Roach Droppings, Eggs Stored improperly At Silver Spring Eatery

SILVER SPRING, MD — Inspectors from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services recently reported critical violations at two Silver Spring food establishments.

At one, the food facility needed to repair or replace a cooler in order to keep potentially hazardous food at the correct temperature.

The second food establishment had numerous violations, including cockroach droppings and surfaces that needed to be clean, before the business would have permission to change ownership.

All Montgomery County licensed retail food establishments are inspected by the Licensure & Regulatory Services Program. Regular comprehensive inspections include evaluating an establishment's sanitation, maintenance and food service operations. These inspections include monitoring critical temperatures and food handling procedures.

"A Critical Violation means a food safety requirement that requires immediate correction," according to the health and human services website. "Failure for immediate correction results in cessation of some or all food operations or closure of the facility until violation is able to be corrected."

7-Eleven #20096

During an Oct. 3 inspection, an HHS official noticed two critical violations at the 7-Eleven #20096 located at 14430 Layhill Road in Silver Spring. Both had to do with the incorrect temperatures for the containers holding food at the store.

"Potentially hazardous foods observed at 46'F and above in the right side display cooler and in the condiment cooler," the inspector wrote in their report.

The inspector recommended that the store "remove and discard potentially hazardous food that were held in the above units for over 4 hours." The restaurant complied with that notification.

Since the cooler was not maintaining proper holding temperatures, the inspector told the store to not use the cooler until it has been repaired or replaced.

The inspector also noted that a pizza cutter was in the hand sink. The store removed it to prevent it from contaminating food surfaces.

In addition, the floor in the back kitchen where the beverage boxes were located was dirty and needed to be cleaned.

Bourbon Street Cafe

During a Oct. 3 inspection, the Bourbon Street Cafe located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road had a critical violation due to it being out of compliance for failing to keep food separate and protected from adulteration, spoilage, and contamination.

"Eggs observed stored above vegetables," according to the inspection report. "Store eggs below vegetables."

The HHS inspector observed a yellow object inside a bulk container. To correct the violation, the restaurant voluntarily discarded the sugar. Likewise, the restaurant voluntarily discarded a pair of broken tong that the inspector had pointed out.

The restaurant had a new stove and sandwich prep unit. The inspectors advised the restaurant to submit a specifications sheet for the new equipment.

In addition, the inspector noted that there were wooden shelves in the prep area. They needed to be replaced with approved material.

The inspector reported numerous other violations. While not critical, they all need to be remedied:

• "No Certified Food Safety Manager on site at time of inspection. A Certified Food Safety Manager must be on site at all times.
• "Cockroach droppings observed between shelves. Clean droppings and seal gap. Continue professional pest control.
• "No air gaps observed for 2 compartments of 3 compartment sink. Provide air gap.
• "Gaps and holes observed in ceiling throughout facility. Close all gaps and holes.
• "Grout observed missing from tiles around three compartment sink and around grill. Regrout.
• "Duct tape observed inside door of ice machine. Remove tape. Make surface smooth and cleanable.
• "Oily residue and dust observed on wire shelf in middle of kitchen. Clean.
• "Residue observed on handles of handwashing sinks. Clean.

If all of the violations in the inspection reporter weren't;'t eren't fixed by Nov. 3, the restaurant would not have permission to change ownership.

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