Fredericksburg Health Inspections: 21 Violations At One Restaurant

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Several facilities in the Fredericksburg area recorded violations during recent inspections from the Rappahannock Area Health District.

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.

Here are the most recent violations as listed by the Rappahannock Area Health Department:

• Super Value Inn, 10422 Patriot Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  • Date inspected: Jan. 4
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed batter stored in refrigerator at 54F for less than 1 hour, food was relocated to walk-in refrigerator.
    • Refrigerator holding at 65F, and is unable to ensure time/temperature control for safety food is holding below 41F. Informed Person in Charge not to use refrigeration until it is working properly.
• Merit School of Stafford Lakes #25, 251 University Blvd Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 4
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed the hallway toilet room, which is used by staff, measured at 87 degrees F. Discussed contacting plumber to evaluate the hot water.
    • Observed two packages of moldy rolls on shelving. The person in charge discarded the rolls for safety.
    • Observed the handsink, 3 compartment sink and prep sink are not sealed to the adjacent walls.
• Coffee Bar 1010, 1010 Corporate Dr Suite# 101 Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 4
  • Total violations: 7
    • Observed 3 cartons of shell eggs stored over the vegetables in the reach in cooler.
    • Observed that the interior of the ice machine requires cleaning.
    • Observed shell eggs stored at 46'F and chicken strips stored at 46'F - cold holding in the reach in cooler.
    • Observed cut lettuce that expired on January 2, 2023 and avocado that expired on January 2, 2023.
    • Observed the employee preparing foods without a proper hair restraint.
    • Observed the employee handling foods with jewelry on her hands and wrists.
    • Observed that the floor under the reach in cooler and air vent cover over the penni grill are in need of detailed cleaning.
• Peet's Stafford, LLC, 3845 Richmond Highway Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 4
  • Total violations: 1o
    • Observed an employee's half eaten sandwich in the prep area. The person in charge indicated that one of the employees had been eating in the prep area. The person in charge discarded the sandwich.
    • Observed the employee leave the prep area, make a call to the owner, return to the prep area, put on a new pair of gloves, then continued to make a customer's drink without washing her hands. EHS discussed this with the person in charge.
    • Per discussion with the person in charge, hands are being washed at the 3-compartment sink. EHS discussed this with the person in charge.
    • Observed employees preparing foods with jewelry on their wrists and arm.
    • Observed that the employees are preparing foods without proper hair restraints.
    • Observed that the wiping cloth used with the steamer wand is stored in water. The person in charge placed the cloth in sanitizer.
    • Observed bare wood used for legs on the prep table.
    • Observed that the sandwich prep unit is leaking.
    • Observed that the cutting boards are scratched and scored.
    • Observed that the wall behind the 3-compartment sink is is disrepair.
• Rowser Senior Citizen Center, 1739 Richmond Highway Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 5
  • Total violations: 4
    • Facility does not have a certified food protection manager. The person in charge provided the certifed food protection certificate.
    • Facility does not have written procedures for cleaning of bodily fluids.
    • Observed wet wiping cloths stored in a bucket soap and in a bucket of plaint water.
    • Observed that the inside of the storage cabinets and outside of the pan storage rack and cabinets near the stove require cleaning.
• McDonald’s Restaurant #11101, 10233 Patriot Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 5
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed several milks in display refrigerator at drive-thru area holsing at 50F rather than 41F or below as required. Milk was holding at 50F for an unknown amount of time. Person in Charge discarded all milk from refrigerator.
    • Drive thru display refrigerator observed holding at 50F, not holding food temperatures at 41F or below as required. Informed Person in Charge to ensure equipment is working properly prior to using for time/temperature control for safety food. French fry freezer door observed not closing properly to create a seal and is in need of repair.
• Guru Indian Cuisine, 3140 Cowan Blvd Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 5
  • Total violations: 21
    • Observed the facility has an employee health policy but it is not updated with current employees working at the facility. During the inspection employees were asked questions regarding foodborne illnesses and employees were unable to answer correctly.
    • Observed an open beverage stored above a food prep table. During the inspection the open beverage was removed.
    • Observed a food employee wearing gloves leave the work station to get foods out of the walk in cooler and return to the cookline and attempted to keep preparing foods while wearing the same gloves. EHS spoke with PIC and food employee regarding proper glove usage, food employee washed hands.
    • Observed the hand sink by the cook line was not reaching the required temperature of 100 degrees F, during the inspection the water temperature of the hand sink was 69 degrees F.
    • Observed in the walk in cooler a container of sauce with mold on the sides and a moldy head of cauliflower. During the inspection the moldy container of sauce was tossed for safety.
    • Observed one bowl of raw salmon in water and ice stored above a container of cooked potatoes. During the inspection the container of salmon was relocated.
    • Observed the interior surfaces of the microwave was heavily soiled.
    • Observed the interior surfaces of the ice machine heavily soiled.
    • Observed the following equipment soiled: 1. mixer 2. plates 3. skewers
    • Observed the following foods cold holding at inadequate temperatures: 1. eggplant 52 degees 2. potatoes 45 degrees F 3. yugurt 49 degrees F 4. cream cheese 58 degrees F 5. sour cream 56 degrees F 6. heavy cream 47 degrees F 7. daal 50 degrees F During the inspection foods that had been placed in unit for less than 4 hours were relocated to the walk in cooler. Foods that had been in unit over night were discarded for safety.
    • Observed sternos and a container of windex stored on a same shelf with dryed foods and single service use articles. During the inspection the sternos and windex were relocated.
    • Observed food employees working without the use of beard restraints.
    • Observed utensils being stored in water (69 degrees F) in between uses.
    • Observe single service use articles being used to scoop dryed foods (lentils and rice).
    • Observed the following: 1. food being stored directly in walmart grocery bags in the walk in freezer 2. single service use lids being re-used.
    • Observed rusted shelving in the walk in cooler and in the kitchen holding equipment.
    • Observed non food contact surfaces throughout the kitchen area are in need of deep and detailed cleaning.
    • Observed walls floors and ceilings throughout the facility are in need of cleaning.
    • Observed the hood vent panels dripping with oil and grease.
    • Observed employees belongings (coats, shoes, cell phone and speaker) stored near or above food prep and food storage areas.
    • Observed inadequate light inside the walk in cooler, with the VDH light meter 1.8 foot candles were detected.
• El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant, 11437 Ridge Road King George, VA 22485
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 6
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed food debris in the hand sink next to the dish machine. Sink was cleaned out during inspection.
    • Observed a bottle of allergy medicine and a tube of Ben Gay on the shelf above the expo station. Drugs were relocated during inspection.
    • Observed food employees with beards in the kitchen not wearing beard guards.
    • Observed a home made shelf above the expo station hold plates, to-go containers and other items made of bare wood.
    • Several ceiling tiles in the kitchen are made from tiles that are not easily cleanable.
• Horne's Restaurant, 25532 A P Hill Blvd Port Royal, VA 22535
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 6
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed that the country gravy was not reheated in required time. Person in charge placed the gravy on the grill and reheated it to 165'F within 20 minutes.
    • Observed employee who was wearing gloves crack raw eggs, then proceed to open the microwave then grab a clean plate without removing soiled glove and washing their hands. EHS spoke with the employee and the person in charge regarding proper glove and hand washing procedures.
• Sam's Pizza and Subs, 27 South Gateway Drive Suite #125 Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 6
  • Total violations: 19
    • The person in charge is not monitoring employee handwashing, absence of date marking system for ready to eat TCS foods held in the food establishment over 24 hours and employee handwashing procedures.
    • Observed a food employee place raw sliced gyro meat on the flattop grill, remove gloves and then proceed to place new gloves on to continue with food preparation. Instructed the food employee to remove gloves and wash their hands. Also observed a server enter the kitchen from the dining room and handle the interior surface of dressing ramekins without washing their hands.
    • Observed a food employee lather their hands under running water at the kitchen handsink. Hands were not effectively cleaned due to handsoap being flushed down the drain. The person in charge instructed the food employee on correct handwashing and the employee washed their hands.
    • Observed container of raw hamburger patties wrapped in plastic wrap in an overfilled container stored over covered containers of marinara sauce inside the walk in cooler. During the inspection the hamburger patties were relocated to prevent contamination.
    • The interior of microwave ovens were observed soiled.
    • Observed the following equipment soiled to the sight: Meat slicer, vegetable peeler, 2-3 knives. The equipment, with the exception of the meat slicer, were removed to the 3 compartment sink for cleaning.
    • Observed the following TCS foods cold holding at improper temperatures: 1- Prep cooler #1- Sliced cheese (45 degrees F) stored above the fill line in a plastic container. The person in charge reported the cheese has been in the unit overnight and voluntarily discarded for safety. 2- Prep cooler #2- Thawed (previously frozen) spinach (43 degrees F) which the person in charge reported was held in the unit overnight. The person in charge voluntarily discarded the spinach for safety. Discussed lowering the temperature of the unit. TCS foods in the stages of ambient cooling were relocated to the walk in cooler. 3- 2 door reach in cooler - Unopened container of precooked ground meat (50 degrees F) which was placed in the unit at 10:00 a.m. The ground meat was relocated to the walk in cooler to cool to 41 degrees F or less by 2:00 p.m. Hold TCS foods in another unit until evaluated by a technician.
    • Absence of date marking system in the food establishment. Observed containers of ready to eat foods in the walk in cooler which had old date stickers from November 2022. Instructed the person in charge to date mark ready to eat TCS foods held longer than 24 hours. Instructed the person in charge to develop and implement a date marking system.
    • Observed two degreaser spray bottled stored on pole above the three compartment sink which also is used to store cleaned and sanitized tongs. The degreaser was relocated during the inspection to prevent contamination.
    • The person in charge could not provide a thin-probed food thermometer to monitor temperatures of thin-massed foods. The facility has a bimetallic stem thermometer with the sensor halfway up the shaft.
    • Observed employees without proper hair and beard restraints.
    • Observed three knives being stored between prep coolers #1 and #2. The person in charge removed the knives for cleaning. Discussed alternative ways to hold knives to prevent contamination.
    • Observed unwrapped plastic straws in a container at the bar which may be exposed to contamination. Discussed purchasing prewrapped straws or relocate to prevent contamination.
    • Observed four containers of sliced onions, which will be cooked, and one container of salt used for cooking stored in Sterlite plastic containers which are not food grade or safe. During the inspection the food was placed in a food grade container.
    • The food establishment purchased fresh scent bleach for use on food container surfaces and use in wiping cloth buckets. The person in charge sent an employee to the store to purchase disinfecting bleach.
    • Observed accumulation of debris on the following nonfood contact surfaces: Exterior surfaces of bulk storage containers, sticker residue on plastic food containers, shelving throughout, and handles of tongs stored above the 3 compartment sink.
    • The flooring at the bar is not smooth or easily cleanable. Discussed apply a sealant to the floor to create a smooth and easily cleanable surface.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: Blown out ceiling lights, flooring under cooking equipment is in lifting up and ceiling tiles above the soda syrup are not tightly sealed to the frame.
    • Observed the floors, walls and air vents throughout the facility in need of cleaning.
• Subway, 11105 Leavells Rd Suite 5 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 6
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed all food items stored in right cold well holding above 41F (Turkey 45F, cheese 50F, salami 46F, shredded cheese 45F). Food was placed in unit <2 hours prior. Food was relocated to another refrigeration unit to cool. Unit lid was closed and was holding at 40F. Informed Person in Charge to keep lid closed to ensure food items are held at proper temperature.
    • Observed spray bottle with chemicals not labeled with the common name of the chemicals in storage area of food facility. Bottle was labeled during the inspection.
    • Observed packaging of steak thawing in container with stagnant water at 3-compartment sink. Steak was put under running water to thaw properly.
• Minnieland Academy #8, 11117 Leavells Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 9
  • Total violations: 1
    • Facility does not have a small-probe thermometer available. Person in Charge ordered thermometer while conducting inspection and showed proof of purchase.
• La Petite Academy, 25 Travis Lane Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 9
  • Total violations: 6
    • The person in charge could not provide documentation concerning employee health.
    • Observed that the inside of the toaster, can opener, and the pizza cutter (corrected) requires cleaning.
    • Observed that sour cream expired on 10/14/22. The person in charge discarded the product.
    • Observed chemical spray bottles hanging on the wire rack in the store room. The person in charge relocated by spray bottles.
    • The facility does not have quaternary test strips. The person in charge provided expired test strips from 2009.
    • Observed that the reach in freezer and the can opener holder requires cleaning.
• Sonic Drive In, 5817 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 9
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed cheese overstocked in top of prep unit holding at 53F for less than 3 hours. Food was relocated to bottom of prep unit to cool. Observed sliced tomatoes holding in ice cold well holding at 60F for less than 3 hours, food was submerged in ice to cool.
    • Shelving in split freezer and inside top of ice machine observed to be rusted and is no longer smooth and easily cleanable.
    • Single-use storage above hot trays and heat lamp area above french fry hot hold storage observed with an accumulation of debris and residue and is in need of cleaning.
    • Observed floor tiles to be cracked around fryer area. Observed grouting in need of repair in front service area of food facility.
• Castiglia's Italian Restaurant, 324 William Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 9
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed only 8 foot candles of light at the downstairs prep area.
    • Observed 4 mops stored with the mops heads laying in the mop sink. Mops were hung up during inspection.
    • The following items were observed damaged or in a state if disrepair: 1-the floor in the walk in cooler (metal floor torn), 2-the coving in the dry storage room (pealing from wall), 3-hole in the wall in the downstairs prep area, 4-the ceiling in the kitchen (water damage), 5-hole in the wall in bar area back room, 6-missing ceiling tiles inthe bar area back room.
• Bangkok Cafe, 825 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 9
  • Total violations: 6
    • There was no paper towel available at the kitchen hand sink. Paper towel was provided during inspection.
    • Observed a plate and a bowl laying in the kitchen hand sink. Both items were removed during the inspection.
    • Observed a heavy build-up of ice in the homestyle refrigerator in the kitchen.
    • The following non-food contact surfaces were observed soiled with grima and debris, 1-the wire shelving throughout the kitchen, 2-the inner and outer surfaces of the white homestyle refrigerator, 3-the gas supply pipes behind the equipment on the cook's line.
    • Observed the following physical facilities were soiled with grime and debris: 1-the ceiling tiles around the ventilation ducts in the kitchen, 2-the wall behind the pot storage shelves in the dish room, 3-the floor behind the equipment on the cook's line.
    • The filters in the ventilation hoods and the air ducts in the kitchen ceiling were observed soiled with grime and dust.
• The Alpine Chef, 200 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 10
  • Total violations: 12
    • Observe a food employee handle dirty equipment with gloved hands attempt to don new gloves without washing hands prior to putting on the new gloves. During the ispection EHS instructed food employee to wash thier hands.
    • Observed a bag of moldy brussel sprouts in the walk in cooler. During the inspection the person in charge discarded the moldy foods for safety.
    • Observed the top interior surfaces of the ice machine soiled and the blade of the can opener soiled. During the inspection the can opener was relocated to the dish washing area.
    • Observed the interior surfaces of the microwaves in the kitchen heavily soiled.
    • Observed the following foods stored on a prep cooler cold holding out of required temperatures: 1. sauteed onions and apples 44 degrees F 2. cut tomato 47 degrees F 3. fingerling potatoes 48 degrees F 4. liquid eggs 45 degrees F 5. one container of cooked meatballs 47 degrees F 6. unsalted herb butter 62 degrees F Foods were put into the unit 2 hours prior to the inspection and were relocated to a different cooling unit.
    • Observed on the menu the made to order burger and steak and eggs from the brunch menu are missing the consumer advisory.
    • Observed a container of butane and several containers of quat sanitizer spray cleaners being stored near foods and equipment. During the inspection the butane was relocated.
    • Observed several staineless steel containers stored stacked while still wet.
    • Observed the mop sink faucet has a single check valve but is in need of a dual check valve as a backflow prevention device, observed a long hose with a spray nozzle which was turned on connected to the mop sink during the inspection.
    • Observed walls, floors and ceiling tiles soiled throughout the facility. Recommend a deep cleaning of floors and walls.
    • Observed 7 porous ceiling tiles and floor tiles in poor repair by the cooks line.
    • Observed employees belongings (brief case, cell phones, keys, cigarettes) near or stored above food prep areas
• Q-Ball Café, 960 Bragg Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 10
  • Total violations: 3
    • This food establishment does not have an employee, with management and supervisory responsibility, that is a Certified Food Protection Manager.
    • The person in charge could not provide written verification of employee training concerning Employee Health.
    • The filters in the ventilation system above the deep fryers were observed soiled.
• Subway # 37501, 9817 Patriot Hwy Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 10
  • Total violations: 5
    • This food establishment does not have an employee, with management and supervisory responsibility, that is a Certified Food Protection Manager.
    • The Person in Charge was unable to provide documentation of training relating to the Employee Health Policy for this facility Facility provided with Employee Health Policy that was reviewed and signed by all available employees.
    • Observed meatballs holding at 110F at steam table, rather than 135F as required. Steam table observed not working correctly, therefore meatballs were relocated to refrigeration to cool.
    • Facility does not have a working small-probe thermometer available.
    • Steam table not working properly, food is not being held at 135F or higher as required. Person in Charge removed food from steam table and has been informed not to use equipment until it is working properly.
• Dragon Express, 10400 Courthouse Rd Spotsylvania, VA 22553
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 10
  • Total violations: 17
    • Person in Charge is not ensuring: Food employees are properly washing hands; Employees be trained in reportable illnesses and symptoms; Food is cooling properly; Food is stored to prevent cross contamination.
    • The Person in Charge was unable to provide documentation of training relating to the Employee Health Policy for this facility Facility provided with Employee Health Policy that was reviewed and signed by all available employees.
    • Facility does not have written procedures for the clean-up of vomiting or diarrheal events. Facility provided procedures during inspection.
    • Observed food employee come in to kitchen from rear exit door and proceed to prep area and handle food without washing hands. Food employee was directed to wash hand at hand washing sink.
    • Observed food employee wash hands at prep sink rather than handwashing sink.
    • Back handwashing sink was not supplied with soap. Person in Charge provided soap at sink during inspection.
    • Observed an excessive amount of equipment stored in/on back handwashing sink. Items were removed from sink to allow access during operation.
    • Observed raw chicken stored over tofu and celery in walk-in refrigerator. Chicken was relocated to prevent contamination.
    • Observed several food items (Chicken, pork, egg rolls) stored in walk-in refrigerator and held for greater than 24 hours not being date marked as required. Person in Charge date marked food items during inspection.
    • Observed spray bottle of chemicals stored under stove area. Spray bottle was labeled during inspection.
    • Observed personal medication stored on back prep table. Medicine was relocated during inspection to prevent contamination.
    • Facility does not have an available small-probe thermometer.
    • Observed boxes of food stored on floor in walk-in freezer. Observed containers of chicken stored on floor in walk-in refrigerator. Observed bag of onions stored on floor in prep area of food facility. Onions were relocated. (COS)
    • Observed several food employees in kitchen area of food facility without proper hair restraints.
    • Observed egg rolls stored on paper towels in containers. Paper towels were removed from containers.
    • Facility was unable to provide test strips during inspection. Provided test strips to Person in Charge.
    • The following non-food contact surfaces were observed to be soiled and are in need of cleaning: 1. Exterior sides and lids of bulk food containers under prep table; 2. Condiment shelf at stove; 3. Exterior walls of walk-in coolers.
• Sheetz #346 Fredericksburg, 2001 Carl D. Silver Pkwy Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 10
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed that the sides of the deep fryer and the ventilation hood over the deep fryers were soiled with grease.
    • The floors under the equipment on the front line were observed soiled.
    • The ceiling intake and exhaust vents over the cooking line were observed soiled.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Pho Huong Viet
• McDonald's #33384
• ITAVIE
• Merit School @ The Castle #9
• Moment Diner
• Cider Lab
• TownePlace Suites Fredericksburg