Ashburn Restaurant Inspections: Fruit Flies, Mildew In Ice Machine

ASHBURN, VA — Several facilities in the Ashburn area recorded violations during health department inspections between Dec. 6 and Dec. 12.

COVID-19 restrictions around the state have disappeared, so health inspectors conduct most restaurant inspections in person. However, some visits, such as those for training purposes, can be conducted virtually.

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.

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.

Here are the most recent restaurant inspections in the Ashburn area, according to the Loudoun County Health Department.

• Northern Virginia Academy of Early Learning, 42660 McCauley Pl Ashburn, VA 20148
  • Date inspected: Dec. 8
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed raw shell egg stored over ready to eat food in cooler. Prevent potential cross contamination by not storing raw animal foods over ready to eat foods. The egg is for school project only.
• Moe's Southwest Grill #457, 44650 Waxpool Rd #150 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 8
  • Total violations: 2
    • Packaged raw beef not thawed properly. 4 bags of meat were stored in standing water to thaw at the three-compartment sink.
    • Plumbing fixture underneath the prep sink is detached and doesn't allow water to go down the drain properly.
• Barnes & Noble Kitchen, 20427 Exchange Street - Bld B Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 8
  • Total violations: 4
    • Person in charge (PIC) unable to provide proper documentation of an employee health policy showing kitchen staff are properly trained to report symptoms of illnesses transmittable through food.
    • Live fruitflies observed near walk in cooler in kitchen.
    • Employees observed working in the food service area without proper hair restraints.
    • Ice machine observed with accumulation of mildew. Said ice used for consumption.
• Saffron House of Kabob, 20921 Davenport Dr #133 Sterling, VA 20165
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 11
  • Total violations: 7
    • Proper oversight of this facility is not being performed. Repeated violations regarding proper cooling, separating of raw animal proteins, availability of documents concerning employee health, and improper labeling of foods offered for sale to the public were observed during the inspection. A person with supervisory control shall oversee the preparation, storage and handling of foods, ensure all employees are properly trained in food borne illness, and that foods are properly labeled.
    • Raw chicken kabobs observed stored in the reach in cooler on the cooking line above raw beef kabobs. Food shall be protected from cross-contamination by separating raw animal proteins from one another and arranging them from lowest internal cook temperature to highest. PIC rearranged the kabobs so that the beef is stored above the chicken.
    • Time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS) that are ready to eat (RTE) observed without date labeling. When TCS foods that are RTE are kept over 24 hours, the date that the food was prepared/opened or a discard date not to exceed 7 days from the date that the food item was prepared/opened shall be labeled on the food/container. Date label Dolma's, hummus, tomato cucumber salads and chickpeas in red sauce.
    • A spray bottle with a clear liquid inside was observed at the cook line. Working containers such as spray bottles must have the common name of the material within labeled on the working container so that they are not mixed up with toxic materials. Label the spray bottle.
    • EHS observed 3 large containers of basmati rice cooling (108F) on the prep counter, covered with plastic wrap. When cooling foods, they should be left uncovered to facilitate rapid heat transfer. PIC uncovered the rice so that it can properly cool. A covering may be used once the food has completely cooled.
    • Food that is offered for sale in the deli cabinet directly to consumers was observed with no labeling. When foods that are prepared and packaged within a facility to be sold in areas accessible to the public, a label with the common name of the food, the quantity or weight, ingredients (if two or more), and any allergens that are contained within the food must be on each unit. PIC labeled some of these foods during the inspection. All foods will need to be labeled by the follow-up inspection.
    • 2 employees were observed with no hair restraints (1 actively cooking on the line, `1 prepping kabobs in the back kitchen). Hair restraints such as a hat or hair net must be worn so that food is protected from exposure to hair.
• Milk & Honey, 22000 Dulles Retail Plaza, Suite 186 Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 11
  • Total violations: 4
    • The hand sink at the breakfast bar was observed with a sani bucket stored within its basin. Hand washing sinks shall be used for hand washing only and shall not be blocked or impeded so that employees are encouraged to frequently wash hands. The sani bucket was removed from the hand sink.
    • EHS observed approximately 10 salmon filets I reduced oxygen packaging (ROP) thawing on a speed rack in the walk-in cooler. When thawing fish that is in ROP, the packaging must be cut, slit, poked or otherwise compromised in order to allow oxygen into the packaging before the thawing process begins. This eliminates the harmful growth of anaerobic bacteria. PIC cut all the salmon packages so they Cana properly thaw.
    • A container of standing water with a knife and scoop stored within was found on the line. In-use utensils that are stored in between uses must be stored on a clean dry surface, thin water that is 135F or more, or in continuously running cold water with enough velocity to wash away food particles. PIC removed the container and utensils to the dishwashing area to be washed. Do not store utensils in stagnant water.
    • The deflector within the ice machine was observed with pink residue accumulating. Non food contact surfaces must be cleaned at a frequency that precludes the accumulation of soil debris. Clean the deflector of the ice machine.
• Eataliano, 43150 Broadlands Center Plaza #178 Ashburn, VA 20148
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 11
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS) not properly dated for disposition. Foods not labeled include: chicken chunks and chicken wings. Ready to eat TCS foods held over 24 hours must be date marked with either made on date or date the food item must be consumed not to exceed 7 days.
• Red Lobster #6255, 21065 Dulles Town Circle Dulles, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 11
  • Total violations: 1
    • An irreversible registering temperature indicator is not provided for the high temperature machine.
• Doubletree Hotel- Dogwood Bistro, 21611 Atlantic Blvd Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 11
  • Total violations: 5
    • Personnel are still untrained in how to properly sanitize, how to test sanitizers/dish machines or know what the correct levels of sanitizer are. Train all kitchen/food staff in proper temperatures for equipment, and food in regard to hot holding, cold holding, sanitizing levels when sanitizer is used, and temperatures that are required to sanitize when temperature as a sanitizer is being used.
    • EHS observed that the high temperature dish machine (143.8F) is not hitting the required 160F minimum needed to sanitize food contact surfaces, and is actively being used. Food contact surfaces of equipment, utensils and flatware must be sanitized before use, after cleaning. EHS directed that the three basin sink must be used to wash, rinse and sanitize all dishes until the high temperature dish machine is repaired and is able to reach the minimum sanitizing temperature of 160F. Immediately discontinue use of the dish machine until it has been repaired.
    • A consumer advisory is listed on the menu, but the food items it pertains to are not indicated. EHS reviewed the menu with management -Asterisks must be placed on the American breakfast, and the Smash burger. Salmon has the required asterisk.
    • No secondary thermometer was available to ensure that the high temperature dish machine is hitting correct sanitizing temperatures. A secondary thermometer that is non reversible must be available to ensure that the high temperature dish machine is consistently reaching the required minimum of 160F. Management ordered a non reversible thermometer for the dish machine during the inspection. Thermometer will be available at the next follow-up inspection on 12/15.
    • The deflector on the ice machine was observed with a dark soil residue that had accumulated on it and had not been cleaned. Non food contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency that precludes the accumulation of soil debris. Management had the deflector cleaned during the inspection.
• Pizza 360, 21760 Beaumeade Circle #130 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 12
  • Total violations: 8
    • There is no person in charge with a valid Food Protection Manager Certification from an accredited agency recognized by the Conference for Food Protection.
    • Employees and conditional employees are not aware of the reporting procedures concerning information about their health and activities if they are suspected of causing, or being exposed to a confirmed disease outbreak caused by Typhoid fever (caused by Salmonella Typhi), Salmonella (nontyphoidal), Shigella spp., Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Hepatitis A virus or Norovirus.
    • Equipment used for storage of sauces in the prep cooler was observed with visible accumulations of soil and food residues.
    • Observed chili sauce, diced chicken, butter sauce, diced tomato cold holding at improper temperature (56F) at the prep cooler on the line. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41F or below to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
    • Observed time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS) not properly dated for disposition. Foods not labeled include: cooked chicken wings, diced tomato, and paneer. Ready to eat TCS foods held over 24 hours must be date marked with either made on date or date the food item must be consumed not to exceed 7 days.
    • Ready to eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods held over 24 hours are being kept past their consume by dates labeled on the containers (passed 7 days). These foods are as follows: butter sauce.
    • Potatoes and onion bags stored on the floor in the walk in cooler.
    • There is no chemical sanitizing(chlorine) test kit present to ensure the chemical sanitizing solution used is at the proper concentration.
• Wicket Door Pub, 44921 George Washington Blvd #100 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 12
  • Total violations: 2
    • Several employee jackets were observed hanging on shelving with dry goods, and single use containers/equipment. Foods shall be protected from sources of contamination by separating employee's personal items from food and food contact surfaces and storing in a place specifically designated for employee items. Person in charge (PIC) moved the jackets to the employee area.
    • 2 knives observed stored in between coolers on the line. In-use utensils that are stored in between uses must be stored on a clean dry surface, in water that is 135F or more, or in continuously running cold water with enough velocity to wash away food particles. Knives were removed and taken to the dish washing area to be cleaned. Do not store knives between equipment or in ways that the blade comes into contact with surfaces that are not routinely cleaned and sanitized.
• Taco Zocalo, 44927 George Washington Blvd #110 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 12
  • Total violations: 1
    • A personal cell phone was observed stored on the prep table next to the rice cooker. Food and food contact surfaces shall be protected from outside sources of contamination by separating and storing personal items away from these areas and in areas designated for employee items only. Person in charge (PIC) moved the cell phone to the employee area.
• Capitol Grounds Coffee (MAIN TERMINAL), 1 Saarinen Cir. Dulles, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 12
  • Total violations: 2
    • Hand soap not provided at the hand sink in the back kitchen. Provide hand soap at all hand sinks at all times to facilitate proper hand washing.
    • Paper towels not provided at the hand sink in the back kitchen. Paper towel dispenser observed empty. provide Hand drying devices at all hand sinks at all times to facility proper hand drying.
• Extreme Pita, 1 Saarinen Circle, Sterling, VA, USA Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 12
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed raw shell eggs improperly stored over fully cooked bags of chicken on the left hand side of the walk in cooler. This is a repeat observation. Prevent cross contamination by not storing raw animal proteins over ready to eat foods during preparation, storage and display.
    • EHS observed wares not properly sanitized at the three compartment sink. The sanitizer concentration is registering at less than the allowable range for sanitizing according to the manufacturer label. Wares observed actively being washed during the inspection. All wares shall be sanitized before use and after cleaning. This is a repeat violation. According to the PIC the service tech was out and provided maintenance on the automatic sanitizer feed.
• Lakshmi Chowk, 21770 Beaumeade Circle #110 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 12
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed raw ground lamb/fish stored over ready to eat food in cooler. Prevent potential cross contamination by not storing raw animal foods over ready to eat foods.
    • Observed time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS) not properly dated for disposition. Foods not labeled include: cooked spinach, lamb, goat, chicken, rice. Ready to eat TCS foods held over 24 hours must be date marked with either made on date or date the food item must be consumed not to exceed 7 days.
    • Box of raw chicken stored on the walk-in cooler floor.
• Senor Ramon Taqueria, 22455 Davis Dr #120 Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 12
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed Employee coats/items to be stored in dry holding/prep area.
• Merones Buon Appetito Catering, 43720 Trade Center Place #120 Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 12
  • Total violation: 4
    • Observed high temperature dishwasher not sanitizing at an acceptable temperature of 160°F. Person In Charge(PIC) had to run the machine a couple times to get to the acceptable temperature of 160°F. Utensil and food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be sanitized before use after cleaning.
    • Observed food stored on the floor or food stored less than 6" above the floor. Food storage shall be protected from contamination by storing the food at least 6 inches above the floor. PIC assigned employee to relocate food off the floor.
    • The cutting board(s) along the prep cooler are heavily scratched and scored. The food contact surface is no longer easily cleaned and sanitized due to condition. Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratch and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced. PIC will resurface the cutting boards.
    • The nonfood-contact surface of the ice machine is not cleaned at an appropriate frequency. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. PIC will clean ice machine frequently.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Kindercare Learning Center
• Carrabba's
• Falcons Landing @ Hillside House
• Sweetwater Tavern
• Charisa Thai