Ashburn Restaurant Inspections: Mouse Droppings, Fruit Flies

ASHBURN, VA — Several facilities in the Ashburn area recorded violations during health department inspections between April 19 and April 25.

Almost all COVID-19 restrictions around the state have relaxed, so health inspectors are returning to conduct some 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.

• Chin-Chin Cafe, 43930 Farmwell Hunt Plaza #106 Ashburn, VA 20147
  • Date inspected: April 19
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed chicken on skewer stored over ready to eat food in small glass cooler. Prevent potential cross contamination by not storing raw animal foods over ready to eat foods.
    • Observed bowl of eggs yoks and raw chicken container cold holding at improper temperature (F). Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41F or below to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
    • Chemical spray bottle observed without the proper labeling. All working containers of toxic materials should have a label with the common name of the material in it.
    • A plastic bowl with no handle observed being used for rice. In use utensils should have a handle to stay above the rice.
    • Fried chicken observed being placed on the Cardboard for cooling. Food contact surfaces of the equipment should be nonabsorbent and easily cleanable.
• My Home Thai Bistro II, 19890 Belmont Chase Dr #185 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: April 19
  • Total violations: 11
    • Observed hand sink by 3-compartment sink had no soap. Hand soap should be available at all time for employee use.
    • Observed hand sink in the bar blocked with a cutting board and the hand sink in the cafe area blocked with a container of wiping clothes. Hand sinks should be accessible for employees to use at all times.
    • Observed the food contact surface on blades of the meat grinder and can opener with food residue. Food contact surfaces should be clean to sight and touch.
    • Observed chicken that was not fully cooked (noncontinuous cooking) in prep cooler. When noncontinuous cooking is used there needs to be written procedures in place.
    • Observed improper cold holding temperature of flat noodles 47F and thin noodles 50F out of temperature control. Food held cold should be maintained at 41F or below.
    • Observed sweet rice, curry sauces thawing, deep fried tofu with no date marking on food items. Foods held more that than 24 hours should have a date mark.
    • Observed cleaned cooking pots stored next to a bottle of bleach. Bleach should be stored in a way to minimize to contaminate food contact surfaces.
    • Observed thaw of raw squid and raw chicken near the 3-compartment sink out of temperature control. Foods should be thawed under cold holding temperature control.
    • Observed pest controlling devices over the 3-compartment sink and next to the meat grinder. Insect controlling devices should not be areas were food is prepped.
    • Observed wet wiping cloth on prep cooler not in a sanitizing solution.
    • Observed a meat grinder that is no long working in the employee restroom. Equipment that is no longer in good repair should not be stored in the restroom.
• Rock N' Claws, 44110 Ashburn Shopping Plaza #100 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: April 19
  • Total violations: 12
    • Documentation could not be provided showing there is a certified food manager associated with this facility.
    • Observed lot of top neck clams without shellstock identification tag. Employee stated clams were purchased without tag.
    • Observed raw fish and raw shrimp stored in walk-in-cooler directly above ready to eat sauces.
    • Observed all house prepared sauces made yesterday morning stored in walk-in-cooler without date label.
    • Top neck clams in walk-in-cooler observed removed from original container in which they were received.
    • The following foods observed stored directly on floor throughout kitchen: rice, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, liquid butter, canned pineapples, bottled water, soda, container of onions. Carrots, bottled water, wing sauce and shrimp stored on floor of walk-in-cooler. Foods shall be stored elevated off floor by at least 6 inches.
    • Observed bottle of beer stored inside ice machine, in direct contact with ice for consumption.
    • Scoops without handle used to dispense bulk salt and sugar. Dispensing utensils shall have proper handle to prevent bare hand contact.
    • Observed single-service spoons and to-go containers used to dispense spices, bulk sugar and salt. Single-service utensils and containers shall not be re-used.
    • Shelving throughout back kitchen area used to store food contact equipment and food observed with accumulation of dust and debris. Nonfood contact areas of kitchen shall be maintained clean.
    • Covered receptacle for sanitary products not provided in restroom used by females.
    • The following equipment, unnecessary to the food operation, is observed stored in kitchen: large meat grinder, large mixer, vacuum food sealing machine, slicer. Equipment observed unclean, stored as clean.
• Da-On Sushi, 43930 Farmwell Hunt Plaza 100 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: April 19
  • Total violations: 1
    • Raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat food in the glass refrigerator. All animal origin food should be stored below ready to eat food.
• DC Prime Steakhouse, 20120 Lakeview Center Plaza Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: April 19
  • Total violations: 1
    • Portioned gratin potatoes noted as improperly cooled. The gratin potatoes were portioned on a plate and plastic wrapped. The plastic wrap appeared to have been left on the hot potatoes when it was placed in the cooler to cool. According to the person in charge the gratin potatoes are first initially heated and then held hot on top of the salamander broiler the previous night. The potatoes were then placed back in the drawer cooler overnight to cool. The potatoes registered at 48F.
• Chaska, 45630 Falke Plaza Unit 230 Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: April 19
  • Total violations: 3
    • No hand soap was available at both hand sinks in the back kitchen (prep & dishwashing area). A hand cleanser must be available at all times at all hand sinks utilized by food employees so that they may properly and frequently wash their hands. Person in charge refilled soap dispensers. Corrected.
    • No means of drying hands was observed at the hand sink in the back kitchen at the dish washing area. All hand sinks utilized by food employees must be provided with adequate methods to properly dry hands. PIC replaced the paper towels. Corrected.
    • EHS noted that the door leading to the outside area within the kitchen is not sealed and light can be observed shining through the bottom. Outer openings in food establishments shall be protected against entry of insects and rodents by ensuring doors are solid, self closing and tight fitting. Repair the door so that possible entrance of insects or rodents is eliminated.
• Champs, 45630 Falke Plaza #190 Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: April 19
  • Total violations: 3
    • Two (2) knives were found stored with visible food debris on them. Food contact surfaces shall be clean to sight and touch. Knives were moved to the three basin sink to be rewashed. Corrected.
    • EHS observed a bucket of unsalted garlic butter on the counter at room temperature. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods that are ready to eat (RTE) must be maintained at 41F or less. Person in charge put the butter back into the refrigerator to rapidly cool. EHS discussed the use of salted butter, which is non TCS, to use if time as the public health control (TPHC) or temperature control was not going to be used for daily storage. PIC agreed to use salted butter, and only mix garlic that is refrigerated per order. Corrected.
    • A container of cooked rice, cooked wings and a container of cut tomatoes was observed with no date marking. TCS/RTE foods that are kept longer than 24 hours must be labeled with a date that they were opened/prepared or a discard date not to exceed 7 days from the date that the food item was opened/prepared. PIC had all three containers properly date labeled during the inspection. Corrected.
• The Seafood Lover, 22510 S. Sterling Blvd #110 Sterling, VA 20164
  
  • Date inspected: April 20
  • Total violations: 12
    • Establishment did not have a policy for cleaning of vomiting/diarrheal incidents.
    • Observed chef drinking from an uncovered drink cup with a straw in the food prep area.
    • Observed several oyster and clam shellstock tags to not contain harvest dates.
    • Observed the inside of the microwave to be unclean.
    • Observed the following items in a state of cold holding above 41F: Spinach at 54F and Porkbelly Fat at 45F.
    • A review of the menu and operation with the food service operator indicates that "Oysters, Beef Steak, and Salmon" may be served undercooked or raw. Items are not labeled on new menu.
    • Observed an unlabeled spray bottle of a blue liquid (windex.)
    • Observed mice droppings underneath the deep frier, and several fruit flies.
    • Observed the following in use utensils improperly stored: Tongs on oven handle, tongs under grill, rice scoops in stagnant water, and Ice Scoop lying flat in ice bin.
    • Observed that the Prep Tops by the grill area to not close tightly/seal.
    • Observed Ice Machine's Guard inside machine not clean and has black residue.
    • Observed the floor areas in the back of house underneath the deep friers to have a buildup of grease, clam shells, and mouse droppings.
• Manhattan Pizzeria & Luv'n Berry, 43930 Farmwell Hunt Plaza #108 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: April 20
  • Total violations: 4
    • The hand sink by the front door of the kitchen is not working. All hand sinks should be functional to allow employees wash their hands.
    • Observed raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat food in walk in cooler. Prevent potential cross contamination by not storing raw animal foods over ready to eat foods.
    • Observed raw chicken breast and gyro meat cold holding at improper temperature (F). Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41F or below to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
    • Inside of the ice machine observed with accumulation of black residues. Clean the surface at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.
• Chef Geoff's, 1 Saarinen Cir. Dulles, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: April 20
  • Total violations: 6
    • Soap was not provided at the hand washing facility in food prep area in the kitchen.
    • Sliced tomatoes, cut leafy greens and cheese aregistered at 45°F at top section of the in low boy refrigeration units in front of grills. As per the PIC said units were frequently opened. Said unit registered operating at 45°F.
    • Raw salmon and raw calamari registered at48°F to 52°F in the four drawer low boy refrigerator in front of the grill and fryer in the kitchen. Said unit registered operating at 52°F.
    • Prepared temperature control for safety (TCS) food item held beyond the disposition date in that containers of prepared dressings such as thousand island observed being held on the shelf in the walk in refrigerator for more than 7 days after preparing.
    • Low boy refrigerator in front of the grill is not maintaining time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods at 41°F or below.
    • Two cutting boards observed in the kitchen observed dirty/discolored with deep stained cut marks.
• Falcons Landing Military Retirement Community, 20522 Falcons Landing Circle Sterling, VA 20165
  
  • Date inspected: April 20
  • Total violations: 2
    • A container of cooked cut potatoes was found hot holding in a warming unit at 113F, which is below the required 135F or above temperature for hot holding foods. Time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS) that are ready to eat (RTE) must be held at 135F or more. Person in charge voluntarily discarded the potatoes.
    • A tray of cooked salmon was found cooling in a container, completely covered by plastic wrap with condensation developing. When cooling foods, they must not be covered until the food is completely cooled to ensure that proper heat exchange is taking place. PIC uncovered the salmon so that it could properly cool.
• Falcons Landing @ Hillside House, 20501 Earhart Pl Sterling, VA 20165
  
  • Date inspected: April 20
  • Total violations: 2
    • A spray bottle filled with what resembles the sink and surface cleaner was observed with no labeling information. When toxic materials are taken from bulk supplies, the common name of the material must be labeled on the working container. Label all spray bottles that contain toxic materials.
    • There are no test strips to test the sink & surface cleaner located at the dish washing station within the kitchen. A device or testing strip designed to accurately measure the concentration levels of sanitizer must be available at all times to monitor the concentration of sanitizer. Provide test strips and keep in this kitchen at all times.
• Chick-Fil-A, 45440 Dulles Crossing Plaza Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: April 20
  • Total violations: 1
    • Grilled chicken tray in the walk-in cooler noted as improperly cooled to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria (87,94 degrees). According to the tag the chicken was made at 7:22am and has been cooling for 3 hours. Cool time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food(s) from 135F to 41F within a total of 6 hours and from 135F to 70F within 2 hours.
• Be Right Burger (Terminal C), 1 Saarinen Cir. Dulles, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: April 20
  • Total violations: 2
    • Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41°F or below in that cut lettuce tomato and cheese registered between 45°F in the top section of sandwich prep cooler refrigeration unit in front food prep area. As per the PIC said unit has been open frequently this morning.
    • Low boy refrigerator not maintaining time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods at 41°F or below.
• South Riding Inn, 43090 Peacock Market Plaza, Ste BS South Riding, VA 20152
  
  • Date inspected: April 21
  • Total violations: 5
    • A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided and at handwashing sinks at the bar.
    • Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41°F or below in that mashed potatoes, raw chicken, chicken wings, Italian wedding soup and cheese registered between 58°F-60°F in the walk in refrigerator. As per the PIC the unit was repaired the day before and is having issues today therefore the technician is here to repair the unit.
    • Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41°F or below in that cut tomatoes, cheese, steak, raw marinated chicken and waffle mix registered at 48°F in the one door low boy refrigerator in the food prep area in kitchen.
    • Refrigerator is not maintaining time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods at 41°F or below in that one door low boy refrigerator in food prep area registered operating at 50°F. Improper food storage temperatures are a major contributing factor to foodborne illness.
    • The walk in refrigerator holding TCS food items is not maintaining time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods at 41°F or below in that said unit registered operating at 58°F. Improper food storage temperatures are a major contributing factor to foodborne illness.
• Meal Dealers, LLC, 44225 Mercure Circle #170 Dulles, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: April 21
  • Total violations: 6
    • The certified food protection manager's (owner) certificate expired several months ago. Facility does not have a certified food protection manager on duty with a current valid certificate.
    • The back hand sink near the line does not have hand soap for employees to properly wash their hands.
    • Observed no paper towels provided at any of the hand sinks in the facility. All hand sinks shall have paper towels for proper hand drying.
    • The hand sink near the three compartment sink does not have nozzle for hot water. It is broken off. All hand sinks need warm water supplied at all times for proper hand washing.
    • An abundance of flies observed in the facility. EHS pointed out several areas of pooled water that serves as an attractant to pests. According to the PIC pest control is scheduled to come tonight.
    • There is an abundance of unnecessary items and litter stored in the kitchen. In the hallway that leads to the front unused cafe area there are shelves of cake decorating equipment, chemicals, spilled gallons of paint, and unused equipment stored on the floor. According to the owner these items belong to the landlord.
• Pei Wei Asian Diner, 22000 Dulles Retail Plaza #190 Dulles, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: April 24
  • Total violations: 1
    • During the inspection the EHS observed two live roaches - One adult, by the dish machine, and a juvenile in the office area. There is a pest control plan that has been instituted, but is not controlling the pest issue. Pests shall be controlled by cleaning surfaces, floors & drains, inspecting incoming shipments, and eliminating harborage conditions. Break down boxes and remove from the facility, clean drains and floors and clean surfaces so that residues do not accumulate on them.
• Ford's Fish Shack, 44260 Ice Rink Plaza #101 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: April 24
  • Total violations: 5
    • Employee's uncovered drink observed on the kitchen counter. Employees may drink from a closed beverage container if the container is handled to prevent contamination of (1) The employee's hands; (2) The container; and (3) Exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
    • Raw chorizo is kept in a same container as cheese to thaw in the walk in cooler. Raw animal food holding in a manner that may cause cross contamination of to ready-to-eat food (RTE). Separate raw animal foods during storage, preparation of the food.
    • Lobster meat observed thawing on the cooling trays in the kitchen. Thawing should be done under the refrigerator unit or under running water.
    • There is no chemical sanitizing test kit present to ensure the chemical sanitizing solution used is at the proper concentration at the three compartment sink.
    • An irreversible registering temperature indicator was not provided for the hot water mechanical warewashing operation. Provide the thermometer to assure utensils are getting sanitized properly.
• Domino's Pizza #4354, 20921 Davenport Drive #126 Sterling, VA 20165
  
  • Date inspected: April 24
  • Total violations: 2
    • This establishment was not able to provide proof that all employees have been trained in the signs and symptoms of food borne illness. Verifiable means that all food employees have been trained in the signs and symptoms of food borne illness and how to properly report them must be available for review when requested. EHS printed out form 1B (Employee Health Reporting Policy) and had all employees read and sign during the inspection. A master copy was also left for future employees. Corrected.
    • EHS observed an unopened bag of frozen, cooked chicken thawing on the counter at room temperature. When thawing time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS) that are ready to eat (RTE) they must be thawed under refrigeration or constantly running cold water. Person in charge (PIC) moved the chicken, which was still frozen, to the refrigeration unit to properly thaw. Corrected.
• Fleur De Cuisine, 44200 Waxpool Rd Ashburn, VA
  
  • Date inspected: April 24
  • Total violations: 4
    • Spray aerosol can of raid stored in the kitchen. Utilize a certified pest control operator for any pest control maintenance. Remove raid from facility.
    • Cleaning chemicals and equipment stored on shelf over the three compartment sink where clean equipment is handled.
    • Facility does not have any food contact safe sanitizer in the facility. Provide sanitizer for proper warewashing at all operating hours.
    • The men's restroom door is not self closing. All toilet room doors shall be self closing.
• Hunan Village, 42920 Piccadilly Plaza #131 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: April 25
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed egg drop soup hot holding at improper temperature (F). Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be hot held at 135F or above to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
    • Observed raw chicken, raw beef cold holding at improper temperature (F) 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. Also cut celery and cabbage were placed on the counter cold holding at improper temperature.
    • Wet soiled towels stored on the kitchen counter. Store wet wiping in a chemical sanitizer at the proper concentration between use.
    • Plastic bowl without a handle stored in the rice warmer on top of the rice. In use utensils should have a handle which is placed above the food.
• Meadows Original Frozen Custard, 20548 Easthampton Plaza Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: April 25
  • Total violations: 5
    • Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41°F or below in that a container of whole milk registered at 46°F on front prep cooler. Said unit registered operating at 46°F.
    • Insect control device is located over the reach down freezer with ice cream at the food prep area where dead insects may be impaled or fall.
    • Few live fruit flies observed in rear food prep/storage area.
    • The cutting board(s) on top of the two door low boy refrigerator in front food prep area observed heavily scratched and scored.
    • Facility does not have test strip to measure the concentration of the sanitizer in that the sanitizer test strip provided at the facility was for different type of sanitizer.
• Yummy Shawarma, 21100 Dulles Town Circle Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: April 25
  • Total violations: 2
    • Chicken and beef gyro cones are both prepared at home. They both observed to be frozen inside (30 degrees). Facility doesn't have a freezer. Food prepared in a private home may not be used or offered for human consumption in a food establishment.
    • Raw ground beef stored above the sauces in the walk in cooler. Raw animal origin food should be stored below ready to eat food.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Wendy's 6627
• Samurai Sushi Restaurant
• Celebrations By Rupa Vira
• Sarku Japan
• Subway (Walmart)
• Falcons Landing @ West Falls Center
• Firkin & Fox
• Devil's Backbone Taproom
• Starbucks Coffee AG135