Restaurants & Bars
Ready-To-Eat Sandwiches Handled With Bare Hands: Health Violations
At several Arlington restaurants, inspectors saw employees handling food without washing their hands and putting on gloves beforehand.
ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County Public Health Department inspectors visited 44 food establishments between July 22-26 and found health code violations at 20 of them.
At several restaurants, inspectors observed employees improperly handling food with their bare hands. A bartender at one restaurant was seen cutting lemons and limes without wearing gloves, while at another an employee was handling ready-to-eat sandwiches with their bare hands.
Inspectors directed the bartender and kitchen staff at the offending restaurants to wash their hands and put on gloves before handling such food from now on.
Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Here are the inspections that were conducted July 22-26 as reported by Arlington County Public Health:
Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
3000 Washington Blvd D-2 Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Routine
July 26, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Uncovered employee beverage cup observed on the front preparation table. Corrective Actions: Use a closed beverage container with a lid and straw when drinking to prevent contamination.
- Employee observed making a sandwich and handling ready-to-eat foods with his / her bare hand (corrected). Corrective Actions: Person in charge and employee discussed proper handwashing and glove use. Employee donned gloves properly.
- Individually packaged frozen salmon observed being used for poke bowl was labeled as Not For Raw Consumption on the bulk box (corrected). Corrective Actions: Person in charge will discontinue use of that salmon product and purchase proper product to be used for poke bowl and raw consumption.
- Frozen tuna packages observed not properly opened when placed in refrigeration to thaw (corrected). Corrective Actions: Proper thawing discussed.
1701 N George Mason Dr Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Pre-Opening
July 26, 2024
- No Violations Reported
1641 crystal Dr. Kiosk #6 Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Pre-Opening
July 26, 2024
- No Violations Reported
Virginia Hospital Center Cafeteria
1701 N George Mason Dr Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted
Hospital Food Service | Pre-Opening
July 26, 2024
- No Violations Reported
Virginia Hospital Center Starbucks
1701 N George Mason Dr Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Pre-Opening
July 26, 2024
- No Violations Reported
901 N Stuart St Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Other
July 26, 2024
- No Violations Reported
3535 S Ball St #B Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Pre-Opening
July 26, 2024
- No Violations Reported
Virginia Hospital Center Subway
1701 N George Mason Dr Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Pre-Opening
July 26, 2024
- No Violations Reported
2350 Clarendon Blvd Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 26, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Bartender was observed cutting lemons and limes with bare hands. Corrected. Corrective Actions: When handling ready to eat foods employees must wear gloves after washing hands.
1369 New York Ave Washington, DC 20002
Status: Permitted
Mobile Food Unit | Routine
July 25, 2024
- No Violations Reported
The Food Truck from Elda Garden
3286 Courtney School Rd Midland, VA 22728
Status: Permitted
Mobile Food Unit | Routine
July 25, 2024
- No Violations Reported
3734 Columbia Pike #5 Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted
Mobile Food Unit | Routine
July 25, 2024
- No Violations Reported
5011 Bristow Dr Annandale, VA 22003
Status: Permitted
Mobile Food Unit | Routine
July 25, 2024
- No Violations Reported
1626 Ripon Pl Alexandria, VA 22302
Status: Permitted
Mobile Food Unit | Pre-Opening
July 25, 2024
- No Violations Reported
5309 Amber Court Burke, VA 22015
Status: Permitted
Mobile Food Unit | Routine
July 25, 2024
- No Violations Reported
2210 Steuben Ave Fort Washington, MD 20744
Status: Permitted
Mobile Food Unit | Routine
July 25, 2024
- No Violations Reported
2774 S Arlington Mill Dr #51 Arlington, VA 22206
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Routine
July 25, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Observed a small gap between front entrance doors. Corrective Actions: Install some weather-strip between the front entrance doors to prevent entry of any pests.
- Observed single-use utensils, sandwich paper bags and packaged condiments stored under the handwashing sink. Corrective Actions: Store all food in areas where it will not be subjected to leaks or other sources of contamination.
WNA-Terminal B Space 32 Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 24, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- During inspection observed that time as a public health control was used for grilled chicken and par cooked hamburger patties. Containers were not labeled with the time that items were pulled from the cooler or prepared, or labeled with the time the food must be discarded. Per staff, items were pulled from the cooler at 11:15, or cooked at 11am. Corrective Actions: When using time as a public health control you must ensure that foods are labeled with the time removed from cold or hot holding, or labeled with the time the food must be discarded, which cannot exceed more than 4 hours from the time removed from temperature. Instructed PIC to label containers with the time removed from the cooler.
1616 N Troy St Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 24, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Observed the following hot holding at improper temperatures in the hot box: mashed potatoes (11F), rice (113F) and collard greens (114F). All items were placed back in the steamer to be reheated to at least 165F. Corrective Actions: Ensure all hot holding items are kept above 135F.
WNA-Terminal B South Pier Space B-34 Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 24, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- During inspection observed that lentils, and rice on the serve line were not holding at 135F or above. PIC stated that foods were placed on the cook line during morning setup at around 11:00am
- Corrective Actions: Hot temperature control for safety foods must be held at 135F or above. Instructed PIC that the current portion of foods must be served by 3pm, and any remaining food must be discarded. Discussed using time as a public health control until unit could be adjusted to maintain temperature.
- Observed that cold foods (salad dressing, lettuce) stored in the display salad cooler were not holding at 41F or below. PIC stated that items were stocked for morning setup at around 11am. Corrective Actions: Cold temperature controlled foods must be held at 41F or below. Instructed PIC that the current portion of foods must be served by 3pm, and any remaining food must be discarded. Discussed using time as a public health control until unit could be adjusted to maintain temperature.
Gourmet Pizza/Deli Home of the Lost Dog Cafe
5876 Washington Blvd Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 24, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Staff was observed handling and cutting ready to eat sandwiches with bare hands. Corrected. Corrective Actions: When handling ready to eat foods it is necessary for the staff to wear disposable gloves after washing hands.
- Sanitize cycle on ware washing machine is not functional. Three part sink set up for use. Call for service placed. Corrective Actions: When washing dishes in a chemical sanitizing ware washing machine there must be between 50-100 ppm residual of chlorine sanitizer on dishes.
- TCS items in 2 door Bev Air prep unit on back line is not holding foods at 41F or less, including bean dip, grated cheddar, spinach dip at 50F. Items relocated. Corrective Actions: TCS food items must be held at 41F or less in refrigeration units.
4526 Cherry Hill Rd Arlington, VA 22207
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Other
July 24, 2024
- No Violations Reported
553 S 23rd St Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 24, 2024
- No Violations Reported
40 N Glebe Rd Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 24, 2024
- No Violations Reported
4201 Wilson Blvd 0185 Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Routine
July 24, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- The 3-compartment sink and the handwashing sinks need to be re-sealed to the adjoining walls.
1735 N Lynn St 30 Arlington, VA 22209
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 24, 2024
- No Violations Reported
1330 S. Fair St Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 24, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Observed bar handsink being used as dumping station. Corrective Actions: A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
- Observed no handwashing sign at any kitchen handwashing sinks. Corrective Actions: Provide a sign/poster that is clearly visible to all employees.
- No disposable towels were provided at bar handsink. Corrective Actions: Provide paper towels at each hand sink to allow employees to properly dry their hands after handwashing.
- Observed trays of raw-shelled eggs stored over sausage, shredded cheese and other RTE-foods in "True" 2-dr u/c ref. (right). Corrective Actions: Separate raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding, and display from raw RTE foods.
- Observed soda gun nozzles with grime built-up and are in need of cleaning. Corrective Actions: Clean and sanitize the food contact surfaces of soda gun nozzles.
- Observed brisket (114F) at improper hot holding temperature in "CVAP" 2-dr HH warmer. The PIC voluntarily discarded the food. Corrective Actions: Discard the food and ensure that potentially hazardous foods for hot holding are maintained at 135°F or above to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Observed multiple TCS-foods (see temp table) at improper cold holding temperature in "Avantico" 2-ddr prep ref. and "True" 2-dr u/c ref. (left). The PIC voluntarily discarded all the foods. Corrective Actions: Discard the food and ensure that TCS foods for cold holding are maintained at 41°F or below to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Pesticides labeled for residential use were observed in the facility and are being applied by the operator to control pests. Corrective Actions: Poisonous and toxic materials shall be used according to law and per the manufacturer's directions to prevent injury and contamination.
- Observed some chemical spray bottles not labeled with common name. Corrective Actions: Properly label working containers of toxic items with the common name.
WNA Terminal C North Pier Post Security Space #C-4 Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 23, 2024
- No Violations Reported
3225 Washington Blvd Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 23, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Observed an employee washing and rinsing utensils in the hand sink. Discussed proper usage of hand washing sinks during the inspection (Corrected).
1770 Crystal Drive Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 23, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Bulk ice machine chute observed in need of cleaning and sanitizing. Corrective Actions: Person in charge (PIC) will have unit properly cleaned and sanitized.
WNA- Center Pier- National Hall Washington, DC 20001
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 23, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Main ware washing machine is not reaching 160F sanitize temperature. Three part sink set up for use. Call placed for service. Corrective Actions: For effective sanitizing of dishes, the high temperature sanitizing ware washing machine must reach 160F at the dishes.
2010-A Crystal Drive Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 23, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Employee observed not properly washing hands and changing gloves after handling raw hamburger patties on cook-line. Corrective Actions: Discussed with person in charge (PIC) and employee proper handwashing and glove use procedures.
- Bulk plastic food container observed improperly stored in kitchen handsink basin. Corrective Actions: Person in charge (PIC) removed container from sink.
- Chlorine sanitizer in kitchen dish-machine observed at improper concentration when tested (0 ppm). Corrective Actions: Person in charge (PIC) contacted repair technician and will properly sanitize in 3-compartment sink until repaired.
4021 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 23, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Kitchen dish machine observed not reaching proper sanitizing temp. Corrective Actions: Discontinue use of dish machine until it reaches proper sanitizing temperature, and switch to washing in 3-compartment sink.
4701 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 23, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- No hand towels are available at kitchen hand sink. Corrected. Corrective Actions: Provide disposable hand towels at all kitchen hand sinks.
- Shell stock tags are not kept in chronological order. Corrected by instruction. Corrective Actions: Maintain shell stock tags in chronological order as used for at least 90 days.
- Feta cheese and tomatoes observed holding on prep unit top at 50F. Sausage and tomatoes observed holding in 2 door reach in unit at 50F. Ice added under food items. Call for service placed. Corrective Actions: TCS foods must hold in refrigeration units at 41F or less.
- No date marking on rice, refried beans, tamales, beef short ribs. Corrected. Corrective Actions: Mark cooked and cooled foods that are not intended to be used in less than 24 hours for 7 days use maximum.
WNA-Pier C (Storage with Refrigeration Post Security/Space C1-570) Arlington, VA 20001
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 23, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- No soap provided at the two hand sinks. Soap provided during inspection. Corrective Actions: Ensure soap is provided at each hand sink.
- Observed the left soda gun soiled. Soda gun cleaned during inspection. Corrective Actions: Clean the soda gun at a frequency to eliminate grime and debris.
- Observed the sausage patty (47F), sliced ham (46F) and shredded cheese (47F) cold holding at improper temperatures in the prep unit. Voluntarily discarded and the unit temperature was turned down. Corrective Actions: Ensure all TCS foods are kept below 41F.
4028 S Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 23, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Raw Chicken observed improperly stacked in walk in cooler. Corrective Actions: Ensure that all raw Poultry is correctly stack in any cooler, to minimize cross contamination.
1801 Clarendon Blvd Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 23, 2024
- No Violations Observed
5515 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 22, 2024
No Violations Observed
672 N Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 22, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Shell eggs were observed stored on a case of yogurt in 1 door uprt unit. Corrected. Corrective Actions: Store foods containing raw animal products away from ready to eat foods.
- No reminder asterisks on menu items with eggs available undercooked. To be corrected at next menu printing. Corrective Actions: Use reminder asterisks on menu items to connect the consumer advisory when needed.
3102 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Routine
July 22, 2024
- No Violations Reported
2300 Wilson Blvd #140 Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 22, 2024
- No Violations Reported
2250 Clarendon Blvd Ste G Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 22, 2024
Observations & Corrective Actions
- Employee was drinking from an open cup over salads being prepared. Corrected. Corrective Actions: Drink from covered container with a straw or away from food prep areas.
- Employee was preparing lettuce with bare hands. Corrected. Corrective Actions: When preparing ready to eat foods employees must wear gloves or do so in a way that does not require bare hand contact.
627 N Glebe Rd #801 Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted
Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 22, 2024
- No Violations Reported
1210 N Garfield St Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted
Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 22, 2024
- No Violations Reported
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:
- Dead Mouse Found Under Kitchen Refrigerator: Restaurant Inspections
- No Violations Reported At 34 Of 50 Arlington Restaurants: Inspections
- No Undercooked Burger Warning On Menu At Arlington Eatery: Inspections
- Cookline, Sushi Prep Sinks Used For Cleaning Utensils: Inspections
- Food Stored At Wrong Temperatures At 5 Arlington Restaurants: Report
- Mishandling Raw Meat Reported At Multiple Arlington Eateries: Health
- Insect Floating In Sauce, Pests In Sushi Fridge: Arlington Inspections
- Calamari Thawing In Container On Floor Under Sink: Food Inspections
- No Parasite Destruction Records Kept For Raw Fish: Health Inspections
- Chemical Poisoning Risk With Unlabeled Food Containers: Inspections
- Little Flies Observed; Chicken Legs Kept Too Cold: Health Inspections
- 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
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
