Government has boasted the new website improved consumer information and "provides a powerful incentive for the food industry to boost its performance".
Calls are growing in Victoria for greater food safety information and protection for consumers.
Melbourne City councillor David Wilson was cited as saying the council did not support wider disclosure of poor hygiene discoveries at restaurants, adding, "We believe that it is not appropriate for details of prosecutions to be released as restaurants may have changed management since the prosecution or they may not have breached food safety regulations since the initial prosecution and publication of a past prosecution could severely impact the viability of the current business.”
The State Government is seeking feedback on proposed new food laws for Victoria, but it has ruled out introducing a "name and shame" food safety website.

VIRGINIA: Waynesboro restaurant inspections
29.jul.08
News Leader
Healthspace.ca
http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080729/NEWS01/80729005/1002
Waynesboro Manor, Waynesboro
Facility type: Adult care home food service
Inspection type: Routine
Inspection date: July 7
Critical violations: 0
Noncritical violations: 0
• No violations were found during the inspection
Comments: No violations were found during the inspection
Best Western of Waynesboro, Waynesboro
Facility type: Hotel continental breakfast
Inspection type: Routine
Inspection date: July 8
Critical violations: 0
Noncritical violations: 0
• No violations were found during the inspection
Comments: No violations were found during the inspection
El Puerto, No. 17, Waynesboro
Facility type: Full-service restaurant
Inspection type: Routine
Inspection date: July 14
Critical violations: 0
Noncritical violations: 1
• The inside of the door of the white chest freezer in the grill area was falling apart. As a result there were unprotected areas inside the chest freezer which were rough and were not cleanable at the bacterial level. Also there was a wrench being used as a replacement for a broken water handle above the sink basins which controls water going to the sprayer arm at the three-compartment dishwashing sink.
Level: Noncritical
Details: The chest freezer door needs to be replaced prior to renewal of the permit on or before Oct. 31, 2008. All areas inside freezers and also refrigerators must be smooth and easy to keep clean. And the correct repair of the sprayer water handle needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. The wrench introduces surfaces which are not easy to keep clean at the bacterial level.
Comments: None
Subway, No. 7528, Waynesboro
Facility type: Fast-food restaurant
Inspection type: Routine
Inspection date: July 15
Critical violations: Unknown
Noncritical violations: Unknown
• The lighting intensity in the back part of the walk-in refrigerator was less than two foot candles.
Level: Noncritical
Details: We require that the lighting intensity in all areas inside the walk-in refrigerator be 10 foot candles or higher measured 30 inches from the floor. Additional lighting is needed in the back part of the walk-in refrigerator.
• The cove molding along the floor below the front of the walk-in refrigerator, had come loose. This exposes rough surfaces which are not easily cleanable.
Level: Noncritical
Details: We require that all areas of the floor and walls in the kitchen areas be smooth and easily cleanable. This needs to be repaired.
Comments: Handwashing and dishwashing were being carried out correctly. No food temperature problems were observed.

ONTARIO: Local restaurants to get green, yellow, red signs
29.jul.08
Durham Region News
Reka Szekely
http://newsdurhamregion.com/printArticle/103969
This spring, Durham diners will be seeing red, green and yellow in local restaurants as the Region launches a new program aimed at publicizing the results of health inspections in food establishments.
The program will be similar to the system used in other jurisdictions, including Toronto. A green sign will mean a pass, a yellow a conditional pass and red is for establishments ordered closed. It will apply to all establishments that serve food from restaurants to grocery stores to institutions such as hospitals and day cares.
"The posting of the information is purely to protect the public's health so they're more informed about their choices of what they're going to do, what premises they're going to attend," said Laura Gertsen, manager of environmental health for the Region of Durham. The ultimate goal is to reduce cases of foodborne illness.
As it stands, the Region publishes the names of restaurants convicted of violating the province's health legislation, but does not publish inspection results for each restaurant. The information is available to the public, but residents must contact the health department and ask about a restaurant's inspection history.
"The reason behind having the program is that this information is public already, but it needs to be disclosed to the public to protect their health," said Ms. Gertsen.
And, since the new signs mean diners will be aware of any problems, Ms. Gertsen is hoping it means restaurants will work to avoid them or to quickly fix any that may occur.
Right now, the Region is asking residents to log on to www.region.durham.on.ca and complete a quick survey about its new food safety disclosure program. In addition to the new signs, Durham is working on an interactive website to provide more information about the inspections.
Before launching the new green, yellow, red system, the Region will conduct a public education campaign, said Ms. Gertsen.

FLORIDA: 'Dog-friendly' restaurant ordinance gets initial OK
28.jul.08
TCPalm
Jim Mayfield
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/jul/28/dog-friendly-restaurant-ordinance-gets-initial-ok/
STUART -- By unanimous vote Monday, Stuart city commissioners gave initial approval to a “dog-friendly” restaurant ordinance that would allow patrons to bring their canines to restaurants with outdoor eating areas.
Restaurants seeking the “dog-friendly” designation would have to apply for and receive a permit from the city before allowing the animals on premises.
The ordinance requires dogs to be leashed and attended at all times, prohibits man’s best friend from actually being seated at a table and requires employees to wash their hands each time they leave the dog-designated area.
Employees and owners will also have the task of preventing their dogs from coming into contact with serving dishes, tableware or any other food service item.

OHIO: Restaurant inspection report
28.jul.08
Newark Advocate
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080728/NEWS01/807280305/1002
# Side Street Corral, July 15, 380 Seroco Ave., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Lunch meats in two-door reach-in are not date marked. 2. Cupboard above hand sink has spills in it.
# Duke & Duchess Shoppe 201, July 15, 900 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Ceiling tile is missing in storage room. 2. Floor is dirty under racks in walk-in. 3. Light is missing in storage area.
# Speedway, July 15, 1280 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Floor is dirty in walk-in, dish room and storage room. 2. Walk-in and dish room have splashes on them.
# Circle K No. 5307, July 15, 555 W. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Floor is dirty in walk-in and storage room. 2. Hand sink has items stored in it.
# Speedway No. 5108, July 16, 737 W. Church St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Lid on Dumpster is open. 2. Floor in walk-in under racks is dirty. 3. No towels for hand sink. 4. Items stored in hand sink.
# Circle K No. 5303, July 15, 369 Church St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Cheeseburger dog held at 125 degrees F and southwest chicken held at 121 degrees F. 2. Floor is dirty in the walk-in and storage room. 3. Light shields are missing in dish room.
# Delmar Restaurant, July 18, 136 N. Prospect St., Granville, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Food uncovered in pizza station cooler. 2. No date marking on foods in Delfield cooler. 3. No test strips for sanitizer in the three-bay sink. 4. No thermometer in walk-in cooler. 5. Door seals on pizza station cooler are dirty. 6. Door seals on Delfield are dirty. 7. Blade on large can opener is dirty. 8. Door seals on Delfield cooler are torn. 9. Potato peeler is dirty. 10. Hand sink by ice machine in the kitchen is inaccessible to employees. 11. No air gap for ice machine drain line at floor drain. 12. There is scattered trash on ground around Dumpster area. 13. Lids on Dumpster are not closed. 14. Floor in kitchen is dirty.
# Steak-N-Shake, July 21, 1445 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No towels at hand sink. 2. Floor is dirty in walk-ins, storage room and under/around equipment. 3. Dipper well is not working.
# Taco Bell No. 4985, July 21, 1019 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Lids on Dumpster are open. 2. Floor is dirty under/around equipment.
# Moundbuilders Country Club Pool, July 21, 125 N. 33rd St., Newark, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Food items in reach-in are not date marked.
# Wendy's, July 21, 10 S. Second St., Newark, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Ceiling above fryers has dust buildup.
# Captain Jacks, July 18, 1314 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Thermometer in cooler reads 49.3 degrees F. 2. No test strips for sanitizer in three-bay sink. 3. Paper towel dispenser is off the wall. 4. Door on cooler needs to be replaced.
# Speedway No. 1129, July 16, 364 E. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Floor is dirty in the walk-in and pop storage room. 2. Vegetable rolls held at 130 degrees F. 3. No towels at hand sink.
# McDonald's, July 16, 22 Union St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Speedway No. 9312, July 16, 117 E. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Lid on Dumpster open. 2. Floor in walk-in and storage areas is dirty.
# Circle K No. 5302, July 15, 108 National Road, Newark, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Floors in storage room and walk-in are dirty.

PENNSYLVANIA: County restaurant inspections
28.jul.08
Intelligencer Journal
http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1497908/county_restaurant_inspections/
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 866-366-3723, uses a risk-based inspection reporting process for restaurants and other food handlers.
The following inspection reports were completed in July.
American Legion Post No. 662, 35 S. Hoover Ave., New Holland, July 21. White substance on kitchen can opener blade. Some rust on the ice machine deflector plate. Eggs are cooked to order; however, there is no consumer advisory posted.
Bloomfield Square Italian Restaurant, 3140 Lititz Pike, Lititz, July 17. Dried food debris on slicer blade and housing. Internal temperature of bleu cheese and ranch salad dressings kept in ice that was partially melted measured 48 F and 50 F. Internal temperature of tuna and chicken salad on bain marie for three hours measured 50 F. Partition needed to the left of the kitchen handsink. Wait station cutting boards are heavily scored and need to be either resurfaced or replaced. Exterior of grinder needs cleaning. Floor underneath shelves in walk-in cooler need to be cleaned. Vent hole near dishwasher needs to be covered with a durable, easily cleanable material. Light bulbs near kitchen prep sink are neither shielded nor coated.
Burger King No. 1514, 5300 Main St., East Petersburg, July 22. Tomato slicer has a slight accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces. Rear outer opening in the food facility does not protect against the entry of insects and rodents. Static dust on air vents.
Cloister Restaurant, 607 W. Main St., Ephrata, July 18. Complaint- based inspection could not be verified. No violations.
Darrenkamp's Food Market, 191 Ridgeview Road, Elizabethtown, July 21. No sign or poster at the handwash sink in the to go area to remind food employees to wash their hands. The handwash sink in the meat prep area was blocked by utensils and not accessible at all times for employee use. The soda nozzles had a slight accumulation of food residue on the food contact surfaces. Marinade was out of date in seafood area. Moist wiping cloths on counters and not stored in sanitizing solution. Single-service items not inverted or covered. Cutting boards had deep scratches and scoring.
Domino's Pizza, 108 N. Reading Road, Ephrata, July 18. The person in charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the food code. Test strips fell in water, new ones are needed.
Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA, 1980 Turnpike Road, Elizabethtown, July 22. No violations.
Giant Food No. 117, 10 Newport Road, Leola, July 21. No consumer advisory posted in either meat or seafood departments. A live fly in deli and bakery. Food must be kept covered and food equipment and utensils cleaned and sanititzed before using if flies are present. Food handlers in bakery and meat department wearing watches. Metal pans stacked wet on drain board in produce department. Garbage cans found with lids on in all departments. Unless waste receptacles are not in continuous use, lids must be kept off during operation. Static dust accumulation on meat walk-in refrigerator's fan guard covers.
Greco's Italian Ices & Homemade Ice Cream, 49 N. Broad St., Lititz, July 16. No violations.
Green Hills Farm Discount Grocery, 615 E. Newport Road, Lititz, July 16. Complaint-based inspection. Fly strips hanging over deli slicers. Employees must sanitize cutting boards and food contact surfaces before using each time until problem is abated. Complaint partially verified.
Hershey Conewago Campground, 1590 Hershey Road, Elizabethtown, July 17. Refrigerator does not have an internal thermometer.
Hess Mart No. 38423, 1500 S. Market St., Elizabethtown, July 22. No violations.
Oregon Dairy Country Restaurant, 2900 Oregon Pike, Brownstown, July 18. Line sink in main kitchen is being used for multiple purposes. Restaurant manager states that it is being used for the disposal of liquids. A handwashing facility may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Food debris in a stored pan in kitchen. In-use utensils found stored in standing water. Metal pans found stacked wet in main kitchen. Floor coating worn off in several places exposing cement in meat room. Hood baffles in main kitchen need cleaning.
Rice & Noodles, 1238 Lititz Pike, July 22. Slight residue on the interior of the ice machine. Food and single-service items not stored at least six inches above the floor. Single-service items not covered or inverted. Static dust on fans in cooler.
Turkey Hill No. 103, 2395 S. Market St., Elizabethtown, July 22. Handwash sink is blocked by mop bucket and broom. Large accumulations of pink and white residue buildup on ice dispenser at soda fountain. Food facility is using an approved non-public water system but does not have current laboratory testing results for water potability. Facility does not have a probe-type thermometer to monitor internal cooking or holding temperatures. Mop not inverted or hung up to dry properly.
Turkey Hill No. 235, 998 N. Hanover St., Elizabethtown, July 22. Four breakfast sandwiches held at 122 F. Unit was turned all the way down. Facility does not have a probe-type thermometer to monitor internal cooking or holding temperatures. Food stored on floor in walk-in coolers and dry storage. Pink and black residue buildup on soda fountain unit.
Two Cousins Pizza, 808 E. Main St., New Holland, July 21. Black residue on ice bin deflector plate. Quaternary ammonia sanitizer in three-compartment sink measured 100 ppm. Mayonnaise, tomato slices, ham, turkey and tuna in bain marie had internal temperatures ranging from 46 F to 71 F. Several flies in establishment. Sanitize food contact surfaces before using and keep all food covered until under control. Foodhandlers not wearing hair restraints. Tables are preset with silverware; however, food contact surfaces are exposed. Bain marie cutting board contains grooves and holes. Toilet in men's room needs to be cleaned.
Weis Markets No. 049, 740 S. Broad St., Lititz, July 16. Some bags of wilted lettuce on salad rack. Dried food debris on stored knife at salad bar station. Some rust and a purple liquid on can opener blade that was not in use. Internal temperature of potentially hazardous foods on salad bar measured from 43 F to 55 F. Salad bar refrigeration unit is not maintaining food at 41 F or below. No consumer advisory posted at either the meat or seafood counters. At least a half inch opening on bottom right side of general dock door. A food worker in meat room wearing a band on wrist. Follow-up inspection conducted July 22 showed that all previous violations had been corrected.

ILLINOIS: New West Side restaurant shut down by City Health Department
25.jul.08
Chicago Department of Public Health
Tim Hadac
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?contentOID=537001895&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&entityName=HealthA Near West Side restaurant was shut down today after Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) inspectors discovered a cockroach infestation and other critical violations of the city health code.
Aroma on Randolph, 941 W. Randolph, was shut down after inspectors found dozens of cockroaches in the kitchen, particularly in the drip pan of a stove.
The restaurant also was cited for raw sewage backing up from a floor drain in the basement kitchen, no hand washing sink in the basement kitchen, a non-functioning hand washing sink in the kitchen on the main floor, no soap or hand towels at any sink on the premises, employees laying their shoes and clothing on top of plates and utensils, houseflies and fruit flies in the kitchen, and a poorly maintained outside garbage area (grease on top of and on the ground around the grease box).
CDPH inspectors also cited Aroma on Randolph for two violations of the Chicago Clean Indoor Air Ordinance. Inspectors found two dozen dirty ashtrays hidden behind the bar. The second citation was issued because management had failed to post “No Smoking” signs as required by law.
The Aroma on Randolph web site states, “Our restaurant has a smoking area…”.
Smoking is prohibited in all restaurants in the city, as well as in the rest of the state.
Today’s inspection was triggered by a customer who contacted CDPH via the City of Chicago web site to allege that she had found a cockroach in her food.
Representatives of Aroma on Randolph will have to explain themselves at an administrative hearing on August 28 and pay fines expected to total $4,000 for the food sanitation violations and at least $400 for the Clean Indoor Air Ordinance violations.
Chicagoans who believe that a restaurant or any other licensed food establishment is operating in an unsafe manner are encouraged to report it by calling 311 or visiting www.cityofchicago.org.

ALABAMA: Valley restaurant exempt from handling food with plastic gloves
25.jul.08
WAFF 48 News
Elizabeth Gentle
http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=8733341&nav=0hBE
Health departments require restaurant employees to wear gloves when handling food.
That helps keep you from coming in contact with food borne bacteria.
But did you know not every eatery has to put a protective barrier between their hands and your food?
The state has a program that exempts restuarant workers from wearing gloves.
Its an extensive training program put in place by the state that replaces glove wearing with hourly hand washing.
Details in this restaurant scorecard special assignment report.
It's a stirctly enforced rule by health inspectors that all restaurant employees must wear gloves when handling food.
But did you know its not required for Burger King workers?
They are exempt from handling ready-to-eat foods with plastic gloves on.
"Before they do anything they wash and sanitize their hands," says David Edwards, Director of Training for Burger King. "They repeat that hourly as well as anytime they leave their workstation."
BK was approved through the state health department for a program called alternative to bare-hand contact.
Instead of wearing plastic gloves employees are supposed to wash their hands.
"They have counters on there soap dispensers they can count the number of times hand washing takes place by the employees. They can monitor that and determine if they need to make corrective action," says Madison County Public Health Enviornmentalist Cheryl Edge.
Is this alternative safer for the customer than the required use of wearing gloves?
The scorecard team borrowed a hidden camera, wired our intern Beth and sent her in for a closer look.
"Behind the food counter nobody was wearing gloves," says Beth.
The video shows employees in the food prep area handling meats and vegetables without a protective barrier on their hands.
While this "alternative to bare-hand contact program" is competely approved by the state.
It's getting mixed reviews from customers.
"I think its horrible. Every other fast food restaurant. I've even worked in one and you had to wear gloves or you got wrote up for it. It's gross."
Under this alternative plan, Burger King employees are trained on how to properly wash and sanitize their hands with an antibacterial soap.
If an employee does not follow the handwashing rules immediate action is taken by BK managers.

GEORGIA: Gwinnett Restaurant scores 15 on health inspection
25.jul.08
WSB TV
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/16985141/detail.html
DULUTH, Ga. -- A Gwinnett County restaurant was closed after scoring 15 out of 100 on a health inspection.
The Super Grand Buffet at 1630 Pleasant Hill Rd. was cited for a long list of violations during the routine inspection on Tuesday.
The inspector found chemicals and medicines stored next to food preparation areas.
There were flies in soup being served to customers, according to the inspection report. Raw fruit and vegetables were so poorly washed there was still dirt on them.
The Super Grand Buffet also was cited for filthy conditions in the kitchen with grease dripping from stove vents and dirt on food prep areas.
The restaurant's permit was suspended after the inspection, closing it down until it can be re-inspected.
Earlier this year another Gwinnett County restaurant, the Mar Y Tierra Family Mexican Restaurant at 521 Indian Trail Road in Lilburn scored a 13 on it's inspection.

CHICAGO restaurant law allows outdoor doggie dining
23.jul.08
Zootoo.com
Serena Brahney
http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/chicagorestaurantlawallowsoutd
CHICAGO -- In Windy City eateries, doggie bags are a thing of the past ever since legislation passed last January that allows restaurants to welcome dogs to their establishments, provided they remain on the outdoor part of the premises.
Chicago’s dog dining law stipulates that pooches remain leashed, stay off the furniture and eat only pet-appropriate food.
The permit to allow the practice costs restaurants $250.
Some Chicago restaurants had allowed dog dining for years, but they risked a crackdown from the state Health Department. Since the new legislation, however, patrons like Jennifer Rodriguez are eating out with their pets.
“We love to bring him anywhere,” Rodriguez said, laughing, while seated in Joe’s outdoor café with her pooch. “Especially to socialize with other people and other dogs.”
Some eateries are going beyond just allowing pets, with Joe’s even encouraging their presence. They hold a doggy happy hour every Wednesday, specifically aimed at bringing people and pups together.
“That’s the instinct of the animal, to find the nearest dog and attach, and as the owners you have to follow the leash, so people mingle,” Lobascio said.
Dog owner Marice Greenberg moved to Chicago before the new dog-friendly legislation was passed. A transplanted New Yorker, Greenberg came from one of the nation’s pet-friendliest cities.
“I think it’s a great icebreaker if you want to meet someone new,” Greenberg said. “Because they’re not afraid,” she said, referring to the dogs. “They’re going to come right up and sniff and talk, and I think it’s fun.” Greenberg says she became used to such pet-friendly access in the Big Apple.
There is no Federal law prohibiting pets being brought into restaurants, but it may be illegal in some states. In some states the law may vary by city. A number of American cities, including Austin, Texas and Alexandria, Virginia have both been granted variances to allowing pets in eateries.
In the most timely manner, Minneapolis has jumped on the bandwagon to make it Minnesota’s first city to take advantage of recent dog-friendly legislation authorizing cities to allow dogs at sidewalk cafes and other outdoor seating areas.
While hosting the 2008 Republican National Convention might have temporary perks, Minneapolis restaurants have the unanimous support of the city council to ask permission for allowing dogs at their eateries cost-free.
But, ultimately the final decision rests with each establishment, which can always deny entry of pets. Therefore it is best to ask a restaurant’s policy beforehand, to ensure you are not barking up the wrong tree.

WISCONSIN: Grand Chute restaurant tries to recover from rat extortion plot
23.jul.08
Post-Crescent
Maureen Wallenfang
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/APC0101/807230588/1003/APC01
GRAND CHUTE -- It's safe to say Bob and Jessica Doller won't be renting the movie "Ratatouille" anytime soon.
Probably never.
They even cringe when they get a glimpse of a mouse or a rat in a TV show.
The couple, owners of The Seasons at 213 S. Nicolet Drive, endured a three-month ordeal that started when their fine dining restaurant was accused of serving a rat in a lunch dish April 17.
"We're glad it's over," Bob Doller said. "Now we can go back to business."
Debbie R. Miller of Appleton, the woman accused of planting the rat, was arrested July 11 and charged with extortion. According to the criminal complaint, she wanted the restaurant to pay her $500,000 or she would alert the media that she had found a rat in her lunch.
She is in jail on a $1,500 cash bond. Her next hearing is Aug. 4.
While the Dollers feel vindicated, some damage was done. Word spread of the incident. Any of those in the restaurant at the time of the incident, about 3 p.m. could have told others, from two women at the next table to employees to Miller herself.
"We had people call and cancel reservations with no explanations," Bob said. "I had a lady come up to me and say, 'I heard something awful happened at your restaurant.' One woman told her friend 'I'm never eating at The Seasons again.'"
The Seasons' revenues for May and June were down 15 percent compared with the same months in 2007, he said.
"July is down, too," he said. "Is it also because of the economy? Sure. But this didn't help."

NEW YORK: City inspectors keep pressure on sous vide cooking
23.jul.08
New York Times
Indrani Sen
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/23/dining/23sousvide.html
Diners arriving at the Café at Country last weekend found a surprising adornment to its entrance: a notice that it had been shuttered by city health officials.
On a surprise visit on Friday, inspectors found mouse droppings, improperly refrigerated ham and a fly floating in a bottle of Maker’s Mark bourbon, among other violations. But they also said that the restaurant, which is in the Carlton Hotel near Madison Square Park, had not been following proper procedures for sous vide cooking, and they dumped hundreds of pounds of raw, vacuum-sealed meat.
It brought to mind a crackdown in 2006, when the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspected restaurants using the sous vide method, in which food is vacuum-sealed in plastic for slow cooking at low temperatures. Because of concerns about bacteria growth in the sealed pouches, restaurants were told to stop using vacuum-sealing machines until they filed plans detailing their processes.
Afterward, restaurants like Blue Hill, Per Se and WD-50 filed sous vide plans that were approved by the city as officials developed formal regulations.
In March the Board of Health approved those regulations. They require restaurants that cook sous vide to have an approved Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan, something that is more common for institutional caterers and industrial food companies.
About a dozen restaurants have had plans approved, said Elliott Marcus, an associate commissioner who oversees food safety, and another dozen are in the application process. Some restaurants hire consultants to draw up plans, which must adhere to health department regulations on “reduced oxygen packaging” cooking. These include step-by-step specifications that regulate how the food is packaged, what equipment is used to cook it, what internal temperature the food must reach, and how it is chilled. The rules require cooks to use expensive water immersion units or combination convection ovens and industrial vacuum-packaging machines. They also call for detailed labeling, and they ban vacuum-sealing fish unless it is frozen.
In 2006 the health department warned Country’s chef and co-owner, Geoffrey Zakarian, that he needed an approved plan to use sous vide machines, Mr. Marcus said. But as of last week, health department officials said, Country had filed no such plan.

AUSTRALIA: Rats found at mucky Maccas
23.jul.08
The Sydney Morning Herald
Jano Gibson
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/rats-found-at-mucky-macca/2008/07/23/1216492498130.html
A Central Coast McDonald's restaurant with evidence of rats in the food handling area is one of six outlets to be named and shamed this week on the State Government's new registry of restaurants fined for poor hygiene standards.
The online registry, which was set up on July 1, now has a total of 46 offences listed on it, including five against three multinational fast-food providers and one against a major hotel chain.
As well as naming and shaming individual restaurants, the website, which has received more than 25,000 hits since it started, provides a glimpse of which councils are most active in serving penalty notices against offenders.
Penrith City Council has issued 13 notices, Fairfield Council seven, City of Sydney six and Wyong, Warringah and North Sydney councils three each.
A McDonald's on St Johns Road, Jilliby, in the Wyong local government area, was the most high profile offender to be listed this week. It was served with a $660 fine after evidence of pests was found.
The Macau Chinese Restaurant at Moore Street, St Clair, in the Penrith area, was fined $330 after evidence of a mouse was found in the kitchen.
The Bakehouse Gourmet on George Street in the Sydney CBD was issued with a $660 fine for failing to maintain clean food premises and having food and grease on the floors below surfaces and equipment.
Also fined in the CBD was Bijou China, on Sussex Street, Haymarket, for not keeping food under temperature control.
Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said an average of 15 offences were being added to the register each week.
"While improving consumer information, the new website also provides a powerful incentive for the food industry to boost its performance," he said.

GEORGIA: Restaurant inspection scores released
22.jul.08
The Northeast Georgian
http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2008/07/22/news/business/01business.txt
Following are the foodservice inspections for July 15-16 by the Habersham County Health Department's Environmental Health Section.
A score of 85 and above is considered passing. Foodservice 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.
* Holiday Inn Express, 1105 Business 441, Cornelia. Inspection time: Not listed. Purpose of inspection: routine. Score: 92; current grade: A. Out of compliance with the following: Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage and display. Adequate handwashing facilities supplied and accessible. Utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, handled. Comments: Store all cleaners separately from food/below food; once cereals are opened, must store remaining cereal in sealed container. Label fruit wash and hand wash sink clearly. Air dry all pans completely before storing. Must have soap and paper towels available at hand sink at all times; label.
* Dooley's BBQ, 17 N. Main St., Cornelia. Inspection time: 1:35 p.m. Purpose of inspection: not listed. Score: 100; current grade: A. Recommend permit.
* Sautee Trail Cafe, 939 Highway 17 N., Clarkesville. Inspection time: 2:10 p.m. Purpose of inspection: routine. Score: 98; current grade: A; last score: 100. Out of compliance with the following: Proper cold holding temperatures. Proper hot holding temperatures. Food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed and used. Nonfood-contact surfaces clean. Comments: Must hold cold foods at 41 degrees or lower in coolers - must monitor closely! Slaw - 50 degrees, open jelly 51 degrees, sliced tomatoes - 51 degrees - in front prep cooler discarded. Other items in front cooler less than two hours moved to other cooler in back. Have cooler repaired immediately. Must hold baked potatoes at 135 degrees or higher. 85 degrees on baked potatoes - were discarded by cook. Must repair gasket/seals on cooler doors immediately. Clean all nonfood contact surfaces thoroughly - outsides of equipment, microwaves, shelves, etc.

KANSAS: Report on Harvey County Salmonella outbreak released
21.jul.08
Kake ABC 10
http://www.kake.com/news/headlines/25732159.html
The Harvey County Health Department has reviewed the Preliminary Report with Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Bureau of Epidemiology. The Preliminary Report will be available for public review.
The Preliminary Report suggests the outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis was associated with the Acapulco restaurant in Harvey County through routine surveillance happening between June 2 and June 10. The two food items associated with illness were the pico de gallo and guacamole.
The three reasons sited by KDHE as possible cause are food preparation procedures, cross contamination, or contaminated produce. The Kansas Department of Agriculture in charge of produce safety and distribution in Kansas and their report will be forthcoming. A final report will be published on the website later when Kansas Department of Agriculture has finalized their investigation.
It is important that the public know that all restaurant violations sited at the Acapulco restaurant by Bureau of Consumer Health were corrected immediately. “The Acapulco restaurant has served the community for almost 20 years and we believe it is safe to eat there today,” stated Rita Flickinger, Harvey County Public Health Officer.
Although the Harvey County Health Department is not responsible for restaurant inspections, we continue to take consumer complaints of food handling procedures and refer them to the appropriate agency.
Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

KANSAS: Restaurant fights to clear its name in salmonella outbreak
21.jul.08
KSNW NBC 3
http://www.ksn.com/news/local/25734259.html
NEWTON, Kansas -– A Newton restaurant is trying to clear its name after a salmonella outbreak last month.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment named the Acapulco Restaurant as the possible source of the contamination, but now the owners say those tests came back negative.
"All the samples that they took back, everything has come back negative for salmonella,” said Salvador Lujano Jr., owner of the Acapulco Restaurant.
He is confused and wants answers. Last month, his family’s restaurant was named as a possible source of a salmonella outbreak by the KDHE. But now, Lujano Jr. knows the salmonella in question was an egg-based strain of the disease. So he wonders how his restaurant is to blame.
"We have maybe a dozen eggs that we go through in a few days, and that's it,” he said. “So, it’s not like we have a big batch that could contaminate anything."
The health department did inspect the restaurant shortly after the outbreak, and did site the restaurant on four minor infractions. But it did not shut the place down. In fact, it’s stayed open this entire time.
Late Monday, the Harvey County Health Department released a statement saying the food items associated with the salmonella outbreak were pico de gallo and guacamole and that the food was likely contaminated with preparation procedures, cross contamination or contaminated produce.
But Lujano wants to know how that could happen if eggs are the root of the problem.
“It is very frustrating,” he said.
Customers are standing behind the Acapulco Restaurant, saying the salmonella scare never stopped them from coming in to eat.
"When there is nothing certain, when you look at the damage that can do to someone, we just wanted to make sure that they knew that we supported them and do what we could,” said patron April Reynolds.
The Lujanos appreciate the support and hope one day to clear their name.

NEW JERSEY: Glouco restaurant inspection results online
21.jul.08
Curier Post Online
Kristy Davies
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/NEWS01/807210345/1006/news01
WOODBURY -- Consumers in Gloucester County can now see inspection results of their favorite restaurants online.
Results from schools, day-care centers and grocery stores are also available online.
"It's something new to add to the Web site," said Tammy Jones, director of Gloucester County Health and Senior Services.
"It assures open access to the public."
Ratings are assigned to each food establishment as satisfactory, conditionally satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
"The goal of posting the retail food establishment ratings on the web is to allow the community to make informed decisions about where they eat," said Freeholder Jean DuBois, liaison to the Gloucester County Department of Health. "We also hope this will serve as an incentive to our food establishments to maintain safe food handling practices and regulatory compliance."
The county has 13 environmental health inspectors, five of which are assigned to inspect food establishments. The inspectors are responsible for 1,200 food establishments and about 1,600 inspections annually, which include complaints and revisits, said Jones.
With the click of a button, the ratings can be pulled up by name, municipality or ratings.

OHIO: Restaurant inspection report
21.jul.08
Newark Advocate
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/NEWS01/807210308/1002
# Frederix Pizza, July 9, 410 Main St., Gratiot, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Two-door Perlick cooler is not working. 2. Three-door Perlick cooler glass door is broken. 3. Several lights not working in kitchen. 4. Lights not shielded out front.
# Camp Falling Rock, July 9, 12637 Houdeshell Road, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Round Lake Christian Academy Wilderness Camp, July 9, 11841 Rock Run Road, Frazeysburg, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Cheese not held at correct temperature in Whirlpool refrigerator. 2. Margarine not held at correct temperature in Whirlpool refrigerator.
# Family Dollar Stores of Ohio 4695, July 10, 715 W. Coshocton St., Johnstown, standard inspection, no violations.
# CVS Pharmacy 5654, July 10, 667 W. Coshocton St., Johnstown, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Bottled drinking water stored under household chemicals. 2. No thermometer in milk cooler.
# Domino's Pizza, July 10, 8 N. Main St., Johnstown, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No thermometer for long prep cooler. 2. Walk-in cooler floor is dirty and spillage under shelves.
# St. Louisville Athletic Association, July 11, School Street, St. Louisville, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Hot dogs are not held at the correct temperature in Whirlpool refrigerator.
# The Barn Pub & Family Restaurant, July 11, 7467 Mount Vernon Road, St. Louisville, 30-day inspection, with violations. 1. Wrong test strips for sanitizer in three-bay bar. 2. Handle on Whirlpool freezer is in disrepair. 3. Interior of beer cooler has rust. 4. Lights in kitchen still need end caps. 5. No cold water at hand sink in kitchen.
# Watts Restaurant, July 11, 77 S. Main St., Utica, standard inspection, no violations.
# Trinity AME Church -- 2008 Ribs Fest, July 12, Licking County Courthouse Square, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Texas Roadhouse -- 2008 Ribs Fest, July 12, Licking County Courthouse Square, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# The Grill on 21st -- 2008 Ribs Fest, July 12, Licking County Courthouse Square, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Damon's -- 2008 Ribs Fest, July 12, Licking County Courthouse Square, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Natoma -- 2008 Ribs Fest, July 12, Licking County Courthouse Square, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Autumn Healthcare, July 14, 17 Forry St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Newark Healthcare -- Courtyard Grill, July 14, 75 McMillen Drive, Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Door seals on cold table are dirty.
# Newark Healthcare Centre, July 14, 75 McMillen Drive, Newark, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Lights are burned out in kitchen. 2. Dust has collected on ceiling in dish room. 3. Paint is pealing off ceiling in areas of kitchen.
# Subway, July 14, 1865 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Light is not working in walk-in freezer.
# LPN Health Care Facility, July 14, 151 Price Road, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Shelly's Convenient Store, July 14, 7 N. Main St., Johnstown, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Sandwiches, salads and doughnuts need ingredients label/identity. 2. Food items need to be stored off floor.
# Johnstown Sportsman Club No. 1, July 14, 7357 Sportsman Club Road, Johnstown, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Thermometers needed in all refrigeration units.
# Johnstown Sportsman Club No. 2, July 14, 7357 Sportsman Club Road, Johnstown, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Themometers needed in all refrigeration units. 2. All self-serve spoons, forks and knives need to be displayed with handles up.
# Johnstown Athletic Association, July 14, Mink Street, Johnstown, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Three compartment sink is used for wash, rinse and sanitize. Test strips needed for proper sanitization. 2. All food products and pop needs to be stored off the floor.
# Short Stop, July 14, 32 E. Coshocton St., Johnstown, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Walk-in cooler floor is dirty. 2. All beer or drinks of any source need to be stored off the floor.

IDAHO: New dining resource for Ada County residents
18.jul.08
Fox 12 News
KTRV
http://www.fox12news.com/Global/story.asp?S=8687854&nav=menu439_9_3
Boise, Idaho -- Residents now have a new way to pick out some of the best dining spots in Ada County.
The Central District Health Department has started a web service where people can ask to be notified of recent restaurant health inspection results by email.
The cleanest eateries are being recognized as gold star establishments, which is great for business.
For example, at Coldfuzion Frozen Yogurt on Fairview Avenue, while the tart yogurt flavors and fresh fruits are drawing customers, so is the company's new gold star health rating.
"Yes, that's the one thing I like to do because I work with the food service, too, and its very important the cleanliness," said Remy Campbell, a customer.
Oh, I do like that. I like that when you come the servers put the fruit on and everything is very cleanly so you feel good about it," said Debbie Hynes, a customer.
Customers say they were initially drawn by the attractive store, and aren't surprised the establishment got a perfect health code inspection score.
"Yes it's very clean. It's really brand new and everything, even the bathroom is clean," said Campbell.
At Central District Health, this is exactly the type of cleanliness they want to see in all Ada County restaurants.
That's why they've created the gold star system, to recognize eateries, like Coldfuzion, and provide an incentive for other businesses.
"It's great, obviously. Cleanliness is very important to us of course and we spend a lot of time talking to our employees about how to present the product and be clean," said Richard Pride, the store's owner.
They're also trying to make health code inspection scores more available to the public. Now along with checking an individual restaurant's health scores on-line, residents can also sign up to have recent inspection results emailed to them.
"We'll do everything we can to make sure it's noted, if they have corrected the violations, but if they haven't, there should be a stick," said Dave Fotsch, with Central District Health.
Some restaurant owners with less than perfect scores aren't thrilled with the agency's new plan.
"Well, they don't like to be on the list that identifies them as having violations cause it gives the impression there is something wrong with their restaurant and usually the violations are fairly minor," said Fotsch.
But for those like Coldfuzion, their perfect results and gold star rating are a great marketing tool.
"Very happy. I mean we're a frozen yogurt store in town and this is one thing that perhaps rates us above the others," said Pride.

VIRGINIA: Restaurant inspections
18.jul.08
The News Leader
http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/NEWS01/807180309/1002
Chickpeas, Waynesboro
Facility type: Full-service restaurant
Inspection type: Routine
Inspection date: July 2
Critical violations: Unknown
Noncritical violations: Unknown
# There was a bag of onions being stored on the floor. Level: Noncritical (corrected during inspection) Details: All foods must be stored at least six inches above the floor. This is especially important for bags of onions since onions readily absorb moisture. This violation was immediately corrected by the establishment management.
# The display case desserts refrigerator and the one-door glass door reach-in refrigerator in the kitchen were not capable of holding foods at the required temperature of 41 degrees or lower at all times. The air temperature in the display case desserts refrigerator was 52 degrees. The air temperature in the glass door one-door refrigerator was 56 degrees. Level: Noncritical Details: No potentially hazardous foods may be stored in these refrigerators until they are again capable of holding all foods at 41 degrees or lower at all times. Potentially hazardous foods, which must be stored at 41 degrees or lower at all times include such foods as cheese cake, any meats, cheeses, pasta sauces, cut produce and many other foods. These refrigerators must be repaired as soon as possible. These refrigerators must be removed from the restaurant if they can not be repaired.
# There was no handwashing soap at the handwashing sink in the cash register-and beverage service area. Level: Noncritical (corrected during inspection) Details: We require that there be handwashing soap at all handwashing sinks at all times. This violation was immediately corrected by the establishment management.
Comments: None
McDonald's, no. 1963, Waynesboro
Facility type: Fast-food restaurant
Inspection type: Routine
Inspection date: July 3
Critical violations: 0
Noncritical violations: 1
# There was no hot water and no cold water controlled by the handles at the faucet at the one-compartment prep sink. Level: Noncritical Details: We require that all sinks have hot and cold running water, operated from the handles above the sink basin. If there is a leak in the plumbing it needs to be repaired as soon as possible. A service call was immediately placed by the establishment management to correct this problem.
Comments: None
Mrs. Rowe's Catering, Staunton
Facility type: Caterer
Inspection type: Routine
Inspection date: July 2
Critical violations: 1
Noncritical violations: 0
# Two mason-type jars with sealed lids containing waterbath canned onion relish on food storage shelf. Level: Critical (corrected during inspection) Details: Foods in hermetically sealed containers must be obtained from commercial sources. Discontinue practice. Product was removed from shelves.
Comments: Facility was clean. Refrigeration all working properly. Quick chill cooling log was reviewed and processes for rapid cooling of food appear to be well within safe food handling guidelines Good food code dating observed. No employees sickness reported.

Salmonella Litchfield outbreak associated with a hotel restaurant --- Atlantic City, NEW JERSEY, 2007
18.jul.08
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5728a4.htm?s_cid=mm5728a4_x
On July 10, 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Health notified the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) of three culture-confirmed cases of Salmonella Litchfield infection with matching pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns. Data from PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance, confirmed 11 cases (including the three from Pennsylvania) of this rarely identified Salmonella serotype in five states during a 5-week period; seven of the 11 patients had reported recent travel history to Atlantic City, New Jersey. This report describes the subsequent investigation led by NJDHSS and the Atlantic City Health Department (ACHD), which associated the outbreak with a hotel restaurant in Atlantic City. In all, 30 confirmed or probable cases of illness with S. Litchfield infection were identified among persons from eight states who had eaten at the hotel restaurant, including 10 restaurant food handlers. Investigators concluded that the outbreak most likely was associated with fruit salad, particularly the honeydew melon component, and that contamination likely resulted from an ill food handler. This investigation illustrates the potential for recurring food contamination by ill and asymptomatic food handlers and underscores the utility of PulseNet to link illnesses that might appear unrelated.
Epidemiologic and Environmental Investigation
Routine food histories collected from the initial three persons in Pennsylvania with confirmed S. Litchfield infection indicated a common exposure to the breakfast buffet at the same hotel restaurant in Atlantic City. During May 1--July 19, investigators later learned, the restaurant served approximately 7,300 breakfasts, 1,300 lunches, and 2,700 dinners. Forty-five persons worked in the restaurant, including some who spoke and understood only languages other than English. Signs in the restaurant were in English only.
On July 12, the investigative team, including representatives from NJDHSS, ACHD, the Atlantic County Division of Public Health, and CDC visited the restaurant during the breakfast service to advise hotel management of the outbreak, collect food samples, interview food handlers, request stool specimens, and assess sanitation practices. Based on initial findings, ACHD directed the complete disinfection of the restaurant's main kitchen on July 13. Three recent ACHD inspections had revealed improper bare hand contact with food items, inadequate food temperature control, and other food-handling and storage violations, yielding a rating of "conditionally satisfactory."
A total of 36 food and beverage items served during the preceding 24 hours were collected. Food samples collected during the inspection included a fruit salad consisting of red grapes, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe. The fruit salad was prepared from whole fruit purchased from a local wholesaler, cut onsite either the night before or the morning of service by any of six cooks, and refrigerated. The fruit salad later was handled by any of 20 servers and placed over an ice bath for 4 hours during the breakfast buffet. The New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratories tested 12 items thought most likely to harbor Salmonella bacteria: red grapes, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, strawberries, parsley, ice, dispensed water, orange juice, iced tea, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and apple juice. However, no Salmonella species were cultured from any of these foods or beverages.
On July 19, Salmonella group C was isolated from seven of 12 food handler stool specimens collected during July 12--July 13. ACHD ordered the restaurant to close immediately. Investigators collected samples from the food remaining in the kitchen, which was then disinfected thoroughly a second time; all leftover food was destroyed. The following week, two additional food handlers tested positive for S. Litchfield, and another reported symptoms that met the probable case definition, bringing to 10 the total number of food handlers with illness meeting the case definition. The restaurant reopened on August 1 with limited operation, staffed only by food handlers with confirmed negative stool test results. The hotel and restaurant property had been sold before the outbreak, and operations ceased permanently in September 2007.
To determine the extent of the outbreak, on July 10, NJDHSS called for reports of additional cases via PulseNet and the CDC Epidemic Information Exchange (Epi-X). Cases were defined as illness in persons who traveled to Atlantic City during May 1--July 19, 2007 and who had either laboratory-confirmed S. Litchfield infection (for confirmed cases) or diarrheal illness without culture confirmation (for probable cases). Nationwide, a total of 20 probable or confirmed cases were reported in patrons who had dined at the Atlantic City restaurant under investigation. Investigators also interviewed 41 (91%) of the 45 food handlers who had worked at the restaurant since July 1. Five others who had sped working at the restaurant before July 1 could not be contacted.
The 30 persons who met the case definition (20 restaurant patrons and 10 food handlers) included four (13%) with probable cases and 26 (87%) with confirmed cases (17 patrons and nine food handlers). Isolates from all 26 culture-confirmed cases had matching PFGE patterns (XbaI pattern JGXX01.0004). Illness onset dates among the 30 persons who met the case definition ranged from May 31 to July 19 (Figure). Median age was 51 years (range: 13--84 years); 50% were female. The 30 persons were from New Jersey (12), Pennsylvania (nine), New York (three), Maryland (two), and Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan, and Ohio (one each).
Twenty-three (77%) of the 30 persons reported diarrhea (defined as three or more loose stools during 24 hours), 21 (70%) reported abdominal cramps, 16 (53%) fever, eight (27%) vomiting, and five (17%) bloody diarrhea. Eighteen (60%) of the 30 sought medical care, and six were hospitalized. No deaths occurred. All 20 of the patrons who met the case definition reported at least one symptom consistent with salmonellosis; of the 10 ill restaurant workers, four (three with confirmed cases and one probable) reported symptoms, and none sought medical care.
Case-Control Study
To determine common food exposures, investigators conducted a case-control study of restaurant patrons and workers. Controls were defined as well dining companions of patrons who consumed at least one restaurant meal or well restaurant workers who ate at least three restaurant meals during May 1--July 19. A detailed interview was conducted to collect exposure data for all food items available in the restaurant. Case-control data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and associations were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.
A total of 30 case-patients and 39 controls were enrolled in the study. No statistically significant differences in age and sex distribution were observed between case-patients and controls. Bivariate analysis indicated increased likelihood of illness among consumers of salad croutons (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.4), fruit salad (OR = 3.8), and each of the three fruits in the salad: honeydew melon (OR = 6.6), cantaloupe (OR = 4.5), and red grapes (OR = 4.4) (Table).
Multivariable analysis indicated that eating fruit salad was independently associated with S. Litchfield infection after controlling for age, sex, and consumption of other foods (adjusted OR = 4.7) (Table). Because of multicollinearity, the three components of the fruit salad could not be analyzed as separate variables in the multivariable model. However, when modeling the effect of only one fruit at a time in three separate models, eating honeydew melon had a stronger association with illness (OR = 10.0; CI = 2.1--47.7) than eating cantaloupe (OR = 5.4; CI = 1.3--22.7) or grapes (OR = 6.1; CI 1.5--24.5).

FDA launches fellowship program to develop pipeline of scientists, other professionals
17.jul.08
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Chrisher DiFrancesco
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/ics/NEWS/2008/NEW01861.html
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced it is launching a two-year fellowship program aimed at attracting scientists, engineers and health professionals to the agency. The FDA Commissioner’s Fellowship Program will provide participants with advanced training in the scientific analysis involved in the safety and regulatory decisions unique to the agency’s mission.
"Attracting the best scientists to FDA helps us make timely decisions and give doctors and patients helpful and accurate advice about treatment options. And timely decisions encourage more investment in developing new drugs and better medical devices,” said Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Tevi D. Troy. "The FDA Commissioner’s Fellowship Program will not only bring great fellows in the door, but encourage them to make FDA their career.”
Applicants are being considered for the first entering class of the program, which will begin in October 2008. The agency is seeking physicians, microbiologists, chemists, statisticians, pharmacists, biomedical engineers, nutritionists, veterinarians and other science professionals. Applicants should have a doctoral degree in medicine or another scientific field; engineers must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Between 30 and 40 applicants will be accepted for the first entering class.
"The FDA is a science-based regulatory agency, and to fulfill our mission over the coming decade we will need to recruit thousands of highly skilled scientists and others with specialized and relevant expertise,” said Frank M. Torti, M.D., M.P.H., principal deputy commissioner and chief scientist. “The FDA Commissioner’s Fellowship Program is designed to attract these people to the FDA and provide them with in-depth knowledge of the science that underpins regulatory decisions as we meet the challenges of both globalization and rapid changes in science and technology."
The FDA Commissioner’s Fellowship Program will include coursework and extensive hands-on experience in FDA regulatory science including regulatory review opportunities. More than 20 courses and seminars will be offered on ics including FDA law, ethics and decision making, biostatistics, clinical trial design, population science and epidemiology, risk assessment, international activities, budgeting and operations, leadership, and public policy. A full listing of courses is available at http://www.fda.gov/commissionersfellowships/default.htm. The courses will be taught at the agency's new, state-of-the-art campus at White Oak, Md., and at other facilities by senior FDA staff and faculty from universities in the region.
During the first semester, each fellow will identify an in-depth research project to be completed during the program, allowing each fellow to explore a specific area of interest under the guidance of a senior FDA scientist who will serve as a preceptor. Fellows will devote about 70 percent of their time to the scientific project and 30 percent to coursework.
More information about the FDA Commissioner’s Fellowship Program and instructions for applicants are available at http://www.fda.gov/commissionersfellowships/program.html.

NEW JERSEY: Glouco restaurant inspections available online
17.jul.08
Courier Post Online
Kristy Davies
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080717/NEWS01/80717045/-1/data
Woodbury -- Consumers in Gloucester County can now see inspection results of their favorite restaurants online.
Schools, day cares and grocery stores are also available online.
"It's something new to add to the website," said Tammy Jones, director of tGloucester County Health and Senior Services. "It assures open access to the public."
Ratings are assigned to each food establishment as satisfactory, conditionally satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
"The goal of posting the retail food establishment ratings on the web is to allow the community to make informed decisions about where they eat," said Freeholder Jean DuBois, liaison to the Gloucester County Department of Health. "We also hope this will serve as an incentive to our food establishments to maintain safe food handling practices and regulatory compliance."
The county has 13 environmental health inspectors, five of which are assigned to inspect food establishments. The inspectors are responsible for 1,200 food establishments and about 1,600 inspections annually, which include complaints and revisits, said Jones.
With the click of a button, the ratings can be pulled up by name, municipality or ratings.
"This is new for us and the consumer," explained Donald Benedik a Gloucester County health officer. "We hope consumers will go to the website and check out their favorite eateries and those they intend to go to. They can go to the site every week and get an update on what's going on."
Some restaurants are prepared for the public to see their ratings.
"I have a satisfactory rating and I'm confident," said Fran Walls, owner of the Cooper Express cafe in Woodbury. "I'm sure it's a good thing they know the food supply is safe, but I wish they could do it with all other businesses. They don't do car dealers or law offices, but once a week there's a critique on a restaurant."
Other establishments are not so sure.
"I don't have a problem with them putting the results online as long as if it's a 'conditionally satisfactory' they list why," said Debbie Hawk, manager of Rastelli's Meat S Market in Deptford, which has a conditionally satisfactory rating for minor infractions. "I need a spring on the bathroom door and lid on my trashcan. It makes it sound like my stores dirty and that's not the case. That's only fair to the establishment."
Results of the inspections have always been available by requesting them from the food establishment itself or through the Open Public Records Act, but the new system will make the information more easily available to the public although access to the entire report must still be requested through OPRA. Camden County announced earlier this year that it plans to offer consumers the same availability online with inspection reports as well. The information will be available online at the beginning of 2009.
Burlington County is currently looking into the feasibility and cost of putting restaurant inspection report information online, said Loretta O'Donnell, spokeswoman for Burlington County.
Placards are also available for review at each establishment that lists the rating. Inspectors look for everything from physical safety to the temperature of the refrigerators and the food itself as well as any pest infestations or doors being left open.
"I guess it's really good," said Dot Stocks, director of TLC Day Care in the Sewell section of Washington Township. "We usually only have pizza delivered, but they check our refrigerators to make sure they're at the right temperature and that we use gloves and netting. So, if my child was eating at a day care, I would want to know that someone is checking to make sure everything's being run properly."
The ratings being available online are part of an initiative to improve the county's food establishments. In February, Gloucester County College began offering food safety courses to the public as part of its continuing education program.
"This makes our lives easier," said Benedik. "Hopefully (the food establishments) will improve. This is one of the ways that the consumer can see what's going on and hopefully apply more pressure to owners and managers to operate safer, well-operated establishments and train their employees in those aspects."
Check out the website at http://www.gloucestercounty.nj.gov/.

FLORIDA: Food inspectors work hard to keep restaurants safe
18.jul.08
WCTV.tv
Caroline Blair
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/25594469.html
With recent outbreaks of salmonella poisoning and the E.coli virus linked to the Peach State, for many local restaurant goer's their focus has turned to the sanitation grade hanging on the wall.
In Thomasville, health officials say they perform inspections on food establishments at least twice a year, but with the recent outbreaks, they're now trying to conduct their inspections more often.
"In the past facilities were used to if they were clean they usually scored well, now we're actually focusing on watching what they're doing with the food, how they're handling it," said Melissa Durkin, Thomas County Health Department environmental specialist.
Restaurant inspection scores for June and July were just released. And while some establishments scored well their first time, others had to go through several re-inspections.
"If a facility actually scores below a 70 then we are actually required to go back with in 10 days and do a follow up inspection to ensure they're making those corrections," said Durkin.
In Thomas County, Brantley's Seafood, Captain D's, China Town, Maryland's Fried Chicken and Our Place, all scored in the 60's and were forced to be re-inspection.
"I'm very upset about that very concerned about it because many of us who are seniors retiring here we can't afford to get sicker," said Thomasville resident Lillie Parker.
"If I know that it's a good grade I wouldn't hesitate to eat there but if it was a low score, ain't no way," said Thomasville resident Monte Cassels.
But the scores weren't all bad. Some restaurant owners like the Vickers say keeping customer's safe is their number one priority.
"It makes us feel good that our hard work and efforts were rewarded and we didn't have to go back for a retest or anything. If you do it the right way the first time you ain't got to worry about it the second time," said Derrick Vickers, chef and owner of The Big Oak Deli in Thomasville.
Vicker's family owned establishment received a score of 97 percent.
Health inspectors say some of the most common violations are bare-hand contact with food, surface cleanliness and food temperature violations.
BELOW ARE A LIST OF THE THOMAS COUNTY INSPECTION SCORES:
SOUTHWEST PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT
ACC Snack Shop (Archbold Women’s Center)
947 S. Broad St.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/09/2008
Score: 97-A
Applebee’s
13765 U.S. 19 S
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/20/2008
Score: 81-B
Arby’s
2826 E. Pinetree Blvd.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/26/2008
Score: 86-B
Barberitos
1328 Remington Ave.
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 06/12/2008
Score: 96-A
Inspected: 06/09/2008
Score: 75-C
Big Oak Deli
1102 E. Jackson St.
Thomasville, Ga.
Inspected: 07/11/2008
Score: 97-A
Boston Barbeque
110 Main St.
Boston, Ga
Inspected: 06/12/2008
Score: 96-A
Brantley’s Seafood
2101 Smith Ave.
Thomasville, Ga
Re-inspected: 07/11/2008
Score: 90-A
Re-inspected: 07/02/2008
Score: 68-U
Re-inspected: 06/16/2008
Score: 74-C
Inspected: 06/12/2008
Score: 63-U
Captain D’s
1608 E. Jackson St.
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 06/20/2008
Score: 93-A
Inspected: 06/10/2008
Score: 65-U
China Town
1102 E. Jackson St.
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 07/02/2008
Score: 92-A
Inspected: 06/25/2008
Score: 65-U
Comfort Inn
15138 U.S. 19 S
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/11/2008
Score 96-A
Covey
15138 U.S. 19 S
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 07/10/2008
Score: 85-B
Inspected: 06/27/2008
Score: 75-C
Dairy Queen #2
14375 U.S. Hwy 19 S.
Thomasville, Ga.
Inspected: 06/26/2008
Score: 89-B
Farmer’s Market Diner
502 Smith Ave.
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 06/13/2008
Score: 98-A
Inspected: 06/092008
Score: 73-C
Firehouse Subs
14815 U.S. Hwy 19 S
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/11/2008
Score: 82-B
Fish Bonz
134 S. Madison St.
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 06/13/2008
Score: 82-B
Inspected: 06/10/2008
Score: 73-C
Gail’s Country Kitchen
2027 E. Marshall St.
Meigs, Ga.
Inspected: 06/18/2008
Score: 88-B
Grandaddy’s BBQ
1194 Smith Ave.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/06/2008
Score: 91-A
Hawaii Snow
430 Smith Ave.
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 06/27/2008
Score: 89-B
Inspected: 06/20/2008
Score: 79-C
Hawk’s Nest
1501 Millpond Rd.
Thomasville, Ga.
Inspected: 06/23/2008
Score: 98-A
Holiday Inn Express
452 Liberty St.
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 06/18/2008
Score: 87-B
Inspected: 06/11/2008
Score: 78-C
Jameson Inn
1670 Remington Ave.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/10/2008
Score: 86-B
Kentucky Fried Chicken
13777 U.S. 19 S
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/19/2008
Score: 94-A
LaFogata
14418 U.S. 19 S
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/16/2008
Score: 82-B
Linda Gail’s
537 Smith Ave.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/25/2008
Score: 89-B
McDonald’s
1680 E. Jackson St.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/02/2008
Score: 88-B
Maryland Fried Chicken
1310 E. Jackson St.
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 07/10/2008
Score: 98-A
Inspected: 07/01/2008
Score: 64-U
Michelle’s Homecooking
608 N. Blvd.
Thomasville, Ga.
Inspected: 06/05/2008
Score: 82-B
Oriental Buffet
14833 U.S. 19 S.
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 06/13/2008
Score: 84-B
Inspected: 06/09/2008
Score: 76-C
Our Place
2685 U.S. Hwy 84 Bypass
Thomasville, Ga.
Re-inspected: 06/26/2008
Score: 93-A
Re-inspected: 06/09/2008
Score: 52-U
Inspected: 06/04/2008
Score: 63-U
Pizza Hut
2116 E. Pinetree Blvd.
Thomasville, Ga.
Inspected: 06/26/2008
Score: 95
Popeye’s
2525 E. Pinetree Blvd.
Thomasville, Ga.
Inspected: 07/07/2008
Score: 89-B
Rose City Pickup
325 N. Blvd.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/17/2008
Score: 80-B
Seminole Wind
14815 U.S. 19 S
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/18/2008
Score: 83-B
Sonny’s
14293 U. S. 19 S
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 07/08/2008
Score: 86-B
Southwestern State Hospital
400 S Pinetree Blvd.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/06/2008
Score: 99-A
Subway
131 S. Broad St.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/02/2008
Score: 84-B
Subway
1514 E. Jackson St.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/17/2008
Score: 89-B
The Eating Edge
14004 U.S. Hwy 19 S.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 07/14/2008
Score: 91-A
Thomasville RYDC
400 S. Pinetree Blvd.
Thomasville, Ga.
Inspected: 06/11/2008
Score: 96-A
Vashti School
1815 E. Clay St.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 06/03/2008
Score: 100
Waffle House #2
205 U.S. 19 S
Thomasville, Ga.
Permit: 13600677
Re-inspected: 07/10/2008
Score: 87-B
Re-inspected: 07/03/2008
Score: 75-C
Waffle House (continued)
Inspected: 06/24/2008
Score: 77-C
Wendy’s
1600 E. Jackson St.
Thomasville, Ga
Inspected: 07/01/2008
Score: 81-B
Whataburger
13880 U.S. 19 S
Thomasville, Ga.
Permit: 13600903
Re-inspected: 07/02/2008
Score: 95-A
Inspected: 06/23/2008
Score: 74-C
Wiennie Wagon
8989 Hwy 33
Pavo, Ga.
Inspected: 06/03/2008
Score: 84-B
Yummi Express
1604 E. Jackson St.
Thomasville, Ga.
Permit: 13600848
Re-inspected: 06/17/2008
Score: 94-A
Inspected: 06/05/2008
Score: 76-C
Zaxby’s
14036 U.S. 19 S
Thomasville, Ga.
Permit: 13600827
Re-inspected: 07/09/2008
Score: 83-B
Inspected: 06/30/2008
Score: 78-C

MISSOURI: St. Charles County restaurant inspections
17.jul.08
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stcharles/story/5B531B7C96991AEC862574890079E324?OpenDocument
St. 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
Frontier Lanes, 177 Frontier Park, O'Fallon. July 7. Score 93. Ice scoop improperly stored in ice to be served to customers at drink station in concession area. A violation was corrected. NSF.
QuikTrip, 801 Belleau Creek Road, O'Fallon. July 7. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Wal-Mart, 1307 Highway K, O'Fallon. July 7. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Playtime Party Center, 1225 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville. July 7. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Ruby Tuesday's Restaurant & Bar, 1248 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville. July 7. Score 96. Can opener blade soiled. Wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer solution bucket between use. SF.
Papa John's Pizza, 703 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville. July 7. Score 96. Trash bin not covered properly. No covered waste receptacle provided in restroom. NSF.
Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pasta, 1055 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville. July 7. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Steak 'n Shake, 1134 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville. July 7. Score 98. No thermometer provided in salad cooler. NSF.
Hunan House, 428 South Fifth Street, St. Charles. July 7. Score 83. Improper thawing methods being used. Insect trap in storage area full of cockroaches, back and screen doors wide open. Ice bin moldy. Trash on floor in between equipment. Equipment soiled with grease. Food product uncovered in walk-in cooler. SF.
Kentucky Fried Chicken, 620 South Fifth Street, St. Charles. July 7. Score 96. Hood vents dusty. Wood pallets being used to stored single service items in dry storage area. Shelving rusty in walk-in cooler. SF.
M's Homemade Goodie's & Catering, 2810 Ehlmann Road, St. Charles. July 7. Score 92. Food service license was not posted. Caulking moldy on three compartment sink. Inside of reach-in cooler rusty. Ceiling panels above stoves not smooth and easily cleanable. SF.
Cloud Nine Desserts, 3303-1 Rue Royale, St. Charles. July 7. Score 93. Manager's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. Food service license was not posted. SF.
Stefanina's Pizzeria & Restaurant, 762 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville. July 8. Score 93. Chains holding pot rack dusty. A violation was corrected. SF.
Stefanina's Express, 1938 Zumbehl Road, St. Charles. July 8. Score 98. Caulking moldy on three compartment sink. SF.
Culpepper's Grill & Bar, 3010 West Clay Street, St. Charles. July 8. Score 92. Food product uncovered in walk-in cooler. Shelving rusty in walk-in cooler. Mop improperly stored, not air drying. Floor tile and coved base missing. Ice machine rusty and leaking. All lights burnt out in hoods. NSF.
White Castle, 2212 Highway K, O'Fallon. July 8. Score 94. Air vents dusty in kitchen and dining room. Sanitizer solution for wiping cloths not at proper strength. A violation was corrected. SF.
Hardee's, 3009 Highway K, O'Fallon. July 8. Score 92. Grease build-up at outside grease renderer. Air vents dusty in kitchen. Flooring soiled behind ice machine. Flooring soiled in walk-in cooler. Fan guard dusty in walk-in freezer. Food product uncovered in walk-in cooler. SF.
Vince's Asian Buffet, 121 O'Fallon Plaza, O'Fallon. July 8. Score 93. Cleaning products improperly stored in handwashing sink at bar. A violation was corrected. SF.
Dog Prairie Tavern, 2348 St. Paul Road, O'Fallon. July 8. Score 94. No thermometer provided in refrigerator.  of refrigerator dusty. Interior of freezer soiled. No hand towels provided at handwashing sink in kitchen. Hand towel dispenser empty in women's restroom. NSF.
China Town Express, 8495 Veterans Memorial Parkway, O'Fallon. July 8. Score 98. A violation was corrected. SF.
Holiday Inn, 900 Corporate Parkway, Wentzville. July 9. Score 94. Food service license must be posted in public view (repeat violation). Coved base missing in walk-in cooler (repeat violation). Ceiling panels in poor condition in dry storage area (repeat violation). Scoop handle laying in bulk food product. NSF.
Bob Evans, 3001 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville. July 9. Score 96. Three ice cream scoops in poor condition. A violation was corrected. NSF.
Chicago Taste, 1821 Zumbehl Road, St. Charles. July 9. Score 89. Manger's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. Freezer doors in poor condition. Soda nozzles soiled. Restroom door not self-closing. Hand towels improperly stored in restrooom. SF.
Quizno's Classic Subs, 2981 Highway K, O'Fallon. July 9. Score 78. Single service trays soiled with food debris. Flooring soiled in prep area. Flooring soiled in dishwashing area. Meat slicer soiled. Hood vents greasy. Food product improperly stored on the floor in dry storage. Air vents dusty in dry storage. Food product improperly stored on the floor in walk-in freezer. Fan guard dusty in walk-in cooler. Cardboard lining floor in walk-in cooler. No test strips provided for sanitizer. Interior of sandwich prep cooler soiled with food debris. Food product out of original container, not date labeled. SF.
No. 1 Chinese Restaurant, 39 O'Fallon Square, O'Fallon. July 9. Score 89. Front door open. Utensils not stored properly. Food product uncovered in walk-in cooler. A violation was corrected. SF.
Pio's Restaurant & Lounge, 401 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles. July 10. Score 86. Food products out of original container, not date labeled. Wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer solution bucket between use. Walk-in coolers upstairs and downstairs not working properly, food product was discarded. NSF.
Missouri Bluff's Golf Club, 18 Research Park Circle, St. Charles. July 10. Score 98. A violation was corrected. NSF.
Gingham's Homestyle Restaurant, 1881 Sherman Drive, St. Charles. July 10. Score 98. Dry storage room needs to be updated. NSF.
St. Charles Convention Center, main kitchen, 1 Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles. July 10. Score 100. SF.
St. Charles Convention Center, Cyprus kitchen, 1 Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles. July 10. Score 93. Ice bin not covered. Dishwashing machine not sanitizing dishes properly. SF.
Basilico's, 7333 Village Center Drive, O'Fallon. July 10. Score 91. Food service license was not posted. Drywall not finished. Hood system dusty. Soda nozzles soiled. A violation was corrected. SF.
Piazza Deli & Pizzeria, 1312 Highway DD, Defiance. July 10. Score 86. No thermometer provided in pizza prep cooler. Soda machine drain clogged. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. SF.
Steak 'n Shake, 835 Robert Raymond Drive, Lake Saint Louis. July 11. Score 96. Light in poor condition in walkin freezer. Low water pressure at restroom handwashing sinks. SF.
St. Louis Bread Co., 861 Robert Raymond Drive, Lake Saint Louis. July 11. Score 96. Food service license covered, not visible to the public. No hand towels provided at handwashing sink. SF.
White Castle, 859 Robert Raymond Drive, Lake Saint Louis. July 11. Score 96. Food service license must be posted in public view. Soda nozzle soiled in dining room. SF.
Papa Murphy's Take 'n Bake, 3027 Highway K, O'Fallon. July 14. Score 100. No violations. SF.
China Town Express, 2205 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles. July 14. Score 88. Food products out of original container, not date labeled. Pooled eggs in reach-in cooler. Mops improperly stored, not air drying. NSF.
Ashby's Ice Cream/Grab 'n Dash Deli, 7409 Highway N, O'Fallon. July 15. Score 95. Manager's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. SF.
Qdoba Mexican Grill, 2285 Highway K, O'Fallon. July 15. Score 91. Manager's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified.  of dishwashing machine soiled. A violation was corrected. SF.
Rally's Hamburgers, 506 South Main Street, O'Fallon. July 15. Score 89. Manager's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. No hot water provided at handwashing sink. s of equipment soiled. Interior of reach-in cooler soiled. Personal item improperly stored above single service item. SF.
Jack in the Box, 1992 Zumbehl Road. St. Charles. July 15. Score 94. Ice bin in soda station overflowing and not covered properly. Food product improperly stored on the floor in walk-in cooler and in walk-in freezer. Ice scoop improperly stored. A violation was corrected. SF.
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 2921 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Charles. July 15. Score 100. No violations. NSF.
Chevy's Fresh-Mex Restaurant, 2911 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Charles. July 15. Score 96. Ice scoop improperly stored. Flooring in storage area not sealed. NSF.
Blimpie's Subs & Salads, 2897 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Charles. July 15. Score 90. Employees fail to wash hands after handling money. No sanitizer solution provided for wiping cloths. SF.
St. Peters
Andoro's Pizzeria, 6240 Mexico Road. July 9. No score. Opening inspection and approved to open. SF.
Taco Bell, 4120 Mexico Road. July 10. No score. Opening inspection and approved to open. SF.
Sonic Drive-In, 651 Salt Lick Road. July 14. Score 96. Flooring soiled with food debris. Mop improperly stored, not air drying. SF.
Subway Sandwiches & Salads, 631Salt Lick Road. July 14. Score 98. Interior of waste receptacle cabinet soiled with food debris. SF.
Subway Sandwiches & Salads, 272 Mid Rivers Center. July 14. Score 96. Mop improperly stored, not air drying. Bread rack soiled with crumbs. SF.
White Castle, 4201 Veterans Memorial Parkway. July 15. Score 97. Trash bin not covered properly. Ice scoop improperly stored in ice machine. SF.
Main Street Diner, 315 Main Street. July 16. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Costco, bakery, 200 Costco Way. July 17. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Costco, deli, 200 Costco Way. July 17. Score 98. Two knives stored soiled in knife rack. SF.
Costco, meat & seafood, 200 Costco Way. July 17. Score 100. No violations. SF.

ILLINOIS: South Side restaurant shut down by city health department
15.jul.08
Chicago Department of Health
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?contentOID=537000015&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&ChannelName=Dept&entityName=HealthBarfblog Post
One of the oldest and most famous restaurants in the city was shut down today after Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) inspectors discovered a rodent infestation and other critical violations of the city health code.
Soul Queen Restaurant, 9031 S. Stony Island, was shut down after inspectors found numerous mouse feces throughout the kitchen, dining room and storage areas.
The restaurant also was cited for storing food at unsafe temperatures, in a faulty walk-in cooler—resulting in inspectors ordering management to discard six dozen eggs and 30 lbs. of raw chicken.
Soul Queen also was cited for a leaky automatic dishwashing machine, raw sewage coming up through a floor drain near its hand washing sink, grease oozing from the grease trap under the three-compartment sink, no certified food manager on duty, an outside garbage dumpster overflowing with trash, and an outside grease box encrusted with grease.
Today’s inspection was triggered by a customer who called 311 to report seeing three live mice in the restaurant. No live mice were observed today.
Representatives of Soul Queen will have to explain themselves at a City of Chicago administrative hearing set for September 4 and pay fines expected to total $3,250.
Chicagoans who believe that a restaurant or any other licensed food establishment is operating in an unsafe manner are encouraged to call 311 and report it.

MISSOURI: Restaurant inspections
14.jul.08
News-Leader.com
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/COMMUNITIES0501/807160325/1146
City inspections
Assemblies of God Headquarters -- Alladin Food Management, 1445 Boonville Ave. July 2 reinspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations: 0.
Beth's Bake Shoppe, 1645 W. Republic Road. July 3 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations: 0.
Billiards of Springfield, 541 St. Louis St. July 1 reinspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
Braum's, 2617 W. Republic Road. June 8 inspection. Critical violations found: 1. Sanitizer too strong. Noncritical violations: 3.
Clary's, 900 E. Battlefield Road. July 1 reinspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
Cody's, 3015 W. Republic Road. July 2 reinspection. Critical violations: 0. Noncritical violations found: 2.
Conoco-Rapid Roberts, 3165 N. Glenstone Ave. July 1 reinspection. Critical violations: 0. Noncritical violations: 3.
Dillons Bakery, 2843 E. Sunshine St. July 2 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
Dillons Deli, 2843 E. Sunshine St. July 2 inspection. Critical violations: 1. Soda nozzles not clean. Noncritical violations: 0.
Dillons Salad Bar, 2843 E. Sunshine St. July 2 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 1.
Dillons Seafood, 2843 E. Sunshine St. July 2 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
Dillons Starbucks, 2843 E. Sunshine St. July 2 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
Drury Inn & Suites, 2715 N. Glenstone Ave. July 4 inspection. Critical violations: 1. Sanitizer too strong. Noncritical violations: 0.
Fast-N-Friendly, 2745 S. Kansas Expressway. June 8 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 3.
Gardens Independent Living, 2730 S. Nettleton Ave. June 8 inspection. Critical violations: 0. Noncritical violations: 7.
Golden House, 2744 W. Chestnut Expressway. June 8 inspection. Critical violations found: 1. Open drinks in kitchen area. Noncritical violations found: 2.
Hong Kong II, 1645 N. Glenstone Ave. June 8 reinspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
Jackson Brothers Commissary, 1301 W. Webster St. June 8 inspection. Critical violations found: 3. Can opener not clean; mold inside ice machine; dishwasher sanitizer inadequate. Noncritical: 3.
Kum & Go, 529 S. Grant Ave. July 1 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
Kum & Go, 609 E. Elm St. July 1 inspection. Critical violations found: 2. Soda nozzles not clean; ice chutes not clean. Noncritical violations: 3.
Los Portales Authentic Mexican Restaurant, 1036 W. Sunshine St. June 8 inspection. Follow-up inspection required. Critical violations found: 2. Flies crawling on raw beef and chicken then landing on ready-to-eat food; ice machine not clean. Noncritical violations: 5.
Maria's, 406 South Ave. July 1 inspection. Critical violations found: 2. Refried beans not held hot enough; sour cream not held cold enough. Noncritical violations found: 0. July 3 reinspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations: 0.
Mexican Villa East, 1337 E. Sunshine St. July 1 inspection. Critical violations found: 1. Rice, pork, refried beans and meat not held hot enough. Noncritical violations found: 4. July 3 reinspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
Montgomery's Trucks, 1537 N. Glenstone Ave. June 8 reinspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
Nakato Japanese Steakhouse, 2615 S. Glenstone Ave. June 8 inspection. Critical violations found: 1. No consumer advisory about uncooked meat on menu. Noncritical violations found: 3.
New China Buffet, 2734 S. Campbell Ave. July 2 inspection. Restaurant allowed to operate since repairs being made and food discarded. Will be placed on risk-control plan and monitored closely for compliance. Critical violations found: 10. Two open drink cups in kitchen area; under-counter refrigerator not holding cold enough; table refrigerator not holding cold enough; walk-in cooler not holding cold enough; raw chicken on Mongolian barbecue not cold enough; seafood salad not cold enough; eggs, spaghetti and fresh garlic in oil at room temperature; no expiration dates on foods; slicer not clean; soda nozzles not clean. Noncritical violations found: 2. July 3 reinspection. Will continue to monitor. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 1.
Peabody's, 312 E. Commercial St. June 26 inspection. Critical violations found: 3. Ribs not hot enough; cooked meats not marked with expiration date; dishes in clean storage not clean. Noncritical violations found: 5.
Price Cutter Plus Bakery, 2021 W. Republic Road. June 8 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 3.
Price Cutter Plus-Sushi with Gusto, 2021 W. Republic Road. June 8 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
Ramada Limited, 4445 W. Chestnut Expressway. June 8 inspection. Critical violations: 0. Noncritical violations: 0.
Rib Shack, 2963 E. Chestnut Expressway. June 8 inspection. Pre-opening inspection. New owner. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
San Francisco Oven, 1110 E. Republic Road. July 2 inspection. Critical violations: 0. Noncritical violations: 0.
Schlotzsky's Deli, 4132 S. Campbell Ave. July 2 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 4.
Seattle's Best Coffee, 3300 S. Glenstone Ave. July 1 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 1.
Spun Sugar Cake Company, 940 S. National Ave. June 8 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations: 1.
Subway, 3424 S. Glenstone Ave. July 1 inspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 1.
Sunshine Lanes 11th Frame Bar, 1500 W. Sunshine St. June 8 inspection. Critical violations: 0. Noncritical violations: 2.
Sunshine Lanes Snack Bar, 1500 W. Sunshine St. June 8 inspection. Critical violations: 0. Noncritical violations: 2.
Tong's, 3454 S. Campbell Ave. June 8 inspection. Critical violations: 1. Chicken cooled improperly. Noncritical violations found: 5.
Ziggie's Cafe West, 1324 W. Kearney St. July 2 reinspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.
County inspections
Kad-E-Korner, 2633 E. Shelby Road, Springfield. July 3 reinspection. Critical violations found: 0. Noncritical violations found: 0.

NORTH CAROLINA: Health experts clear local eateries
16.jul.08
Charlotte Observer
Kathleen Purvis
http://www.charlotte.com/breaking_news/story/714612.html
It's about the worst thing a restaurant owner can hear:
Your restaurant turned up on a list of places where someone who got sick had eaten.
Especially now, when a nationwide outbreak of salmonella since early summer has continued circling through the food supply, bringing attention to everything from tomatoes to jalapeno peppers to cilantro – and beyond.
Frank Scibelli of Cantina 1511, with locations on East Boulevard and Rea Road, did what he could when he got the call: He started learning what he could about foodborne illness investigations, including paying for a consultation with a food safety expert who used to work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And he opened the doors to his kitchens and cooperated as inspectors started tracking down his customers through credit card receipts.
Scibelli says he tried to look on the bright side: “The sooner we're looked at, the sooner we're exonerated.
“They took a lot of samples, they took an exhaustive amount – which is great. What we have heard is that everything's negative.”
The health department confirms that inspections at both Cantina 1511 and another restaurant, Moe's Southwest Grill, on East Boulevard have found nothing that the restaurants were doing wrong.
“(Scibelli) has been totally cooperative,” Dr. Stephen Keener, medical director of the Mecklenburg County Health Department, said Tuesday. “His greatest concern is that he wants to do everything possible to assist with a nationwide outbreak investigation.”
The outbreak of the strain called salmonella Saintpaul caused 1,167 confirmed cases nationwide between April 10 and July 4, with 22 cases in North Carolina. Before Tuesday morning, there were six confirmed cases in Mecklenburg County.
That number jumped to 12 Tuesday, after the health department began calling people who ate at Cantina 1511 and Moe's during the second week of June.
Lauren McGowen, a spokesperson for Atlanta-based Focus Brands, which owns Moe's, confirmed that the restaurant was inspected and no problems were found.
Keener emphasized that the two restaurants are not being blamed and the location – both are across the street from one another on East Boulevard – is a coincidence.

NORTH CAROLINA: Restaurants named in salmonella investigation
15.jul.08
Carolinas' News Connection
WCNC Staff
http://www.wcnc.com/news/stories/stories/wcnc-071508-krg-salmonella.5a9c58b8.html
Health officials are investigating the suppliers of two Dilworth restaurants in connection with a strain of salmonella that's infected 11 people in Mecklenburg County.
Health leaders said they took samples from Cantina 1511 on East Boulevard and Moe's Southwest Grill.
Health department officials say the salmonella didn't come from a problem with the restaurants, but rather a problem with their suppliers. They took samples of a range of foods and spices.
"If it were purely a restaurant-associated outbreak then what you would expect to see, ideally, is all the patients that got sick ate at that restaurant and all the patients who didn't get sick did not eat at the restaurant and that's clearly not what we have," said Dr. Stephen Keener with the Mecklenburg County Health Department.
Four people who reported getting sick had eaten at one of the two restaurants.
All of the cases happened around the second week of June. Further tests have come back clear at both restaurants.
Health officials said they have found no evidence of salmonella and no sanitation concerns at either restaurant.
"I certainly wouldn't hesitate to eat there," Keener said. " We can assure the public that we feel like there's no hazard for them to eat at these restaurants. I would do it tonight."
Cantina 1511 released the following statement:
"In light of recent headlines, we understand any and all concerns regarding food safety and wish to assure the public and our valued customers that after careful inspection by the CDC and FDA, as well as local and state health departments, all produce used in our kitchen has tested negative for salmonella.
We are doing everything in our power to ensure the quality of our products by closely monitoring our vendors and, as an added precaution, have recently banned all products coming from any areas that might be cause for concern. We are relying solely on trusted vendors who have been cleared by the CDC and until this issue is put to rest will continue to work diligently to ensure the health and safety of our customers.
Cantina 1511 is merely being investigated and is not definitively linked to salmonella."

CONNECTICUT: State official wants hearing on restaurant inspections
15.jul.08
Courant.com
Hilary Waldman
http://www.courant.com/news/health/hcctrestaurant0715.artjul15,0,3827854.story
One of the state legislature's  public health watchdogs wants to know why many Connecticut restaurants are not being inspected for cleanliness and safety on a schedule established by state regulation.
"In my mind this is a risky example of a penny-wise, pound-foolish approach to public health policy," said state Sen. Mary Ann Handley, D-Manchester, co-chairman of the General Assembly's Public Health Committee.
"When we cut corners on essential restaurant inspections, we take on unreasonable risks in terms of food poisoning or worse."
Responding to an article in Sunday's Courant, Handley said she plans to call a public hearing to find out why restaurants are not being regularly inspected every three months, as set out under state regulations.
A Courant review of inspection data from 2006 through this spring found that instead of every 90 days, as established by state code for full-service restaurants, many health districts are struggling to inspect food establishments even twice a year.
Health directors responsible for the inspections said the problem is simple; they have too much work and too little money to hire the number of inspectors necessary to check public swimming pools, inspect septic tanks and wells, inspect for lead paint, and look into other complaints about trash, mosquito breeding, sewage overflows and other hazardous conditions, as well as inspect restaurants on time.
Handley said she understands the dilemma and is not looking to point fingers at overworked local sanitarians and health districts. Instead, she said, perhaps their priorities should be re-ordered to put restaurant inspections closer to the  of the list.

WISCONSIN: Updated Milwaukee restaurant inspection database
15.jul.08
Milwaukee Journal Sentinal
Ellen Gabler
http://blogs.jsonline.com/piblog/archive/2008/07/15/restaurant-database.aspx
An employee at The Original Pancake House on Downer Avenue picked up bacon off the floor and served it to a customer early last month.
Black mold built up inside the ice chute of the soda dispensing machine at Cousins Subs on 2900 N Oakland Ave.
All that information was gleaned from our recently updated searchable database of Milwaukee restaurant inspections. We will update the database each month so you can search and make sure the restaurants you and your family eat in are clean and safe
In the past five weeks, city inspectors visited about 400 restaurants, schools and other spots where food is served. About half of the establishments had violations.
For example, there wasn't any soap in the men's bathroom at the Eastsider.
Maxie's Southern Comfort on Fairview Avenue didn't have any hot water and was ordered by a city inspector to temporarily close.
There's more where that came from. Feel free to search and find out what's happening in Milwaukee restaurants and other food establishments.

NEW MEXICO: Restaurant eyed as source of salmonella outbreak in Portales
14.jul.08
pntonline, Associated Press
Karl Terry
http://www.pntonline.com/news/restaurant_14195___article.html/health_portales.html
State health officials are investigating the possibility of a link between six reported cases of salmonella and a Portales restaurant, according to a New Mexico Department of Health press release.
All six people ate at La Hacienda Restaurant in Portales prior to becoming ill, according to Dr. Winona Stoltzfus, regional health officer for NMDOH in Roswell. The restaurant has not been closed, according to the owners.
“This is a different type of salmonella than the one that is going on nationally,” Stoltzfus said.
She would not say what the possible causes for this type of salmonella might be.
“It’s way too early to say right now,” she said. “I really don’t want to speculate at this point. We want to let this investigation move forward first.”
La Hacienda manager Randy Ornelas, whose family owns the business, confirmed that inspectors had been in the restaurant. He said he was told that they couldn’t definitely link the outbreak to his restaurant yet.

TEXAS: Restaurant reports
14.jul.08
The Courier
Houston Community Newspapers
http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19850526&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=638427&rfi=6
Editor’s note: The Courier each week runs a summary of reports on area restaurant inspections by the Montgomery County Health Department Environmental Health Services. The departmetn routinely performs food establishment inspections twice per year, or more often if the inspection report was bad resulting in numerous demerits or a complaint was filed. Below are all establishments that reeived no demerits, plus esstablishments each week that received the most demerits.
Restaurant inspections for July 9 through July 16
Restaurants with no demerits:
The Candy House - 27160 Glenlcoch Dr., The Woodlands
Beverage Shoppe - 2250 Buckhorne Place #170, The Woodlands
Nick N Willy’s - 4775 Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands
El Bosque - 28777 I-45 North, Shenandoah
The Common Element - 8302 New Trials, The Woodlands
Primrose School of The Woodlands - 6403 College Park Dr., Conroe
Woodlands Montessori - 1201 Many Pines, The Woodlands
Stepping Stones - 10601 Falconwing Dr., The Woodlands
Whataburger #858 - 2123 West Davis St., Conroe
Beck’s Prime - 2101 Buckthorne, The Woodlands
Restaurants with the most demerits:
Children’s Courtyard - 10505 Six Pines, The Woodlands - 3 demerits - demerits were given for evidence of insect infestation.
Dollar Tree - 501 A Sawdust Rd., The Woodlands - 4 demerits - demerits were issued for unsound condition of food products.
Hilton Garden Inn - 9301 Six Pines Dr., The Woodlands- 6 demerits - 3 demerits were given for improper warewashing machines, 3 demerits were given for unsanitized food contact surfaces.
Super K Corner Store - 2701 Glenloch, The Woodlands - 6 demerits - 3 demerits were given for unapproved disposal systems, 3 demerits were given for unsanitized food contact surfaces.
Goose’s Acre - Waterway Ave. Ste 140, The Woodlands - 10 demerits - 4 demerits were given for unhygienic practices, 3 demerits were given for inadequate handwashing facilitis, 3 demerits were given for unsanitized food contact surfaces.
Dimassi Mediterranean Buffet - 1640 A Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands - 13 demerits - 4 demerirs were given for unapproved labeling, 3 demerits were given for inadequate handwashing facilities, 3 demerits were given for improper warewashing machines, 3 demerits were given for unsanitized food contact surfaces.

OHIO: Restaurant inspection report
14.jul.08
Newark Advocate
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/NEWS01/807140315/1002
Hollywood Theaters, June 30, 771 S. 30th St., Heath, complaint, no violations reported.
# Noah's Ark Creative Care, June 30, 1255 Nadine Drive, Heath, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Playschool Kids Care Childhood Development Center, June 30, 585 Industrial Parkway, Heath, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Taco Bell 20749, June 30, 155 E. Broad St., Pataskala, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Door seal torn on food prep cooler. 2. No thermometer in make table cooler. 3. Condensation problem in walk-in freezer. 4. Fountain syrup spill on floor in back room.
# Church's Pizza, June 30, 1050 Harris Ave., Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# MC Market Convenience Store, June 30, 310 N. Cedar St., Newark, standard inspection with violation reported. 1. Thermometer in deli case is not accurate.
# Kroger Co. 923, June 30, 245 Deo Drive, Newark, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Spray hose in produce department is leaking. 2. Floor in walk-in freezer (bakery) is dirty.
# Kroger Co. 923, June 30, 245 Deo Drive, Newark, complaint, no violations reported.
# Kroger -- Starbucks, June 30, 245 Deo Drive, Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Doug's Point Pizza, June 30, 290 N. Cedar St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Elbow Lounge Inc., June 30, 76 S. Second St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# The Incredible Pizza Co., June 30, 391 W. Main St., Newark, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Cove molding is missing. 2. Tile is broken on counter.
# Central City Pizza II, June 30, 1868 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Light burned out in kitchen. 2. Mixer bowl has particles accumulating. 3. Contact paper is wrinkled.
# Park Pizza, June 30, 354 Union St., Newark, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Door seals on cold table are dirty. 2. No thermometer in cold table.
# Mama Marie's, July 1, 49 S. Main St., Utica, 30 day, no violations reported.
# Wendi's Kitchen, July 1, 10960 Hebron Road, Buckeye Lake, prelicensing. 1. Three-bay sink is not sealed to wall. 2. True freezer is in disrepair.
# The Blue Raccoon, July 1, 606 W. Church St., Newark, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Floor is dirty in men's restroom. 2. Shelfs on prep table has spill/splash on it.
# Bummie's Hi Spot, July 1, 155 N. Cedar St., Newark, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Holes in walls in walk-in. 2. Wiping cloths laying on counter . 3. Food items in reach-in are not date marked.
# OSU-Newark concession stand, July 1, 1179 University Drive, Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# OSU -- Hopewell Hall No. 2, July 1, 1179 University Drive, Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Granville Music Boosters, July 2, Broadway, Granville, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Granville Kiwanis, July 2, 134 E. Broadway, Granville, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# City of Heath, July 2, 580 Cynthia St., Heath, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Cookies 'N Cream, July 2, 3920 North Street Road, Granville, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Bis Onion 2, July 2, 3730 Briarcliff Road, Nashport, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Bis Onion, July 2, 3730 Briarcliff Road, Nashport, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. No end caps on lights in mobile unit.
# Brain Freeze Concessions, July 2, 6195 Lancaster-Kirkersville Road, Baltimore, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Granville Christian Academy, July 2, East Broadway, Granville, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. No hot water at sinks. 2. No test strips for sanitizer in three-bay sink.
# Boy Scout Troop 65, July 2, Broadway, Granville, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Subway, July 3, 1134 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Chicken was not held at the correct temperature. 2. Door seals torn on walk-in cooler. 3. Sanitizer in three-bay sink does not meet requirements. 4. Light bulb missing in walk-in freezer.
# Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, July 3, 961-A Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, no violations reported. Restaurant is closed (out of business).
# Value City, July 3, 725 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, no violations reported. Store is closed (out of business).
# Round Lake Christian Academy Wilderness Camp, July 3, 11841 Rork Run Road, Frazeysburg, standard inspection with violation reported. 1. Margarine was held at wrong temperature.
# Camp Wakatomika, July 3, 15189 Girl Scout Road, Utica, standard inspection with violation reported. 1. No chlorine test strips to check chlorine sanitizer for dishwash machine.
# Summit Station Lions Club, July 5, Outville Park, Pataskala, standard inspection with violation reported. 1. No thermometer in Frigidaire refrigerator.
# Burning Tree Golf Course, July 7, 4600 Ridgely Tract Road, Heath, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Sanitizer in three-bay sink does not meet requirements. 2. Thermometer in White Westinghouse refrigerator is not held at the proper temperature. 3. No paper towels in men's restroom. 4. No test strips for sanitizer in three-bay sink.
# St. John's Fellowship Hall, July 7, 6004 Linnville Road, Newark, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Door seal is torn on True refrigerator. 2. No metal stem thermometer. 3. Interior cavities of microwave has food splash. 4. Large ice scoop for ice machine is cracked.
# Dawes Arboretum, July 7, 7770 Jacksontown Road SE, Newark, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Beverage Air refrigerator is not holding required temperature.
# Miller's Essenplatz, July 7, 1058 E. Main St., Newark, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Ceiling around air vents throughout facility have dust buildup on them, floor in storage rooms, walk-ins and under/around equipment is dirty. 2. No soap at hand sink on line. 3. No single-use towels at hand sink on line. 4. Ceiling tile is missing in kitchen. 5. Light shields are missing in coffee shop prep area. 6. Floor fans and outside of equipment on the line has build-up on them. 7. Trench drains are dirty in kitchen. 8. Foods are not date marked.
# Roosters Inc., July 8, 1414 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Floor in storage room is dirty. 2. Carts on wheels in kitchen have spills/splatters on them.
# Arby's 6987, July 7, 1175 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Celaya Ltd. Mi Fiesta, July 8, 957 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. No date marking for food in Pepsi cooler and walk-in cooler. 2. Light bulb not working under vent hood.
# Papa Murphy's Pizza, July 8, 75 Central Parkway, Heath, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Arby's 709, July 8, 540 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. No thermometer in salad cooler. 2. Door seal is torn on Beverage Air freezer. 3. Door seal is torn on Beverage Air cooler. 4. Chicken holders (shelf) has food particles. 5. Sanitizer in three-bay sink does not meet requirements.
# Wendy's, July 8, 530 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. Door seal is torn on Master Bilt freezer. 2. Condensation problem in walk-in cooler.
# Knuckleheads, July 8, 470 S. Main St., Granville, standard inspection with violations reported. 1. No hand sink in kitchen, prep area, grill area or warewashing area. 2. Floor in walk-in is held together by duct tape. 3. Floor has debris collecting on it, under/around equipment and throughout food service, ceiling under air conditioner has dust build-up. 4. Foods in cold table and walk-in are not date marked. 5. No hot water at hand sink in restroom.
# Indian Hills Golf Course, July 8, 4663 Columbus Road SW, Granville, Standard inspection with violations reported. No probe thermometer. 2. No sneeze guard on hot dog machine.
# The Wine Cache, July 8, 925 River Road, Granville, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Subway, July 8, 115 E. Elm St., Granville, standard inspection with violation reported. 1. Food in reach-in are not date marked.
# Louie's Pizza, July 8, 1019 Westgate Ave., Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Don and Sue's Pizza, July 8, 730 W. Church St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Mound City, July 8, N/A, Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Domino's Pizza, July 8, 77 W. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.
# Domino's Pizza, July 8, 1226 N. 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations reported.

MARYLAND: Dirty dining part 11: Friendly's in Catonsville
04.jul.08
ABC 2 News
Joce Sterman
http://www.abc2news.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=926036c4-db62-4bda-8c88-a0bf047dddc6
It's a place kids love to go because you always get dessert! But while one Friendly's is serving up ice cream, you might want to think twice about digging in. ABC2 News Investigator Joce Sterman tells us why in this Dirty Dining report.
It's a Catonsville restaurant with a friendly name and stinky reputation; at least that's what the customers tell us. Alvin Bowman says, "We came in, we were going to eat but it just smelled nasty in there. It smelled like it was not a place where we wanted to eat. It turned your stomach when you sat down. It smells nasty." That scent smelled familiar to us too. We've seen it in the restaurant inspection reports for this Friendly's on Frederick Road.
We took a look at the restaurant’s paperwork as part of our Dirty Dining series. We're going neighborhood by neighborhood, looking at places with the biggest number of violations and the consistent patterns we've seen in reports dating back to 2006. And that stink we mentioned is part of the pattern. Bowman says, “They should do something about that smell, it's terrible."
The smell may be unappetizing enough to drive away some customers, but management hasn't fixed it, even though the reports show they've known about it for years. An inspector mentioned the foul odor at the front of Friendly's at least 3 different times in reports dating back to 2006. And it seems stagnant water trapped under broken floor tiles may be the source. Friendly's was told to fix the tiles nearly two years ago, but in an inspection just two months ago, those broken floor tiles were mentioned again.
We visited the Friendly’s in person to ask questions, but we were turned away and told to call corporate to get answers about the sanitation issues we've seen written up again and again. Cleaning issues have been mentioned in six different inspections since 2006. The strongest example occurred back in November of 2006. Inspectors shut down the restaurant for a roach infestation and told them to clean and sanitize the entire place. That seems to be a familiar order for folks here, but they have overlooked one thing a couple of times. You might not think about it either, but those bright red seats have been a beacon of trouble. In May of 2006, management was told to buff those booths after dishes were found being stored under the cushions. Two years later, those seats were another sore spot as staff was instructed to clean them up in two different inspections.

ALASKA: State publishes restaurant health inspections online
12.jul.08
Anchorage Daily News
Kyle Hopkins
http://www.adn.com/front/story/462674.html
The state launched a long-delayed Web site this month that allows diners to check up on their favorite restaurants by reading the latest health inspection reports.
The Web site is: www.dec.state.ak.us/eh/fss/food_inspections.htm.
The site includes a searchable database of restaurants across the state. Anchorage, which handles its own food inspections, already had a summary of reports available online on the city Web site.
Now people in Fairbanks, Juneau and Wasilla can look up restaurant inspections too. There are roughly 760 inspections online so far, said Ron Klein, food safety and sanitation program manager.
The reports are for restaurants and other locations inspected since December, and they generally show whether the business -- at least on the day the inspector visited -- was following rules designed to keep people from getting sick.
The reports don't include a score or grade for the inspection, but they tell you if the inspector found things like bugs, improperly cooked food or employees failing to wash their hands.

CONNECTICUT: A peek in the kitchen
13.jul.08
courant.com
http://www.courant.com/news/health/hca1health0713.artjul13,0,7066523.story
Your favorite place to eat serves great food and the dining room is spotless. But how are things in the kitchen? Now you can find out, quickly and easily. The results of health inspections at more than 4,100 restaurants in 58 Connecticut cities and towns — including Hartford, West Hartford and New Haven — are at The Courant's website right now.
Search through the data by restaurant name or by town. Click on a map to help find a restaurant. Check on any violations, see how serious they are and look at the restaurant's inspection history.
The database has more than 15,000 inspection reports going back to the beginning of 2006. It will be updated with the latest inspections, and more health districts will be added as they become available.
Here's one tidbit: A Courant analysis of the database — reflected in the chart above and the story below — shows that inspections often take place much less frequently than the state requirement of every 90 days.

EDITORIAL: Inspecting our inspections
11.jul.08
Mail Tribune
http://forums.mailtribune.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?webtag=mm-editorsBlog&entry=48
A reader sent a question to our Since You Asked column that I thought I would take up here for two reasons: First, it raises an interesting issue and, second, it reminds me that we can't take for granted that readers have a total grasp of what we do.
The question: Wouldn't our community be better served if you listed the restaurants who do not pass inspection rather then those who do? Hopefully the list would be much shorter. Those listed could be given a chance to clean up their act and, upon completion, a follow up inspection made. If at that time they make a passing grade it would be noted in your column. I have also seen in other city newspapers with restaurant inspections the reasons for their failures. Being informed as to who the "bad guys" are would be more helpful when making our choices where to eat (or not) then showing the grades of the "good ones."

My answer: In our restaurant inspection lists, we actually do run those that fail, but the truth is, very few fail. We checked our records and found that one restaurant failed in November 2007 and two failed in April 2007. That appears to be the entire number of failures in the county from April 2007 through last month. That makes us wonder if the inspections are tough enough, an angle we may pursue. Thanks for the question. (By the way, when a restaurant fails, we do run the details of what caused the failure.)
The question gave me a moment's pause, but a quick conference with our food writer confirmed that we do run the failures. We were both surprised -- I more than she -- at the small number of failures. The question also made me realize that a reader has no way of knowing what all we do publish, especially those things that appear only occasionally. We might ask ourselves, how could she possibly think we wouldn't run the names of restaurants that failed? But the better question is, how would she know?
It's our job to do a better job of explaining fully what we're doing. I think we can clear up any misunderstandings on the restaurant reviews with one short sentence. It's a start.

ALASKA: Food inspection reports now available on-line
18.apr.08
State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation
Claire Fishwick
http://www.dec.state.ak.us
The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Food Safety and Sanitation Program announced today that food inspection reports as well as active food and seafood permits are now available on the internet.
Inspection reports give a ‘snapshot’ view of the conditions of a food establishment and their food safety practices while under inspection. The major emphasis of the inspections is on practices known to be directly linked with the causes of foodborne illnesses.
“It is important to remember that an inspection report may not tell you of the overall, long-term cleanliness of a restaurant. Many times, violations are corrected before the Health Officer leaves the establishment,” noted Ron Klein, FSS Program Manager. “We know the public has been very interested in viewing this information, but the best way to know if a restaurant is safe is to be an informed consumer.” Diners can learn how to be informed consumers at:
www.dec.state.ak.us/eh/fss/consumers/check_out_that_restaurant.htm
 Food inspections conducted after December 7, 2007 are available on the new ‘Food Inspections and Permits’ webpage at:
www.dec.state.ak.us/eh/fss/food_inspections.htm
.To review reports completed before December 7, 2007, please contact DEC’s Food Safety Program at 1-87-SAFE-FOOD or 1-877-233-3663.

NORTH CAROLINA: New restaurant regulations draw mixed reaction
10.jul.08
Burlington Times-News
Keren Rivas
http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/regulations_15474___article.html/restaurant_draw.html
Earlier this month, health inspectors began using new guidelines when determining sanitation grades for restaurants.
The reason for the change, according to health authorities, was to eliminate the possibility of customers getting sick from food-borne illnesses. As opposed to the previous form that had 30 items, 11 of which were considered critical, the new form lists a total of 48 things inspectors have to check, including 18 "critical risk" factors.
These range from employees washing their hands properly and having little bare-hand contact with food, to proper handling of returned food and proper temperatures for cooking, cooling and reheating food. The other 30 factors include good retail practices, such as physical condition of the establishment, and food storage.
While some restaurateurs received the changes optimistically, others wonder about the effectiveness of the new regulations.
Dan Doby, owner of Dan Thai on South Church Street in Burlington, welcomed the new inspection. "I have no problem with the inspections being tough," he said. When dealing with food safety, he added, "You can't be too thorough and you can't be too strict."
In his opinion, the biggest problem restaurants face is bogus complaints from disgruntled customers. "You can be the cleanest restaurant in the world," he said, but that's not going to protect you from people making false accusations about your food and service, he added.
Doby said he hasn't had to change his protocols due to the new guidelines. He said he already had a checklist system in place that he goes over every day before opening. Though that's not a requirement, "We do that because it's just a smart thing to do," he said.
Charles Hursey, 66, owner of Hursey's Bar-B-Q, also welcomed the new inspection, though he has some reservations.
On any given day, Hursey has at least one inspector visit his wholesale barbecue operation on N.C. 87 North. "They are here every day," he said on a recent visit to his business, adding that he's had as many as four inspectors in a day.
Due to the nature of his business, Hursey has to adhere to federal regulations as specified in the hazard analysis critical control point system. When the system first started in North Carolina over a decade ago, Hursey said he was told that all he had to do was take temperatures. He soon found out that there was much more to it than that.

MISSOURI: St. Charles county restaurant inspections
10.jul.08
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stcharles/story/5E8E553C8A1338258625748200771C65?OpenDocument
St. 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
Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pasta, 3732 Elm Street, St. Charles. June 30. Score 91. Front display cooler not cold holding food temperature of 42 degrees or lower. Gap at back door. Lights not shielded in walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer. SF.
Imo's Pizza, 1798 Mall Parkway, Wentzville. June 30. Score 89. Manager's certification was not posted. Person in charge must hvae ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. Trash bin not covered properly. No thermometer provided in soda cooler. A violation was corrected. SF.
Jack in the Box, 1992 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville. June 30. Score 98. Trash bin not covered properly (repeat violation). NSF.
Kentucky Fried Chicken, 718 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville. June 30. Score 98. Food service license must be posted in public view. SF.
Waffle House, 1131 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville. July 1. Score 100. No violations. NSF.
Quizno's Classic Subs, 1974 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville. July 1. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Pizza Pro, 1800 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville. July 1. Score 96. Wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer solution bucket between use. No thermometer provided in pizza prep cooler. SF.
K-Mart, 20 O'Fallon Square, O'Fallon. July 1. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Pizza Hut, 2440 West Clay Street, St. Charles. July 1. Score 91. Dishwashing machine not sanitizing. Deal moldy on three compartment sink. Mops improperly stored, not air drying. SF.
Charlie's Pub & Grill, 2198 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles. July 1. Score 92. Sponges being used to wash dishes. Fan vent dirty in reach-in cooler. Interior of microwave oven dirty. Coved base missing in hallway. Light bulb in reach-in cooler is glass, not shatterproof. NSF.
Half-Traks Sports Bar & Grill, 3721 Mexico Road, St. Charles. July 1. Score 96. Gasket in poor condition on refrigerator in kitchen. Chemical bottles not labeled. NSF.
Tequila Mexican Restaurant, 2444 Muegge Road, St. Charles. July 1. Score 86. Manager's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. Boxed food product improperly stored on the floor in walk-in freezer. Food product not covered in walk-in cooler. Interior of ice machine moldy. Raw food product improperly stored with vegetables. Lighting inadequate in dry storage area. NSF.
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, 1413 Lake Saint Louis Boulevard, Lake Saint Louis. July 2. Score 81. Manager's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. Dishwashing machine not dispensing sanitizer. Light burnt out in dishwashing area. Food product out of original container, not date labeled. A violation was corrected. NSF.
Convenient Food Mart, 2035 Highway K, O'Fallon. July 2. Score 85. Managerer's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. Food service license was not posted. No hand towels provided at handwashing sink in kitchen. No thermometer provided in refrigerator. Tops of cappuccino and coffee machines dirty. SF.
Fazoli's, 1108 Highway K, O'Fallon. July 2. Score 98. No hand towels provided at handwashing sink in kitchen. SF.
Papa John's Pizza, 929 Highway K, O'Fallon. July 2. Score 93. Manager's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. Coved base missing near walk-in cooler (repeat violation). Mop improperly stored, not air drying. Flooring soiled throughout establishment. SF.
Pizza Hut, 38 O'Fallon Square, O'Fallon. July 2. Score 96. Fan guard soiled in walk-in cooler. Caulking in poor condition on dishwashing machine. Grease spill at renderer near rear door. SF.
Lion's Choice Roast Beef Restaurant, 901 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville. July 2. Score 98. Food service license must be posted in public view. SF.
Arby's Roast Beef Restaurant, 3786 Elm Street, St. Charles. July 2. Score 96. Food service license not posted. Mops improperly stored, not air drying. SF.
Jack in the Box, 3710 Elm Street, St. Charles. July 2. Score 96. Food product not covered in walk-in freezer. Mops improperly stored, not air drying. SF.
Kentucky Fried Chicken, 8716 Veterans Memorial Parkway, O'Fallon. July 3. Score 98. A violation was corrected. SF.
Rendevous Cafe & Wine Bar, 217 South Main Street, O'Fallon. July 3. Score 96. Standing water in bottom of wine bar cooler. Handwashing sink not draining properly at wine bar. SF.
ST. PETERS
Ho's Chinese Kitchen, 6646 Mexico Road. July 7. Score 98. Flooring soiled in kitchen. Walls soiled in kitchen. SF.
Hooters, 4061 Veterans Memorial Parkway. July 7. Score 96. Wet-stacking food containers, not air drying. Knives stored soiled in knife rack. Door sweep in poor condition on rear door. NSF.
Shop 'n Save, bakery, 100 Jungermann Road. July 7. Score 99. Service trays improperly stored on employee handwashing sink. SF.
Shop 'n Save, deli, 100 Jngermann Road. July 7. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Shop 'n Save, seafood, 100 Jungermann Road. July 7. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Dierbergs, bakery, 217 Salt Lick Road. July 7. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Dierbergs, deli, 217 Salt Lick Road. July 7. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Dierbergs, food bar, 217 Salt Lick Road. July 7. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Dierbergs, seafood, 217 Salt Lick Road. July 7. Score 100. No violations. SF.
BP, 150 Salt Lick Road. July 7. Score 98. Trash bin not covered properly.
Hardee's, 140 Salt Lick Road. July 7. Score 96. Flooring soiled with food debris in food prep area. Scoops stored soiled. SF.
International House of Pancakes, 3850 Veterans Memorial Parkway. July 7. Score 92. Three knives stored soiled in knife rack. No hand towels provided at employee handwashing sink. Wet-stacking food containers, not air drying. Can opener blade soiled. Gaskets in poor condition on reach-in cooler. NSF.
Jack in the Box, 1590 Jungermann Road. July 8. Score 96. Flooring soiled with food debris in walk-in cooler. Interior of reach-in cooler soiled with food debris. Wet-stacking food containers, not air drying. Mop improperly stored on the floor, not air drying. SF.
Schnucks, bakery, 577 Mid Rivers Mall Drive. July 8. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Schnucks, deli, 577 Mid Rivers Mall Drive. July 8. Score 99. Flooring soiled under three compartment sink. SF.
Schnucks, food bar, 577 Mid Rivers Mall Drive. July 8. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Schnucks, seafood, 577 Mid Rivers Mall Drive. July 8. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Shop 'n Save, bakery, 60 Harvester Square. July 8. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Shop 'n Save, deli, 60 Harvester Square. July 8. Score 98. A violation was corrected. SF
Shop 'n Save, seafood, 60 Harvester Square. July 8. Score 99. Service tray improperly stored on employee handwashing sink. SF.
Schnucks, bakery, 48 Plaza 94. July 8. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Schnucks, deli, 48 Plaza 94. July 8. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Schnucks, food bar, 48 Plaza 94. July 8. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Schnucks, seafood, 48 Plaza 94. July 8. Score 100. No violations. SF.

GEORGIA: Ground beef from restaurant tests positive for E. coli
09.jul.08
WCTV.tv
http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/24248499.html
Ground beef taken from the Barbecue Pit, the restaurant that has been the common thread in a Colquitt County disease outbreak, has tested positive for Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157, says Southwest Georgia Public Health District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant.
"We received confirmation that ground beef samples tested positive," Grant said. "We can now move ahead with confidence to help the restaurant operators take the decontamination steps needed to prevent the spread of infection and protect the public."
Disease investigators will look closely at meat grinders, cutters, surfaces and utensils that may have come into contact with tainted beef, she said. Additional specimens will be collected.
"Cross contamination is a big concern in foodborne investigations, and preventing it will be a focus for our investigation team," she said. A comprehensive decontamination could involve replacing equipment and discarding specific food items as well as disinfecting the facility.
"At this point in the investigation, we cannot estimate how long before the Barbecue Pit can reopen," said Dr. Grant. "While our main concern is preventing the disease from spreading and protecting the health of the community, we are certainly also committed to helping the restaurant get disinfected and back to business as soon as possible."
There are eight lab-confirmed cases of E. coli and four presumed cases to date in the Colquitt County disease outbreak, which began in late June. All confirmed and presumed cases involve people who ate at the Barbecue Pit, located at 311 First Ave., S.E. in Moultrie.

US: Tex-Mex lovers, chefs take precautions in salmonella scare
09.jul.08
The Dallas Morning News
Jeffrey Weiss
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/healthscience/stories/071008dnmetsalsascare.3be6eda5.html
According to this story, if you're eating out, it's all about trusting the restaurateur.
Matt Martinez, scion of a Tex-Mex cooking dynasty and owner of Matt's Rancho Martinez in Dallas and Cedar Hill, temporarily switched from fresh tomatoes to – ¡Ay, caramba! – canned until he could identify a supplier he knew he could trust, adding, "We depend a lot on the purveyors to make sure we get our produce from an FDA-approved source.”
Juan Davilla, owner of El Mercado Cocina Mexicana at the Dallas Farmers Market, was cited as saying he could not operate his restaurant without tomatoes and jalapeños, and that his customers were willing to take their chances.
Lisa Danley of Huntsville, Ark., moments after crunching down a salsa-dipped tortilla chip, was quoted as saying, "We haven't really worried about it.”
How do people get infected with Salmonella?
As Dr. Douglas Powell, scientific director of the International Food Safety Network, puts it: "Follow the poop." The only way to catch salmonella is to eat foods that have been in contact with excretion from an infected animal. Many illnesses come from insufficiently cooked meat or eggs. Vegetables can't be infected but can be tainted from sources that include droppings from a passing bird or lizard onto a growing plant, tainted water used to irrigate a field or to wash picked crops, or food handlers who didn't wash their hands after touching something that contained the bacteria. Contaminated foods don't look, smell or feel any different from foods without salmonella.
The story notes that salsa has been implicated in other salmonella outbreaks. In 2003, tainted salsa served at a Dallas hotel was blamed for infecting at least 650 people.
Federal health authorities had issued a "mission accomplished" in early June when they put out the warning about tomatoes but had to back down when reports of new infections continued to come in. According to the CDC, at least 300 of the reported infections are from people who became ill on or after June 1. Texas tomatoes, among many other potential sources, have been cleared by federal investigators as safe.
A quick dip of fresh foods into a weak solution of bleach– one tablespoon per gallon – will do the trick. Rinse the bleach off in running water. Cooking any food to 165 degrees will kill the bugs – but only if you are sure the entire pot gets that hot. "I've had cooked salsa and it's not bad," said Dr. Michael Doyle, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia (and not a particular fan of traditional Tex-Mex). A brisk rinse in running water won't kill bacteria but can wash most of them off the food, some experts say.
I see so many news stories about tainted food. Is food getting less safe or the reporting of infections better?
Dr. Doyle says a lot of it is better reporting, and a greatly improved multistate network of food safety investigators. "Five years ago, this kind of outbreak would not even have been detected," he said.
So should I eat fresh fruit and vegetables?
Dr. Doyle says he does. Dr. Al Wagner, a food processing specialist with Texas A&M University, says he's started washing his cantaloupes (when slicing, the knife can carry germs from the rind into the fruit). Dr. Powell says he eats fresh foods, though he tries to find out where they come from and how they've been handled.
"A lot of eating fresh vegetables," Dr. Powell said, "is an act of faith."

ABSTRACT: Public knowledge and attitudes regarding public health inspections of restaurants
08.jul.08
American Journal of Preventive Medicine (34(6): p. 510–513)
Timothy F. Jones, MD, Karen Grimm, MA
Background: Foodborne diseases cause 76 million illnesses in the U.S. each year, and almost half of all money spent on food is spent in restaurants. Restaurant inspections are a critical public health intervention for the prevention of foodborne disease.
Methods: A telephone survey of randomly selected Tennessee residents aged _18 was performed.
Data were collected on respondents’ demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and expectations regarding restaurant inspections.
Results: Of 2000 respondents, 97% were aware that restaurants are inspected regularly by the health department. More than half of the respondents believed that inspections should be performed at least 12 times per year; only one third were aware that inspections currently occur only twice per year in Tennessee. More than one third of the respondents considered an inspection score of _90 acceptable for a restaurant at which they would eat; the mean score in Tennessee is 82. When presented with a variety of scenarios, an overwhelming number of respondents felt that public health responses to safety violations should be far more draconian than they actually are. Survey answers did not differ consistently based on respondents’ race, gender, or history of having worked in a restaurant.
Conclusions: This study identified a number of public misconceptions and unrealistically high expectations of the public health restaurant-inspection system. It is important to improve consumers’ understanding of inspection scores and the limitations of regulatory inspections, as well as the role of such inspections in disease prevention.
(Am J Prev Med 2008;34(6):510–513) © 2008 American Journal of Preventive Medicine

PENNSYLVANIA: Our view: Restaurant inspection system needs refinements
08.jul.08
Chambersburg Public Opinion
Matthew Major
http://www.publicopiniononline.com/ci_9812796
The mechanics of Chambersburg Borough's restaurant inspection system appear to be working as intended.
Every eatery in the borough was inspected throughout 2007, and 42 have been visited so far this year. The results reside on a Web site for public inspection. Very few local restaurants faced sanctions throughout the process.
It would appear that all is well with borough restaurants, given the nearly uninterrupted string of passing grades contained on the Web site at
www.codeservices.net/Chambersburg_Restaurants.htm
Even though we acknowledge the strides the borough made in getting the inspection results online, we also wonder if some aspects of the program too heavily favor restaurants at the expense of the people dining in them.
First, many of the listings on the Web site are outdated. The company that performs the inspections for the borough -- Commonwealth Code Inspection Services -- contracts a third party to keep it current, but the site is worse than useless to patrons if doesn't reflect recent conditions at local restaurants.
Second, the process strikes us as lenient. Restaurants appear to get chances to correct critical problems without losing their license, when the state agriculture department's policy is to shut them down.
We don't want to shut down undeserving restaurants, or create more hardships for small businesses.
But this particular hardship -- keeping to code to avoid making people sick -- is less of a hardship than a prime directive when it comes to public eateries.
Addressing those concerns will go a long way toward ensuring that Chambersburg's inspection program achieves more than a public relations coup.

SAN ANTONIO: Cool food gets restaurant in hot water
07.jul.08
WOAI.com (CBS)
Jaie Avila
http://www.woai.com/content/troubleshooters/story.aspx?content_id=36fb896c-26da-49f0-b56b-0afd50bd9e7a
A south side taco restaurant serves up this week's lowest score. News 4 Trouble Shooter Jaie Avila has this week's Kitchen Cops.
Lowest Score of the Week
Brothers Taco House, 375 Hawthorne
The health inspector who came here to the Brothers Taco House on Hawthorne on the south side found the refrigerator wasn't keeping food cold enough. She also says cooked beef, chicken and pork wasn't being kept hot enough to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Anything over 30 demerits is a poor score and Brothers Taco House was given a 36.
The inspector also cited improper handwashing by employees, and rodent droppings in the rear of the kitchen.
We were welcomed by the manager of Brothers Taco House, Sara Trevino, who agreed to give us a tour of the kitchen.
Trevino told us most of the problems had been fixed, including food that was not being kept cold enough.
The inspector had ordered the restaurant to install working thermometers in the refrigerators to make sure food was kept at 41 degrees or colder.
Brothers Taco House also improved the way it stores cooked food and patched up a hole where rodents may have been getting in.
Blue Plate Award
Arby's, 14103 Nacogdoches
Congratulations to this week's blue plate winner.
Arby's on Nacogdoches road got a perfect score from the health department. And now they've got a blue plate from the Kitchen Cops.

EDITORIAL: Knowing where you are eating
07.jul.08
Ottawa Citizen
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/editorials/story.html?id=cfb31133-467a-4216-b58f-d54c92c02a7c
Foodborne diseases are a significant public health problem. The American Journal of Preventative Medicine reported last month that 76 million Americans fall ill because of bad food each year. The Public Health Agency of Canada says that in this country there are some 11 million annual episodes of foodborne disease.
As the researchers who conducted the American study noted, the public is largely unaware of inspection regimes -- we don't know how often restaurants are inspected, nor do we understand the health consequences of eating at places that are assigned bad grades.
Posting restaurant health inspections online would be a good step in educating the public on these matters. Consumers show tremendous interest in accessing health inspection websites that already exist. The very first day New York City posted inspections online, in 2000, the website received thousands of hits.
Interestingly, there's evidence that when local authorities post online the results of inspections, not just in the restaurant business but other industries, operators start improving the quality of their services. In 2004, an American economics professor compared the quality of daycares in jurisdictions that posted daycare inspections online with ones that didn't. He discovered that the public availability of this information on the Web led to daycares' improving their services as much as if they had created whole new curricula.
Some health agencies, like Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health in British Columbia, already appreciate the benefits of public transparency. They have been posting restaurant inspections online for six years, as well as inspections of swimming pools, hair dressers and tattoo services.
This is eminently sensible. After all, the information is already being collected, but for whose benefit? In too many places only municipal bureaucrats have easy access to inspection reports, yet it is members of the public who are at risk. The problem is not necessarily that bureaucrats want to hoard such information but rather that they've been lethargic in implementing the technology that would make inspections, and other municipal business, more accessible to the citizenry.
At the same time, it's important to recognize that restaurants need their interests protected, too. Because the public is largely ignorant of the varying degrees of health infractions, it's possible that minor violations, if reported without context, could be blown out of proportion and the business could suffer unfairly.
As well, the Internet can sometimes be a place where old and outdated information tends to hang around. Outdated reports would have to be removed quickly so restaurateurs who clean up their acts aren't permanently tainted. If health inspectors do their jobs properly, then information available online should be accurate and fair. Good businesses would have nothing to fear and bad ones would have nowhere to hide.

OHIO: Restaurant inspection report
07.jul.08
Newark Advocate
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080707/NEWS01/807070311/1002
Licking County Jail, June 17, 155 E. Main St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Newark Moose 499, June 18, 235 W. National Drive, Newark, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Utensils are stored haphazardly in drawers.
# Newark Moose 499 Bar, June 18, 235 W. National Drive, Newark, standard inspection, with violation. 1. The pop nozzles at the bar and outside of the cabinets in the kitchen are dirty.
# Holly's Dairy Bar, June 18, 182 National Drive, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Country Cupboard: An Amish Style Market, June 18, 28 S. Third St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Mound City Little League, June 21, Courthouse Square, Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Catfish Charley's, June 24, 11048 Hebron Road, Buckeye Lake, complaint, no violations.
# Dairy Queen, June 25, 9700 Hazelton-Etna Road, Pataskala, complaint, with violations. 1. Observed employee preparing ready-to-eat foods not wearing gloves. 2. Sides of fryer had grease buildup. 3. Tops of glass freezer had food particles. 4. Hand sink in kitchen is inaccessible and plumbing is in disrepair. 5. Floor in kitchen is dirty.
# Chestnut House, June 26, 1065 Johnson Ave., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Smokey Joe's BBQ, June 26, 10070 Reynolds Road, Newark, pre-licensing, no violations.
# National Road Pit Stop Restaurant, June 26, 12998 National Road, Pataskala, pre-licensing, with violations. 1. No test strips for sanitizer (quat) in three-bay sink. 2. No metal stem thermometer.
# Aldi Food Store 54, June 26, 775 S. 30th St., Heath, standard inspection, with violation. 1. No lids on Dumpsters. 2. Ice on floor in deep freezer.
# Davis-Shai House, June 26, 301 Central Parkway, Heath, standard inspection, with violation. 1. Lights over ovens in pantry have no cover.
# Caribou Coffee 606, June 26, 719 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, with violations. 1. No test strips for sanitizer (quat) in three-bay sinks. 2. No soap or paper towels by hand sink or by three-bay sinks.
# GFS Market Place LLC, June 26, 240 Central Parkway, Heath, standard inspection, no violations.
# Walgreens 10810, June 26, 764 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, no violations.
# Church Street Entertainment, June 27, 370 W. Church St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Christy's Pizza & Subs, June 27, 15 E. Church St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# River Road Coffeehouse, June 27, 973 21st St., Newark, standard inspection, no violations.
# Goumas Candy Land, June 27, 19 Claren Drive, Heath, standard inspection, no violations.
# The Chapel Grove Inn, June 27, 1400 Chapel Way, Heath, standard inspection, no violations.
# Factory Card Outlet 287, June 27, 937-945 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Food (candy display) on floor. 2. Lids open on Dumpster. 3. No paper towels in women's restroom.
# Subway Heath 11, June 27, 911 Hebron Road, Heath, standard inspection, with violations. 1. Food in walk-in refrigerator not date marked. 2. Nozzles on soda pop dispenser have buildup. 3. Interior of microwave has food splash. 4. Drain way for soda pop dispenser is dirty. 5. Floors under shelves in walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer have food particles.

NORTH CAROLINA: Restaurant inspections get tougher
05.jul.08
Charlotte Observer
Greg Lacour
http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/700214.html
It was just a letter about the state changing its restaurant inspection form.
But when he received it in May, Tony Grippo took it seriously enough to post the new form and encourage employees at BrickTop's, the SouthPark restaurant he manages, to practice the standards it outlined.
Such as: Wash hands thoroughly before handling food. Cook food for the proper time and at the right temperature. And make sure surfaces that touch food are sanitized.
They're not new standards. But they're freshly emphasized on a new form local health departments told N.C. restaurateurs about in May and began using this week.
The new form outlines 18 “critical violations,” or those that have a high chance of making diners ill – such as failure to wash hands or heat and cool food properly.
The old form listed only 11 critical violations. It also assigned similar weight to critical violations and breaches of “good retail practices,” preventive measures dealing largely with proper storage and refrigeration, clean floors and walls and the presence of insects or rodents. The new form docks more points for critical violations than for the 30 retail practices.
The point is to stress compliance on “things that can make people sick,” said Lynn Lathan, a Mecklenburg County health supervisor who helped draft the new form. “We need to be more concerned about issues concerning food handling than what condition the floor tiles are in.”

ALBERTA: City left out of restaurant inspection plan
04.jul.08
The Meridian Booster
Christopher Heffernan
http://www.meridianbooster.com/News/409608.html
Lloydminster is the only Alberta city not taking part in a program that will allow people to check out the cleanliness of restaurants online.
On July 1, the Alberta government launched a website that will post public inspection reports of restaurants online. The reports will allow Albertans to see when a particular establishment was last inspected and if there were any violations of food regulations noted – such as hand washing, food preparation or storage infractions.
However, no Lloydminster restaurants can be found on the website because the city falls under the jurisdiction of Saskatchewan in the area of public health.
“When Lloydminster was set up through the city charter, they chose to have the Saskatchewan public health act applied to the whole city,” said Richard Koroluk, who heads the team of public health inspectors for the Prairie North Health Region.
Saskatchewan is in the process of setting up a similar system to the one in Alberta. Once new food and safety legislation is passed this fall, the public will be able to request hard copies of reports for any restaurant in the province but these will not be accessible online and they will have to pay a fee.
It won’t be until next year that residents will have access to the online reports. Koroluk says the delay is due to the amount of work it will take to get the site up and running.
The way the system has been set up in Alberta, where the public can see the types of infractions found in a restaurant, is supported by the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, a national industry lobby group.
“Food safety is obviously a very important consideration for restaurants,” said Mark von Shellwitz, CRFA vice-president for Western Canada. “And we’ve always been of the opinion, our members have, that we are supportive of full disclosure of restaurant inspection reports being available to the public.”
The CRFA supports the full-disclosure model as opposed to the grading model, where a restaurant is given a certain ranking but the details of the inspection are not made public. A less-than-perfect rating may cause the public the shy away from a restaurant for minor infractions that have nothing to do with food safety, said Shellwitz.

ILLINOIS: Chicago restaurant inspections
05.jul.08
Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-chicago-restaurant-inspection,0,4417967.htmlstory
Before heading out for food, check out how your favorite restaurant or food store fared when inspected by the Food Protection Division of the Chicago Department of Public Health.
This database allows you to search by restaurant, street name or zip code for all current Chicago restaurant inspections. You can also search by inspection result using the "results" pulldown menu. (If you want to find an establishment by street, do not include words like "street," "avenue" or "road" in your query.)
To report a food-related concern:
Call 311 or (312)744-8500 from outside the city.
About food inspections:
According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Food Protection Division "is committed to maintaining the safety of food bought, sold, or prepared for public consumption in Chicago by carrying out science-based inspections of all retail and wholesale food establishments."
The Food Division inspects restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, convenience stores, hospitals, nursing homes, day care facilities, shelters, schools, and temporary food service events.
These inspections, which focus on food handling practices, product temperatures, personal hygiene, facility maintenance, and pest control, are designed to promote public health and prevent food-borne illness.
The inspection data is compiled in the City of Chicago's Food Inspection Reporting System.
What do the results mean?
The status of an inspection can be pass, pass with conditions, or fail:
Pass means the business meets the minimum requirements of the municipal code and does not have serious or critical violations.
Pass with conditions means the business has serious or critical violations that are corrected during the inspection or the certified food service sanitation manager is not present at the time of inspection.
Fail means the business has serious violations that cannot be corrected during the inspection. The business must correct the serious violations and pass a re-inspection in order to remain open. Fail is also given if the business has critical violations that cannot be corrected during the inspection. In this situation, the business will have its license suspended until it passes a re-inspection.
Critical violations can create an immediate health hazard. They includes inadequate storage temperatures, inappropriate food handling practices, improper personal hygiene, rodent and/or insect infestation, or lack of hot running water.
Serious violations include potentially hazardous food improperly thawed, re-serving food previously served to another customer and food not properly protected from contamination. These types of violations create a potential health hazard.
Is anyone else looking at food safety?
Another city department know as Mayor Daley's Dumpster Task Force can also close food establishments. The task force focuses on violations such as overflowing dumpsters. Read more and find out what businesses have been closed.

TEXAS: Restaurant report card 7/4
04.jul.08
KFDM News
Bill Leger
http://www.kfdm.com/news/dowlen_26813___article.html/gets_grade.html
On this July Fourth holiday we're checking out restaurant inspection scores from the Beaumont Health Department.
We've got the highs and lows in this edition of Leger's Restaurant Report Card.
#1. OSAKA GRILL 6155 EASTEX FWY./GRADE=72
We begin with Osaka Grill in Parkdale Mall. Inspector Duriso found noodles and chicken at unsafe temperatures and an employee without a hair restraint. Osaka Grill in Parkdale Mall gets a low 72.
#2. PHO FOUR SEASONS 3690 COLLEGE STREET/GRADE=81
Next is Pho Four Seasons on College Street. Inspector Duriso found beat sprouts at room temperature, and among other things thermometers were not properly calibrated to ensure the proper food temperatures. Pho Four Seasons on College gets an 81.
#3. DICKIES FAST FOOD 3280 EAST LUCAS/GRADE=82
Now to Dickie's Fast Food on East Lucas. Sausage links were not at a safe temperature, the wok area was dirty and the wok was being washed in the mop sink which is a violation. Dickie's Fast Food on East Lucas gets an 82.
#4. NOVROZSKY'S HAMBURGERS 4438 DOWLEN/GRADE=83
Next is Novrozsky's Hamburgers on Dowlen. Inspector Girard found an employee without a hair restraint, a fly in the kitchen, the can opener was dirty and there was no thermometer in the freezer to ensure proper temperatures. Novrozsky's on Dowlen gets an 83.
#5. TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 4438 DOWLEN #104/GRADE=84
And finally we stop by Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse on Dowlen Road. Inspector Scott found gnats in the kitchen, no sanitizer in the dishwasher and slight mold on the ice dispenser. Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse gets an 84.
Other scores include: Ryan's Grill and Buffet on Dowlen with a 90; Szechuan Chinese Restaurant on 11th with a 93; Club Flech children's entertainment center on Dowlen with a 93; Bistro Lemonde on Dowlen with a 94; Cici's Pizza on the Eastex Freeway with a 94; Richard's Cafe on College with a 96; Taco Bell on Phelan with a 96; Olive Garden Italian Restaurant on Interstate 10 with a 96; Uncle Henry's Tamales on Calder received a 97; McDonalds on MLK got a 97; and Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken on Washington earned a 97.
Our Blue Ribbon Awards for perfect scores from the Beaumont Health Department go to: Rockin 'A' Cafe on Cardinal Drive; Seafood Lover on Calder; John's Seafood on Washington; Uncle Henry's Tamales on Lucas; Joe's Pizza Pasta on Dowlen; and Colorado Canyon on Folsom.

MISSOURI: St. Charles County restaurant inspections
04.jul.08
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
STLtoday.com
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/news/stcharles/story/02d54f9b5da4b2c48625747b005e07a2?OpenDocument
St. 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
88 China, 1933 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville. June 23. Score 91. Scoop with no handle laying in bulk food product. Screening on rear door in poor condition. Raw food product sitting out at room temperature. SF.
Thursday's, 3434 Harry S. Truman Boulevard, St. Charles. June 24. Score 100. No violations. NSF.
Wiliker's Restaurant & Bar, 1566 Country Club Plaza, St. Charles. June 24. Score 89. Food product out of original container, not date labeled. Fruit flies in kitchen. Cutting board in poor condition. Can opener blade dirty. Flooring in poor condition in walk-in cooler. Ceiling panels dirty. Air vents dirty. NSF.
Culpepper's Grill & Bar, 4401 Highway K, O'Fallon. June 24. Score 89. Coved base in poor condition at dishwashing machine (repeat violation). Door on fry cooler in poor condition (repeat violation). Ice scoop in poor condition. Other violations were corrected. NSF.
Montelle Winery, 201 Montelle Drive, Augusta. June 24. Score 100. No violations. SF.
McGurk's Public House, 108 South Main Street, O'Fallon. June 24. No consumer advisory posted on menus (repeat violation). Handwashing sink drain pipe leaking at bar. A violation was corrected. NSF.
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar, 3020 Highway K, O'Fallon. June 24. Score 96. Air vent dusty near walk-in cooler. Light shield in poor condition near walk-in cooler. NSF.
Chevy's Fresh-Mex Restaurant, 2006 Highway K, O'Fallon. June 24. Score 96. Violations were corrected. NSF.
American Legion Post 262, Church and Hackman roads, Augusta. June 24. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Johann's of Augusta Grocery, 225 Jackson Street, Augusta. June 24. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Texas Roadhouse, 1600 Mexico Road, O'Fallon. June 25. Score 98. Top of dishwashing machine soiled. Shelving soiled in walk-in cooler. Fan guards soiled in walk-in cooler. NSF.
Chuck-A-Burger, 3150 Elm Point Industrial Drive, St. Charles. June 25. Score 92. Ice bin moldy. Wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer solution bucket between use. Coved base missing near dishwashing machine. Hood vents soiled with grease. SF.
Beef Eaters/Banquet Center of the Little Hills, 111 Transit Street, St. Charles. June 25. Score 94. Ice bin soiled. Flooring soiled between grills. Hood vent missing. SF.
Ami's of St. Charles, 3728 Monticello Plaza, St. Charles. June 25. Score 93. Wall in poor condition in hallway (repeat violation). Flooring soiled under equipment. A violation was corrected. SF.
Queen Buffet, 1126 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville. June 25. Score 86. Back door open and screen door open. Improper dispensing of food product, must use scoop with handle. Fly strip hanging above food product. Food product out of original container, not date labeled. Wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer solution bucket between use. No covered waste receptacle provided in women's restroom. SF.
Wentzville Lounge, 11 West Allen, Wentzville. June 25. Score 98. No test strips provided for sanitizer. NSF.
West Allen Grill, 9 West Allen, Wentzville. June 25. Score 94. Microwave oven in poor condition. Other violations were corrected. NSF.
Rudy's Ribs, 3303-3 Rue Royale, St. Charles. June 26. Score 96. Ice bin moldy. Fly strip hanging above food prep table. Sponges are being used in sinks. SF.
Seamus McDaniels, 7434 Village Center Drive, O'Fallon. June 26. Score 91. Fruit flies in mop area. Walk-in freezer not properly maintained, ice buildup. Improper storage of maintenance items. NSF.
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, 1075 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville. June 26. Score 79. Manager's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. Food product out of original container, not date labeled. Cook chewing gum in kitchen. No test strips provided for sanitizer. NSF.
Sam's Club, Cafe, 2855 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Charles. June 26. Score 85. Employees do not follow handwashing procedures. Employees making bare hand contact with food product. Proper sanitizing procedures not followed. Improper thawing methods being used. SF.
Sam's Club, Rotisserie Chicken, 2855 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Charles. June 26. Score 90. Manager's certification was not posted. Person in charge must have ServSafe certificate. No one on duty certified. Sanitizer solution for wiping cloths not at proper strength. SF.
Ethyl's Wildwood Saloon & Steakhouse, 8505 Veterans Memorial Parkway, O'Fallon. June 26. Score 100. No violations. NSF.
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 1377 Highway K, O'Fallon. June 26. Score 91. Dishwashing machine not sanitizing properly in kitchen. Hot water faucet in poor condition on handwashing sink in prep area. Dishwashing machine not sanitizing properly at bar. A violation was corrected. NSF.
Marsala's Market, 3308-1 Rue Royale, St. Charles. June 27. Score 98. Light shields missing in two-door cooler. SF.
Culver's, 1898 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville. June 27. Score 94. Trash bin not covered properly. Dispensing utensils handles laying in bulk food product. Hot water faucet on handwashing sink in men's restroom in poor condition. SF.
Rizzo's Restaurant, 104 Triad West Drive, O'Fallon. June 27. Score 98. Shelving soiled in walk-in cooler. Soda gun holder soiled at bar. NSF.
Madison's Cafe, 2924 Highway K, O'Fallon. June 27. Score 100. No violations. NSF.
Demolition Ball, 1875 Old Highway 94 South, St. Charles. June 27. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Wine Country Gardens, 2711 Highway 94 south, Defiance. June 28. Score 94. Food service license must be posted in public view. No thermometer provided in reach-in cooler. No test strips provided for sanitizer. SF.
ST. PETERS
Jack in the Box, 299 Salt Lick Road. July 1. Score 96. Wet-stacking food containers, not air drying. Wall soiled with food debris behind handwashing sink. Various utensils stored soiled with food debris. SF.
FastLane Convenient Mart, 301 Salt Lick Road. July 1. Score 99. Tops of beverage machines soiled. SF.
Huck's Convenient Mart, 699 Salt Lick Road. July 1. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Starbucks Coffee Co., 6187 Mid Rivers Mall Drive. July 1. Score 100. No violations. SF.
Burger King, 399 Main Street. July 2. Score 98. Mop improperly stored in mop bucket filled with dirty water. Wet-stacking food containers, not air drying. SF.
The Broiler, 6626 Mexico Road. July 2. No score. Change of ownership inspection and approved. NSF.

GEORGIA: Health Department investigating illness at downtown hotel
03.jul.08
Savannah Morning News
Eric Curl
http://savannahnow.com/node/527534
Chatham County Health Department officials were called to investigate at the Hyatt Regency on Wednesday after about 50 guests became ill.
There were reports of nausea, diarrhea and vomiting Tuesday night and through Wednesday, according to hotel officials. Peter McMahon, general manager at the Bay Street hotel, was cited as saying three guests sought medical attention. The guests were part of a group of about 200 people attending a national insurance educators convention.
As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, about 180 of the convention guests had been contacted.
Food poisoning is being examined as a possible cause. The hotel catered a lunch with chicken, salad and cake for the guests at 1 p.m. Tuesday before the first reports of illness came in about 9 p.m.
None of the 75 to 100 other guests at the hotel reported any symptoms, nor did hotel employees, McMahon said.
The meal is not the only suspect, however. Three convention guests who reported symptoms did not take part in the lunch, McMahon said.
“We don’t know if it’s viral or food-borne at this time,” he said.

CALIFORNIA: Virus could have sickened 21 at Crowne Plaza
02.jul.08
Palo Alto Online
Becky Trout
http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=8567
Public health officials suspect norovirus sickened 21 people who visited Palo Alto's Crowne Plaza Cabaña hotel in late June, county spokeswoman Joy Alexiou said Wednesday.
The individuals primarily suffered from diarrhea and did not require hospitalization, she said.
Hotel visitors became sick between June 21 and 25; no additional cases have been reported, Alexiou, a public information officer with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, said.
Alexiou said. public health officials will probably never know exactly what caused the illnesses because they don't have any samples from affected individuals.
She said county inspectors and instructors have worked with hotel staff to prevent another outbreak.
The hotel, located at 4290 El Camino Real, has received at least two recent warnings from the county, however.
During an August 2007 routine inspection, the hotel was cited for a "major" problem with washing and sanitation.
Surfaces weren't adequately sanitized and "equipment/utensils not being properly washed, rinsed and sanitized," the environmental health inspector found.
But a subsequent inspection in March again found a "major" problem with washing and sanitation, citing the same violations reported seven months earlier.
The hotel's general manager was not available for comment Wednesday morning.

UK: Food Safety: 200 eateries warned
03.jul.08Scuntherpe Telegraph
http://www.thisisscunthorpe.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=152553&command=displayContent&sourceNode=232468&home=yes&more_nodeId1=152562&contentPK=21005149More than 200 warnings were issued last year about hygiene safety standards to food producers, suppliers and retailers in North Lincolnshire.
Most of the 203 written warnings were directed at restaurants, cafes and takeaways.
At the same time improvement notices were served on seven premises.
But council watchdogs only had to bring one prosecution against a restaurant, after the rest of the eating places put their own kitchens in order.
During a nine-month period ending in March this year, food hygiene inspectors visited 453 premises which were classed in six categories from high risk to unrated.

MASSACHUSETS: Marlborough Board of Health can't keep up with inspections
03.jul.08
Metro West Daily News
Matt Lynch
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1816438986/Marlborough-Board-of-Health-cant-keep-up-with-inspections
MARLBOROUGH -- As the city's inspection staff struggles to keep up with an ever-expanding restaurant boom, a popular local steakhouse repeatedly violated health codes over a 9-month period.
Board of Health records show that from September 2007 to June 24 of this year, the Wildwood was repeatedly cited for, among other things, storing meat at the wrong temperature because a cooler door would not close and having a poorly trained staff, according to the restaurant's inspection file.
Bob Landry, who heads the city's Board of Health, would not comment specifically on the Wildwood violations but said his department has struggled to keep up inspections as the city's number of restaurants has nearly doubled to almost 300 in the last 13 years.
"We just don't have the staff to keep up with inspections," he said. "Staffing levels have stayed the same, but Marlborough has grown to the point it could use one full-time sanitarian focusing on food."
The city has one assistant sanitarian who handles restaurants, housing, beaches and lakes, tanning salons, hotels, 42 swimming pools and the 63 unduplicated cases of bed bugs seen last year.
Mayor Nancy Stevens said she's aware of the board's request for another sanitarian and is going to spend the summer looking at staffing and organization in the city's departments.

ARKASAS: Inspections vary at eateries
02.jul.08
The Daily Citizen
Warren Watkins
http://www.thedailycitizen.com/articles/2008/07/02/news/top_stories/top01.txt
Health inspectors making surprise visits to restaurants
Those who dine in White County eateries can be assured, inspectors say, that restaurants are clean and the food is prepared according to accepted health policies.
Donald Sanders, environmental specialist, and Corey Cooper, environmental health specialist, made more than 300 unannounced inspections of local eateries in the last year in White County and more than 60 in Woodruff County. Inspections, which cover 26 critical areas and 27 issues involving non-critical issues, include probing food with thermometers.
Ed Barham, of the Arkansas Department of Health, pointed out that any violations do not necessarily mean a particular restaurant serves unsafe food, but is merely representative of activity which occurred during that day's visit.
“They might have had one bad employee on that particular day,” Barham said.
Inspectors cannot fine establishments, but can shut them down through the official process.
The following results of inspections were selected from files at the White County Health Department.
Casa Brava
On May 12, Cooper inspected Casa Brava restaurant, 1801 Beebe-Capps Expressway in Searcy, finding only one critical area out of compliance: Food was found not in good condition, safe and unadulterated. Seven issues of non-compliance were noted in the non-critical areas involving the following categories: Food properly labeled or in original container; contamination prevented during food preparation, storage and display; in-use utensils properly stored; single-use and single-service articles properly stored and used; food and non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used; warewashing facilities installed, maintained and used; physical facilities installed, maintained and clean.
Notations were made by Cooper: Return-air vents need to be cleaned; sanitizer test strips were needed at a sink; spray bottles need to be labeled; all food products and single service items should be stored off the floor; shelving should be cleaned in a storage area; and employee handwashing signs need to be posted in bathroom.
Taco meat, chicken, beans and rice were all well above the required temperature for hot food, but the food service manager was told to complete the required online food safety training before the next inspection.
Casa Brava management did not return calls in reference to this article.
Captain D's
On April 15, Cooper inspected Captain D's Seafood Restaurant, 1602 E. Race, giving them a perfect score on critical issues and finding only four non-critical area of non-compliance, noting sanitizer test strips were needed at a sink, an exterior cover for fryers needed to be replaced, exterior of some cooking equipment needed to be cleaned and all utensils needed to be stored properly. The walk-in cooler and freezer, prep table, display case and green beans were all within proper temperature ranges, but the food service manager was told to complete the required online food safety training before the next inspection.
MiMi's
On March 21, the last inspection of Mimi's Cafeteria, formerly located at 1707 E. Race but now closed, was performed by Cooper, who found the walk-in cooler and freezer at proper temperatures. No critical issues were noted, but several observations and corrections were requested: spray bottles should be labeled; a light was to be shielded in the walk-in cooler; sanitizer test strips were missing; damaged ceiling tiles should be replaced; in-use utensils should be stored properly; the staff should continue to clean kitchen area and equipment.
The restaurant was not shut down due to health issues, Cooper said.
Doc's Grill
On June 10, Cooper inspected Doc's Grill, 1301 E. Beebe-Capps Expressway, and gave the restaurant a perfect score concerning critical issues, finding five non-critical areas of non-compliance. Notations made: Keep all food products off the floor; install new visible thermometers on refrigerators; some return air vents needed to be cleaned; sanitizer strips were needed; spray bottles and bulk containers must be labeled. The food service manager was told to complete the required online food safety training before the next inspection.
“It is just a constant thing that we keep going here, staying ahead of the game, keeping everything clean and keeping everyone informed about what they can do and can't do,” said Alex Reed, human resources manager for Doc's Grill. “ It's all about the training.”
Reed said he took the five non-critical items seriously.
“We have already corrected those,” Reed said.
Items found in the floor by the inspector could be one of many things, Reed said, such as a box of Styrofoam cups still in their package that fell off a shelf. New shelving and a new shed has been built, Reed said. Reed completed the food training safety program several years ago and is working to get his entire staff trained in it.
“We're proud of getting no critical items,” Reed said.
Who Dat's
Sanders inspected Who Dat's Cajun Restaurant, 3209 Hwy. 367 N. in Bald Knob, on April 30, giving them a perfect score for critical issues and finding only three non-critical issues. Recommendations made included: Finding thermometers in refrigerators and cold prep area; cleaning a shelf over a sink; fixing a wall corner in the grill area.
Kelley's
Sanders inspected Kelley's Restaurant, 3501 Hwy. 367 N. in Bald Knob, on April 30, finding two critical issues out of compliance. In the “demonstration of knowledge” area of the report, Sanders noted the food service manager needed to complete the required online food safety training before the next inspection, and that food contact surfaces needed cleaned and sanitized.
Food in cold storage and displayed on the hot buffet were all within required temperature ranges.
Notations made by Sanders included: Clean food prep knives; find thermometer for hot cabinet; cover food items in cooler; clean inside microwaves; put lid and label on bulk item container; clean freezer floor; cover food items on prep counter; install paper towels in bathroom.
Andrew Tsang, owner and manager of Kelley's, chose not to comment for this article.
Bobby's
An inspection of Bobby's Family Restaurant, 110 W. Race in Searcy, was done by Cooper on June 17, finding nothing out of compliance concerning critical issues and five non-critical items. Notations were made, including: Install visible thermometers in refrigerators; keep all food products covered in coolers; new sanitizer slips; label spray bottles and bulk containers; make handwashing sink easily accessible. The food service manager was told to complete the required online food safety training before the next inspection.
“When I was in the Air Force, they sent me to army cook school,” said Bobby Quattlebaum, owner and cook. “One of the main things we focused on was sanitation and food handling. You were pounded ever day with that. This is all I've done since then. I've been in the food business since 1966. When it comes to knowing how to handle food, I understand that.”
Taco Bell
On May 23, 2007, Taco Bell at 2307 E. Race in Searcy received its last inspection before shutting down for a complete remodeling. Only one critical issue was discovered: Food was not properly separated and protected. Non-critical issues which received comments: Lids were needed for indoor garbage containers; food needed to be removed from the handwashing area; the freezer floor needed to be cleaned; an area behind the hot cabinets needed to be cleaned.
Then on May 13, 2008, the restaurant was inspected in preparation for its reopening. Managers were told to get online food training before opening and provide soap and water at handwashing facilities for the employees. In non-critical areas, thermometers were missing from the prep areas; the sign reminding employees to wash their hands before returning to work was missing from a bathroom.
A final overall cleaning of the equipment and store was needed before the opening.
All those items were corrected before the store reopened, according to Robert Kane, Taco Bell shift manager.

GEORGIA: Restaurant inspection scores released
01.jul.08
Northeast Georgian
http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2008/07/02/news/business/01business.txt
Following are the foodservice inspections for June 20 by the Habersham County Health Department's Environmental Health Section.
A score of 85 and above is considered passing. Foodservice 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.
# El Sombrero, 236 Merchant Way, Cornelia. Inspection time: not listed. Purpose of inspection: routine. Score: 95; current grade: A; last score: 95. Out of compliance with the following: Wiping cloths: properly used and stored. In-use utensils: properly stored. Food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed and used. Warewashing facilities: Installed, maintained, used; test strips. Nonfood-contact surfaces clean. Comments: Must keep all wet cloths/cleaning cloths stored in sanitizer solution (repeat). Store ice scoops properly; keep in clean/sanitized container, not down in ice. Replace broken lids on dry good containers and chip warmer; replace cracked door on microwave; equipment/utensils must be easily cleanable. Must have test strips on hand for monitoring sanitizer in dishwasher and in sanitizer buckets.
# Trios Cafe, 83 Grant St., (Old Clarkesville Mill), Clarkesville. Inspection time: 11 a.m. Purpose of inspection: preliminary. Score: 99; current grade: A; recommend permit. Out of compliance with the following: Nonfood-contact surfaces clean. Comments: Clean exterior of milkshake machine thoroughly. Clean/degrease walls/corners/plumbing under and behind three-compartment sink. Discussed regulations. Serving/storage area in bowling alley not to be used for food service/storage at this time. Recommend permit. Change of ownership.

NORTH CAROLINA: Tougher food inspections
01.jul.08
North Carolina News Network
Ellen Reinhardt
http://www.ncnn.com/content/view/2934/26/
(RALEIGH) -- Larry Michael , head of North Caorlina's Food Protection Branch, says food borne illnesses kill about five-thousand people across the nation every year. He says that is why all counties across the Tar Heel State will use new restaurant inspection forms starting July 1. Michael says the new forms were developed by state and local experts as well as representatives from the food industry to focus more on the potential for food borne illnesses. (Thanks to Dan Hesse, WWNC.)

US: Hold the tomatoes: Some restaurants still leery of salmonella
01.jul.08
The Gadsden Times
Ashley Hopkinson
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20080701/NEWS/355748486/1016/NEWS
Tomatoes still are on the not-to-serve list for some Alabama restaurants and fast-food chains since a salmonella outbreak last month was linked to certain varieties of the produce.
State Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks said although Alabama-grown tomatoes have been placed on the FDA’s “safe-to-eat” list, he was disappointed to learn some places have continued to leave them off their menus, adding, “There is no reason that restaurants, including fast-food chains, cannot arrange to purchase locally grown tomatoes. I believe that some businesses are using this outbreak to help their bottom line.”
Doris Wettlin, owner of Courtyard Café, said not serving tomatoes with every meal has helped with the cost of business, but said the restaurant started cutting back on using tomatoes even before the outbreak because of gas prices.
For now, Courtyard Café is serving only grape tomatoes, which are used in its salads. The Food and Drug Administration has marked these, along with a few other varieties, as safe to eat.
Mike Gerontakis, owner of The Fish Market, also has limited the use of tomatoes to the smaller varieties.