Fredericksburg Health Inspections: 24 Violations At 1 Facility

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Several facilities in the Fredericksburg area recorded violations during recent inspections from the Rappahannock Area Health District. Inspectors conducted the most recent visits between Dec. 27, 2023 and Jan. 2, 2024.

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.

It 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 officials 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 foodservice presents a substantial and imminent threat to the public health."

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

• Parthenon Restaurant, 2024 Augustine Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  • Date inspected: Dec. 27
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed a container of raw shell eggs in the upright cooler above RTE (ready to eat foods), lettuce and tomatoes. During the inspection eggs were relocated to a lower shelf.
    • Observed all of the microwaves in the facility require cleaning.
    • The following non food contact surfaces require cleaning: 1. clean inside cooling/freezer units 2. clean countertops
    • Observed floors under equipment and walls in the main kitchen area that require cleaning.
    • Observed ceiling tiles in the front service area, kitchen and hallway that are damaged and lightbulbs that were blown out in the hallway.
• Thai House, 26 Doc Stone Road Stafford, VA 22556
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 27
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed unopened container of half and half (internal temperature - 49 degrees F) cold holding at improper temperatures inside the Samsung homestyle refrigerator overnight. Half and half was voluntarily discarded during the inspection. The temperature of the unit was lowered. Recommended placing an ambient air thermometer inside the unit in lieu of monitoring digital thermometer of the unit.
    • Observed can of Raid Ant and Roach spray under the 3-compartment sink which the operator reported is used inside the food establishment. Instructed the operator pest control is required to be performed by a certified pest control operator or someone under supervision of a certified pest control operator. The can was discarded during the inspection.
    • Observed improper cooling methods to cool cooked sweet potato and chicken in the walk in cooler. Observed multiple pans of cooked sweet potatoes and chicken stacked in the walk in cooler which may impeded proper cooling. Also observed rice noodles cooling in warm water (77 degrees F). Recommended storage in cool water or ice baths.
• KabobRoom, 2777 Richmond Highway Suite #113 Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 27
  • Total violations: 1
    • Ceiling tiles in the restrooms and the kitchen appear to be absorbent, non smooth, and not easily cleanable.
• Auntie Anne's Pretzels, 137 Spotsylvania Mall Drive Space 345 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 27
  • Total violations: 8
    • Person in charge was unable to provide written procedures for the clean-up of vomit and diarrheal events. The person in charge was given a sample copy of clean-up procedures.
    • There was no soap in the dispenser in the employee toilet room, and no way to use the soap that was there, in a container, without a dispenser. The person in charge put up a new dispenser and put the soap container into the dispenser.
    • Observed two spray bottles with liquid in them that were not labeled. The person in charge labeled them as degreaser and bleach water during the inspection.
    • Observed gaps around the conduits in the ceiling above the ice machine area. All gaps should be filled in with a smooth easily cleanable substance.
    • Observed the following in need of repair: 1. the bottom front refrigerant area cover of the two-door reach-in cooler tapped to the front of cooler (repeat); 2. the shelves in the two-door reach-in cooler were rusted; 3. the washing machine portion of the washer/dryer combo machine had the bleach cup missing and that area was rusted; and 4. the doors on the cabinets in the baking/reheating main area were not secured completely to the cabinets.
    • Observed the following soiled: 1. the outside and inside of the two-door reach-in cooler; 2. the inside of the cabinets in the main baking/reheating area; 3. the outside of the microwave; 4. the outside of the ovens; 5. the up splash of the drink dispenser; and 6. the countertops.
    • Observed the employee toilet room door is not self-closing. All toilet room doors should be self-closing and tight fitting.
    • Observed multiple acoustic ceilings tiles in the ice machine/ware washing area. All ceiling tiles in areas prone to moisture should be made of smooth, non-absorbent, easily cleanable materials.
• Mill District F & B LLC., 1700 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 28
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed the interior of the microwave requires cleaning.
    • Per discussion with the person in charge the facility does a non continuous cooking process of the beef (steak) product. This process is currently being done without the approval of the Health Department. EHS discussed approval process of non continous cooking with the person in charge and advised to discontinue this process until approval of the VDH.
    • Observed shelving throughout is soiled and tacky to the touch, also interior of the back kitchen cooler could use cleaning.
• America's Best Wings, 315 Garrisonville Road Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: Dec. 28
  • Total violations: 24
    • Absence of designated person in charge onsite upon arrival to start the inspection. The owner was contacted, and an employee was designated until the owner arrived.
    • Absence of active managerial control observed in the food establishment. The person in charge is not monitoring the following: Adequate cleaning and sanitizing of food contact equipment, monitoring of sanitizing solutions, handwashing of employees and monitoring cold holding of TCS foods. Strongly encouraged retraining of staff.
    • Owner's Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate expired 2/5/2023. Facility does not have an employee in a management or supervisory position that is a certified food protection manager.
    • Person in charge could not provide written procedures for clean-up of vomiting/diarrheal events. Sample written procedures were provided during the inspection.
    • Observed the following improper handwashing practices: 1. Observed a food employee batter raw fish wearing single us disposable gloves, remove gloves and prepare to don disposable gloves to engage in a food preparation task without washing their hands. 2. Observed a food employee handle chemical sanitizer at the 3-vat sink and proceed to don gloves to handle food without washing their hands. Employees were instructed to wash their hands and correct handwashing prior to glove use was discussed with the owner.
    • Observed water turned off at the prep area handwashing sink due to plumbing issue. When the water is turned on water continues to flow when water is turned off from the faucet. Instructed the operator to contact plumber for repair. Another accessible handwashing sink is located in the vicinity.
    • Observed hot water at handwashing sinks in the kitchen between 80-85 degrees F. Contact plumber to evaluate hot water. Adequate hot water was available at the 3 vat and food preparation sinks.
    • Observed container of shell eggs stored over packaged foods (dressings) in the walk-in cooler. Shell eggs were relocated during the inspection (corrected) Thorough discussion with the owner, the same container of breading is used for raw chicken and fish. Instructed the owner to segregate breading mixtures for raw chicken and fish to prevent cross contamination.
    • Through discussion with the owner, equipment and utensils in contact with TCS foods are being cleaned and sanitized once daily including tongs at the fryers and bowls to apply sauces for chicken. The owner also reported food thermometers are being sanitized only, absence of wash step. Instructed the person in charge equipment in contact with TCS foods are required to be cleaned and sanitized at least once every four hours.
    • Observed the interior of the only microwave oven in the facility soiled.
    • Observed Quaternary Ammonium sanitizer in the 3-vat sink at 0 ppm when monitored with a test kit. Observed what appears to be dish detergent in both canisters of the chemical dispenser at the 3-vat sink (Quaternary Ammonium sanitizer is a different color and transparency than the dish detergent). Observed food contact equipment sitting in the sanitizer basin which was not effectively sanitized. The basin was drained of the solution and health department staff demonstrated manual titration with Quaternary Ammonium sanitizer. Instructed the person in charge to train staff on manual tritration and contact technician to flush the lines and install sanitizer in the dispenser. Equpment was removed to be re-sanitized.
    • Observed individually packaged slices of cheesecake (50 degrees F) and chocolate mousse (50 degrees F) cold holding at improper temperatures in the display dessert cooler. A food employee reported the foods were held in the unit overnight and were voluntarily discarded for safety. Observed water at the base of the unit. Instructed the operator to contact a technician for service and discontinue holding TCS foods in the until repairs are completed. Also observed and through discussion with the operator, a solution of water and breading spices which is used to dip raw chicken and fish (same solution is used for both chicken and fish) is held on the counter top for use for a period up to 3 hours. Provided time as a public health control and instructed the operator to segregate solutions for chicken and fish.
    • Absence of date marking system in the food establishment to identify the discard or preparation date of TCS foods which are held longer than 24 hours in the food establishment.
    • Observed 5-10 single use packaged containers of cole slaw and 3-5 containers of potato salad in the walk-in cooler which were not dated for disposition. The person in charge reported they were prepared on 12/26/2023 and dated the packages. Also observed a container of cheese sauce in the bottom of prep cooler #2 which was not dated to identify the date the container was opened. The owner reported it was opened 24 hours prior (midday on 12/27/2023) and chose to discard the food item.
    • Observed two unlabeled spray bottles which the owner reported was undiluted bleach. One bottle was labeled during the inspection and the second was discarded due to missing sprayer (opened bottle was found stored on chemical storage shelving).
    • Observed multiple packages of Reduced Oxygen Packaged (ROP) salmon which were found completely thawed in the ROP packaging in the walk-in cooler. The packages of salmon were discarded during the inspection.
    • Food employee provided a bi-metallic stem thermometer, sensor was observed halfway up the shaft. Instructed the operator to purchase a thin-probed food thermometer.
    • Absence of employees wearing hair and beard restraints.
    • Observed the following utensils improperly stored: 1. Whisks with the food contact surface hanging on hooks above the 3-vat sink which are not cleaned and sanitized daily- whisks removed for cleaning (corrected) 2. Two knives stored between prep coolers #1 and #2 - removed for cleaning (corrected) 3. Tongs suspended from the oven handles with food contact surfaces touching the soiled oven door - removed for cleaning (corrected). 4. Cutting boards stored above food preparation sink which is used to wash raw chicken (suspended above the sink basins). Correct storage of equipment was discussed.
    • Observed Quaternary Ammonium test kit expired July 2019. Purchase new test kit from supplier.
    • Observed shelving, backsplash of the soda machine and interior and exterior of cooking and refrigeration equipment soiled (including gaskets). Also observed black buildup inside the cabinets under the beverage station.
    • Observed long hose with sprayer, which had water flowing, connected to a Y-connecter at the service since without adequate backflow prevention. An atmospheric vacuum breaker was installed above the Y-connector which is not adequate to prevent backflow and back siphonage. During the inspection the hose was disconnected. Backflow prevention handout was provided to the operator.
    • Observed absorbent ceiling tiles above the dining room beverage equipment.
    • Observed significant accumulation of debris on hood vents and air vents in the dining room.
• Canteen Dining Services, 1 Geico Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 29
  • Total violations: 8
    • Observed hot water in the female employee toilet room at 88 degrees F.
    • Observed containers of rolled deli ham and turkey in the walk in cooler and diced tomatoes in the front 2 door reach in cooler which were not dated to identify the preparation or discard date. The person in charge reported they were prepared the morning of 12/28/2023 and date of preparation were placed on the containers.
    • Observed gaps between ceiling tiles and ceiling tiles not tight to the frames.
    • Observed the handwashing sinks in the warewashing area and back prep and hot holding unit are not sealed to the adjacent walls. Observed gap between the back stainless-steel plate and wall for the hot holding cabinet.
    • The person in charge could not provide Quaternary Ammonium test kit, reported test kits are on order. Sample test strip was provided during the inspection.
    • Observed numerous pots and pans with encrusted debris on non-food contact surfaces.
    • Observed accumulation of debris on the following nonfood contact surfaces: Shelving in walk in coolers, upsplash and drain of the soda machine in the lobby, base of drawer cooler, pans and interior doors of convection ovens, significant debris on unused fryers.
    • Observed long hose with spray nozzle, with the water turned on, connected to the mop sink without adequate backflow preventer. A dual check valve with atmospheric vent is required. The hose was removed during the inspection. Backflow prevention handout was emailed to the operator.
• Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 10159 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 29
  • Total violations: 3
    • Through discussion with the person in charge the spindle on the milkshake machine is being washed, rinsed and sanitized once a day at closing. EHS discussed with the person in charge cleaning and sanitizing the spindle every four hours.
    • Observed throughout the facility missed placed ceiling tiles.
    • Observed at the mop sink a hose connected to a Y connecter missing a backflow prevention device. The person in charge disconnected the hose during the inspection. EHS provided a sample of backflow prevention devices to the person in charge.
• Cavalier Family Skating Center, 1924 Richmond Hwy Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 2
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed a food employee sanitizing dishes in the sanitizer basin at the 3 compartment sink in a sanitizer solution that measured at 0 ppm. EHS educated the food employee on how to set up the sanitizer solution manually until the dispensing unit is evaluated.
    • Observed the chest freezer (39 degrees F) in the back of the house is not maintaining food at a frozen state of the food, observed 5 bags of parmesan cheese (40 degrees F) that have been stored in the unit for over 5 hours were not at a frozen state. Ice build up was observed in the unit.
    • Observed the non food contact surfaces of the following items in need of cleaning: 1) soda machine, 2) pipes under the three compartment sink, 3) a column in the front of the house near the hot dog and pizza holding units, 4) two what appear to be chains hanging from the ceiling in the front of the house.
    • Observed the ceiling tile in the back prep area used to store food and houses refrigeration equipment are not smooth or easily cleanable.
• Sky Zone Fredericksburg, 1410 Central Park Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 2
  • Total violations: 4
    • The person in charge was unable to provide proof of training on employee health policy including common foodborne illnesses and symptoms. A sample copy was provided to the person in charge. All food employees must read and sign the policy.
    • Observed a beverage pitcher next to the ice machine, sitting directly on the soiled surface, and no other method of scooping out the ice. After discussion with the person in charge it was found that the pitcher is being used to scoop the ice. I advised the person in charge get a new scoop, with a handle, and keep it in a container that will allow draining and keep it from soiled surfaces. I also recommended using the small ice scoop from the small beverage ice bin until the new scoop can be received.
    • Observed the inside of the ice machine soiled. The person in charge advised that they will drain, wash, rinse, and sanitize the machine before reusing it.
    • Observed the following non-food contact surfaces soiled: 1. outside of the ice machine and pizza oven; and 2. bottom inside of the deep freezer, reach-in cooler, and reach-in freezer, hot holding cabinet, and dry storage cabinets.
• Life Active Nutrition & Energy, 50 Dunn Drive Suite #121 Stafford, VA 22556
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 2
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed open carton of oat milk and almond milk in the home-style refridgerator not dated for disposition.
    • Observed testing strips to test sanitizing solution not valid.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Jersey Mike's Subs
• Pupuseria Juanita Food Truck (273-579)
• Eurest Dining
• Sabor de Mexico
• Tea Tyme
• Subway of Stafford
• Pupuseria Juanita Commissary / Carry Out