Little Flies Observed; Chicken Legs Kept Too Cold: Health Inspections

ARLINGTON, VA — A number of facilities in Arlington recorded violations during recent inspections from the Arlington County Public Health Department. Inspectors conducted the most recent visits between March 21-25.

Inspectors noted small flies at two commercial kitchens. "Eliminate harborage conditions," the inspector wrote in their report. "Insects and other pests are capable of transmitting disease to man by contaminating food and food-contact surfaces."

More information about what types of violations ACPHD inspectors reports can be found at the bottom of this story. Here are the violations from March 21-25 as reported by Arlington County Public Health:

For Five Roasters Coffee

1735 N Lynn St 30 Arlington, VA 22209
Status: Permitted

MOST RECENT INSPECTION
Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 25, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Holiday Inn-National Market, Fresh Kitchen and O'Malley's Bar

2650 Richmond Hwy Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 25, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• The interior of the bulk ice machine was observed soiled with grime and debris. PIC instructed an employee to clean and sanitize the equipment (Corrected).
• The following needs to be re-sealed: 1) the hand sinks 2) the 3-compartment sink 3) rinse tables near the dish machine.
• The following is in need of cleaning: 1) the interiors of all cooler units 2) the flat top grill/surrounding areas 3) the bulk containers in the dry storage room. Corrective Actions: Clean the surface at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues that become encrusted or attract insects and rodents.
• The floors and walls are in need of cleaning throughout the main kitchen. Corrective Actions: Clean during periods when the least amount of food is exposed such as after closing.
• The floor tiles and tile grout throughout the kitchen is in need of repair. Corrective Actions: Refinish or replace the floor material at the area designated so it is: 1. smooth, durable and easily cleanable.

Ana's Kids

2201/2205 S Fern Street Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Child Care Food Service | Routine
March 25, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Ya Hala Bistro

5216 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 25, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed that foods in the kitchen prep table were holding above 41F : tomato - 43F , chicken - 44F, Beef - 46F Corrective Actions: Cold hold potentially hazardous food at 41°F or below to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Covered empty spaces in prep table and temperature of food lowered to 41 during inspection.
• Observed that dishmachine is not dispensing sanitizer at a measurable concentration. Corrective Actions: Discontinue the use of the ware wash machine until it is working properly. Initiate manual wash, rinse, and sanitize method to properly clean equipment and utensils. To minimize workload you can move to all single service utensils.
• Observed that nonfood contact surfaces like handles and interior of coolers had spilled or dropped food. Corrective Actions: Clean the surface at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues that become encrusted or attract insects and rodents.
• Observed used ash tray with cigarette butts placed on hallway prep table and ash trays with cigarette butts on a table in the seating area in the basement. Corrective Actions: Owner or PIC must prohibit smoking in non-smoking areas of restaurant or used items for smoking be placed in areas where smoking is not permitted. Do not bring in ashtrays from the outdoor smoking areas and do not place on food equipment.

Arlington Traditional Elementary School

1030 N McKinley Rd Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted

Educational Facility Food Service | Routine
March 22, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• The 3-compartment sink facet was observed leaking. The 3-compartment sink also over flows all over the flow when it is drained. Corrective Actions: Plumbing systems and components shall be maintained in good repair.

Fireworks

2350 Clarendon Blvd Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 22, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Chicken wings, prepared previous day, observed at 48-50F in walk in. Discarded. Corrective Actions: Cool time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food(s) from 135°Fto 41°F within a total of 6 hours and from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours. A longer time for cooling allows an ideal situation for bacterial growth. This has been shown to be the major contributing factor in many foodborne illnesses.
• Several bulk containers in pasta prep area are not labelled with contents. Label working containers with the common name of its contents. Consumers may be allergic to certain foods or ingredients. The mistaken use of an ingredient when the consumer has requested that it not be used may result in severe medical consequences. Liquid foods and granular foods may resemble cleaning compounds. The mistaken use of food from an unlabeled container could result in chemical poisoning.
• Lid to ice maker is in disrepair. Corrected. Detached section of gasket cut off and discarded. Corrective Actions: Maintain equipment in proper repair.
• Sanitizer hose at 3 part sink does not extend to basin labelled sanitizer. Corrective Actions: Extend length of hose in to sanitizer basin of 3 part sink, or relabel basins to show as sanitizer basin under sanitizer hose.

Open Road/Salt

1201 Wilson Blvd 213 Arlington, VA 22209
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 22, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Line food employee observed donning gloves for food prep without washing hands. Corrected. Corrective Actions: Instruct food employees to clean their hands in a handwashing sink. Food employees may not clean their hands in a sink used for food preparation or utensil washing.
• No hand soap is available at salad station hand sink. Corrected. Corrective Actions: Hand soap must be provided at all hand washing lavatories to encourage proper hand washing. Hand cleanser must always be present to aid in reducing microorganisms and particulate matter found on hands.
• Sushi rice, prepared previous day, observed in walk in at 47F. Discarded. Corrective Actions: Cool time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food(s) from 135°Fto 41°F within a total of 6 hours and from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours. A longer time for cooling allows an ideal situation for bacterial growth. This has been shown to be the major contributing factor in many foodborne illnesses. Corrected by @CORRECTION@
• Bulk sugar container is not labelled with contents.
• Corrective Actions: Label working containers with the common name of its contents. Food containers shall be labeled in a language that is understood by the regulatory authority and by the employee. Consumers may be allergic to certain foods or ingredients. The mistaken use of an ingredient when the consumer has requested that it not be used may result in severe medical consequences. Liquid foods and granular foods may resemble cleaning compounds. The mistaken use of food from an unlabeled container could result in chemical poisoning.

Arlington Science Focus Elementary

1501 N Lincoln St Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted

Educational Facility Food Service | Routine
March 21, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Chicken legs found at 108-112°F inside the heated cabinet unit; corrected on-site by reheating in the oven to 173°F. Corrective Actions: Rapidly reheat the food to 165°F and maintain at 135°F or above through the hot holding period.
• Air gap at bottom left of garage door; a few mouse droppings on the floor of office. Corrective Actions: Protect the food establishment against the entry of insects and rodents by: 1. Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings; 2. Closed, tight fitting windows; and 3. Solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors. Insects and rodents are vectors of disease-causing microorganisms which may be transmitted to humans by contamination of food and food-contact surfaces. Remove droppings with water and bleach.
• Trash dumpster outside door & lid open; corrected/closed during inspection. Corrective Actions: Cover all waste containers when not in continuous use.

Wilson Hardware

2915 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 21, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Downstairs kitchen dish machine isn't sanitizing food-contact equipment at a surface temperature of 160°F or above; facility instructed to set-up three part sink to sanitize after washing in the machine. Corrective Actions: Repair the unit so that achieving a utensil surface temperature of 160°F can be measured by an irreversible registering temperature indicator (e.g. thermolabel and maximum registering thermometer). Discontinue use of mechanical ware washing machine and convert to use of 3-vat sink wash, rinse and chemical sanitization. Use single-service items as deemed necessary if not capable of effective manual washing, rinsing, and sanitization of food-contact surfaces.
• Bar glass machine didn't have sanitizer hooked-up to it; corrected on-site. Corrective Actions: Immediately discontinue the use of the machine until it is operating in accordance with minimum requirements of 50-150 ppm of chlorine.
• Spray bottle with chemical not labeled; labeled Windex. Corrective Actions: Working containers of toxic items are to be properly labeled with contents. Identification of these containers with the common name of the material helps prevent the dangerous misuse of the contents.
• Little flies observed. Corrective Actions: Eliminate harborage conditions. Insects and other pests are capable of transmitting disease to man by contaminating food and food-contact surfaces.
• Utensils in standing water. Corrective Actions: Store in-use utensils or dispensing utensils in one of the following manners: 1) In the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container. 2) In food that is not potentially hazardous with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed. 3) On a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food-contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized every 4 hours. 4) In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain. 5) In a clean, protected location if the utensils are used only with a food that is not potentially hazardous. 6) In a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F and the container.
• Bar soda gun nozzle holders are missing their drain lines. Corrective Actions: Replace the missing drain tubes to the soda gun nozzle holders to restore a state of condition that allows for proper operation, accuracy, functioning, maintenance, and cleanability.
• Cloth under cutting board; replace with cutting board mat. Corrective Actions: Nonfood contact equipment that is exposed to splash, spillage, food soiling, or requires frequent cleaning must be smooth, durable, and nonabsorbent.
• No chlorine test papers to test chlorine sanitizer levels; should be 50-150 ppm. Corrective Actions: Obtain a chlorine test kit so that employees can accurately monitor the concentration of the sanitizing solutions and maintain them at a safe and effective level.
• No irreversible labels to test kitchen dish machine utensil surface temperature. Corrective Actions: Provide an irreversible registering temperature indicator for measuring the utensil surface temperature in hot waer mechanical warewashing operations.
• Employee rest-room door isn't self-closing. Corrective Actions: Keep toilet room doors closed except when cleaning or during maintenance operations to prevent insect and rodent entrance and the associated potential for the spread of disease.
• Trash/recycling dumpsters lids not kept closed outside; corrected. Corrective Actions: Cover all waste containers when not in continuous use.
• Wall/floor junctures not all sealed downstairs and in staircase going downstairs. Some ceiling water damage downstairs; some small holes in upstairs kitchen walls. Corrective Actions: Maintain physical facilities in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities.
• One upstairs ceiling light not shielded/shatter-resistant.
• Corrective Actions: Shield or replace light bulb with a coated or shatter-resistent bulb.
• Missing drip pan for hood vent downstairs and not in proper place in upstairs right hood.
• Corrective Actions: Alter or replace the hood system to prevent grease or condensation from draining or dripping onto food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, and single-use articles.

Meda Restaurant and Lounge

5037 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 21, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• No hand washing sign at the cook-line hand sink; sign provided. Corrective Actions: Provide a sign/poster that is clearly visible to all employees at all hand sinks.
• Small flies observed at bar. Mouse droppings observed on floor of the coffee bar. Corrective Actions: Eliminate harborage conditions. Insects and other pests are capable of transmitting disease to man by contaminating food and food-contact surfaces.
• Stacking wet food containers; unstack to air dry prior to stacking. Corrective Actions: Store food containers in a self-draining position that allows air-drying.
• Wall/floor junctures not sealed in areas of the coffee bar; several small holes in the kitchen walls across from the cooking line. Corrective Actions: Maintain physical facilities in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities.
• Floors not kept clean at the bars; hood is greasy over fryer. Corrective Actions: All floors, walls, and ceilings must be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Cleaning of the physical facilities is an important measure in ensuring the protection and sanitary preparation of food. A regular cleaning schedule should be established and followed to maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary manner.

Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe

672 N Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
March 21, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Raw beef stored marinating above produce in 2 door uprt unit. Corrected. Corrective Actions: Separate raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding, and display from raw RTE food including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish, or other raw RTE food such as vegetables, and cooked RTE food.
• No chlorine test kit available to test concentration in spray bottles using chlorine. Corrective Actions: Obtain a chlorine test kit so that employees can accurately monitor the concentration of the sanitizing solutions and maintain them at a safe and effective level.

Gourmet Pizza/Deli Home of the Lost Dog Cafe

5876 Washington Blvd Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 21, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Dumpster and grease barrel lids open at time of inspection. Corrected. Corrective Actions: Cover all waste containers when not in continuous use.

King of Koshary

5515 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 21, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• 3-door glass RIC (reach in cooler) observed not clean to sight & touch. Corrective Actions: Maintain non-food-contact surfaces of equipment clean.
• Observed several broken ceiling tiles in kitchen. Corrective Actions: Maintain physical facilities in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities.

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

2150 N Culpeper St Arlington, VA 22207
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
March 21, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Sheraton Pentagon City Potomac Restaurant & Lounge, Galaxy Ballroom, Stars Ballroom, Club Lounge & Employee Cafeteria (B, L,14,16)

900 S Orme St Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Two of the kitchen paper towel dispensers observed in need of battery replacement / repair. Corrective Actions: Manager was able to provide disposable paper towels.
• High temperature dish-machine observed not reaching surface sanitization temperature of 160 F when tested with dish-temp device. Machine was reaching approximately 145 F on surface, but final rinse gauge did indicate temperature was measuring around 182 F. Corrective Actions: Manager was instructed to continue to sanitize dishes / utensils in 3-compartment sink basin after being washed.
• Raw shell eggs (50 F) and diced ham (51 F) observed improperly stored on counter-top at room temperature (relocated). Corrective Actions: Product relocated to refrigerator by person in charge.
• Cutting boards along the cook-line observed scratched, scoured and in need of resurfacing / replacement. Corrective Actions: Replace damaged cutting boards.
• Interior of the cook-line preparation units in need of cleaning. Side surfaces of the cook-line fryer and grill unit in need of cleaning. Corrective Actions: Properly clean non-food contact surfaces.
• Floor surfaces under and behind cook-line equipment in need of cleaning. Corrective Actions: Properly clean physical facilities.

What Violations Do ACPHD Inspectors Report?

In Virginia, all food service locations are supposed to be inspected at least once per year. Facilities with higher risk factors may be inspected as often as four times per year, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Violations at restaurants typically focus on factors that can contribute to food contamination. The local health department can also perform a re-inspection to ensure that possible violations have been corrected. Sometimes, the follow-up inspection only considers the most important "priority" violations.

For every observed violation, the inspector provides a specific corrective action that can be completed to rectify the violation. Sometimes these are simple, and violations can be corrected during the course of the inspection. Depending on the results of the inspection, the health department can pursue several actions.

They can issue a permit for the restaurant to continue serving food, they can schedule a follow-up inspection to determine if violations have been rectified, or they can temporarily shut down an establishment until certain issues are solved.

The Virginia Department of Health only recommends restaurants have their permits suspended when "the continued operation of the food service presents a substantial and imminent threat to the public health."

More Health Code Violations:

• Health Inspections: Dented Tomato Juice Can labelled 'Don't Use'
• Bananas Stored In Wet Container With Sanitizer: Health Inspections
• Rodents, Insects And Other Pests: Arlington Health Inspection Reports