Fredericksburg Health Inspections: El Jimador Azteca, Giuseppe's Pizza

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 Jan. 18 and Jan. 24.

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:

• Cadence Academy Preschool, 365 Ferry Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed two uncovered pitchers of whole milk stored in the reach in cooler. Pitchers were covered during the inspection.
    • Observed an unlabeled bottle that contained sanitizer.
    • Observed the only food employee in the kitchen preparing foods without proper hair restraints. Employee applied a hair net during the inspection.
    • Observed water dripping on the food in the True reach in cooler (39'F) near the mop sink. Ensure all items are covered until the unit is serviced.
    • No valid test kit available to test the concentration of the sanitizer solution.
• Orleans Bistro & Bar Corporation, 5442 Southpoint Plaza Way Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed cooked collar greens (54F) and cooked rice (48F) stored in reach-in refrigerator holding above 41F. Food was discarded during inspection.
• Giuseppe's Pizza, 18024 Center Drive Ruther Glen, VA 22546
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 12
    • The person in charge is not monitoring hot and cold holding temperatures, ensuring employees are date marking foods and monitoring sanitizer levels being applied to food contact surfaces.
    • The interior of the ice machine was observed soiled. Machine was cleaned during inspection.
    • Observed sautéed onions hot holding in a pan above the flattop grill at 101'F. Onions were reheated to 165'F and placed on the flattop grill to maintain heat.
    • The following items were observed cold holding at improper temperatures in the pizza prep unit and the salad prep unit: pepperoni (50'F), sliced ham (50'F), sausage crumbles (51'F), sliced salami (49'F) and deli sliced ham (45'F). All items were voluntarily discarded and replaced with food from the walk in cooler. Temperature of the units was lowered during inspection.
    • The ready-to-eat (RTE) commercially processed sliced ham, sliced gyro meat, diced ham, and sliced cheese in the walk in cooler was not properly dated for disposition after opening. Items were sliced the previous day and were labeled during inspection.
    • The containers of cooked peppers and onions, cooked pasta, lasagna, cooked chicken, and pre-cooked hamburgers in the walk in cooler, prepared and held in the food establishment for more than 24 hours is not clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded. Items were labeled during inspection.
    • Observed that the chlorine sanitizer level in the wiping cloth bucket on the cook's line measures well over 400 ppm. Sanitizer was adjusted to proper level during inspection.
    • Food stored on the floor or food stored less than 6" above the floor. Observed several cases of dry pasta sitting on the floor in the dry storage area.
    • Employees observed working in the kitchen area without proper hair restraints.
    • Observed knives being stored in water with a temperature of 91'F. Knives were removed from water and cleaned during inspection.
    • Observed several non-functioning light fixtures in the dry storage area. Also observed a light fixture over the pizza prep area hanging from a damaged portion of the ceiling.
    • The ventilation hoods above the pizza oven and the cook's line are in need of cleaning. The filters in the ventilation hood over the cook's line were observed heavily soiled with grease and debris.
• Love's Travel Stop #435/Subway/Dairy Queen, 23845 Rogers Clark Blvd. Ruther Glen, VA 22546
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed that cutting boards throughout the kitchen were stained. Boards were taken to the dish room to be cleaned.
    • Observed cutting boards throughout the facility were scratched and score and no longer cleanable. Also observed that the hand sinks need to be resealed to the wall.
• 25/30 Espresso, 400 Princess Anne St Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 8
    • The facility does not have a person that is a Certified Food Protection Manager.
    • Observed an employees open beverage on a counter. During the inspection beverage was relocated.
    • Observed the interior back surface of the ice machine was soiled.
    • Through discussion with the person in charge the steam wand of the espresso machine and stirring spoons are not currently undergoing the required every 4 hour wash rinse and sanitize cleaning process.
    • The following foods stored in a display cooler were cold holding at inadequate temperatures: 1. 6 breakfast burritos 47 degrees F 2. 8 bacon egg and cheese croissant sandwhiches 50 degrees F 3. 4 bacon egg and cheese biscuit sandwhich 50 degrees F 4. 1 arugula ham egg and cheese sandwhich 51 degrees F 5. 2 egg ham anc cheese cups 49 degrees F 6. 3 yogurt parfaits 49 degrees F. Foods had been in unit overnight and some items since 6 am (7 hours prior to inspection). Foods in the display cooler were discarded for safety.
    • Observed 1/4 gallon of fat free milk with an expiration date of 1/15/23. During the inspection the expired milk was discarded.
    • The following non food contact surfaces require cleaning: 1. the interior surfaces of the coolers and freezers in the back kitchen area 2.exterior of equipment and racks in the kitchen area holding dryed foods and clean equipment.
    • Observed floors throughout the facility under equipment require cleaning.
• Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, 735 Warrenton Road Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 19
  • Total violations: 2
    • Employees are not aware of the reporting procedures concerning information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. EHS informed employees of the reporting procedures and PIC will have monthly meeting with the employees to go over the food borne illnesses and the symptoms associated with these illnesses.
    • Observed two whisks and two bowls stored over soiled carboard boxes in the dry storage area. Items were removed to be washed.
• McDonalds #7430, 419 Chatham Heights Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 19
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed a hose attached to a Y connector at the mop sink without an air gap. The hose was stored directly in the basin. PIC created an air gap by cutting the hose to be about an inch above the flood level rim.
• Freddy's Frozen Custard, 28 S Gateway Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 19
  • Total violations: 6
    • Online employee health training does not cover the foodborne illnesses, it only covers the symptoms. EHS provided an employee health policy sample for the employees to read and sign during the inspection.
    • Observed several uncovered pans of ice-cream toppings stored near the soap by the handwashing sink- Toppings were exposed to water dripping from hands while applying soap. EHS covered the items with a large tray. PIC provided a bottle of soap for employees to use until the soap dispenser is relocated and will install a sneeze guard by the sink.
    • The concentration of the quaternary ammonium sanitizer solution at the 3 compartment sink measured less than 100 PPM, according to the manufacturer instructions the concentration should be between 150-400 PPM. Per discussion with the person in charge, the sanitizer concentration is not monitored regularly- employees are not aware of the testing process. Sanitizer was re-made (300 PPM).
    • Observed the following items cold holding at improper temperatures for over four hours in the prep unit near the hamburger grill: 1) a container of lettuce 43'F, 2) a container of cut tomatoes (44'F), 3) a container of shredded cheese (44'F)- also observed a container of sliced cheese (72'F) stored by the grill. Items were discarded. The temperatures for Items stored in the bottom of the unit were 40'-41'F. PIC lowered the thermostat and will monitor the unit, they will contact a technician if needed. Items were relocated to the walk in cooler.
    • Significant environmental hazard exists where food may become contaminated due to the condition of the ceilings. Observed dust on the ceiling and ceiling vents in kitchen where food is being prepared.
    • A splash guard is needed by the handwashing sink near the ice toppings in the front of the house to prevent the food from being exposed to splash and other contamination while the employees are washing their hands. The handwashing soap is located near the ice cream toppings- PIC will re-locate the item.
• Spirit's, 816 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 19
  • Total violations: 11
    • The facility does not have a person that is a Certified Food Protection Manager.
    • Observed the person in charge could not provide an employee health policy. During the inspection EHS provided a copy.
    • Observed the two bathrooms on the second floor and a bathroom on the 3rd floor were missing hand washing sings. During the inspection EHS provided hand washing signs.
    • Observed the interior surfaces of the microwave require cleaning.
    • Observed the interior surfaces of the ice machine and the blade of the can opener require cleaning.
    • Observed the facility does not have a thin probe thermometer.
    • Observed the caulking of the dish machine area is missing.
    • Observed shelving (including shelving inside the walk in cooler) and the non food contact surfaces of the mixer in the basement require cleaning.
    • Observed the following in need of cleaning: 1. floors underneath equipment throughout the facility 2. walls and ceiling of the walk in cooler.
    • Observed the following: 1.floors of the walk in cooler and floors of the entire basement are severely damaged/cracked. Floors should be repaired and resealed so they are smooth and easily cleanable.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: 1. stair rail going to the basement 2. steps going down into the basement 3. cracked floor tiles throughout all three floors 4. coving tiles damaged in bathrooms on the 2nd floor 5. missing flooring near the dish machine (due to plumbing repairs) 6. damaged walls going down into the basement 7. loose ceiling tiles in the kitchen 8. framing of wall opening between kitchen and dish area.
• Vinny's Italian Grill, 20 Plantation Drive Suite 135 Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 20
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed presence of flying insects in the dining room, cashier and crawling on the floor in the back kitchen area. The owner provided pest control invoice dated 1/9/2023 and reported pest control provided service on 1/16/23 but could not provide an invoice. The owner is working with a plumber and pest control to identify and treat the source. A water leak source has been identified behind the back wall in the utility room (service sink and chemical storage only) and is being treated. Follow up is scheduled within the next 5 days.
• El Jimador Azteca, 560 Celebrate Virginia Parkway Suite 109 Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 23
  • Total violations: 16
    • The person in charge could not provide verification employees have been trained on the employee health policy, which was posted in the back prep area. Food employees were knowledgeable of symptoms and illnesses requiring reporting. Provided sample employee health policy in Spanish to train employees.
    • The person in charge could not provide written procedures for clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events. Sample written procedures were provided during routine inspection on 12/20/2021 and provided during today's inspection.
    • Observed a food employee remove a lime slice from a container and place it inside a customer's beverage with their bare hands. Discussed requirements with the employee and the beverage was voluntarily discarded. Discussed using tongs or other utensils or single use gloves to handle sliced fruit.
    • Observed the can opener and vegetable peeler soiled which the person in charge reported has not been used. The equipment was removed to the dishwasher for cleaning.
    • Observed in house prepared container of cooked vegetables with a preparation date sticker of 1/9/2023. The food should have been discarded on 1/15/2023. The person in charge voluntarily discarded the food for safety.
    • Observed the asterisk on the menu placed next to a description of the menu item instead of the animal food which may be ordered/served raw and/or undercooked for Choristeak, Steak Jimador and El Jimador Special (which shrimp is also include in this menu selection). Absence of consumer advisory for T-bone steaks on the lunch menu which may be ordered/served raw and/or undercooked upon a cutomer's request.
    • Observed bottled beverages stored on shelving unit next to the front handwashing sink which may be subjected to splash. Discussed installation of a splash guard on the right hand side or relocate bottled beverages.
    • Observed male employees working in the kitchen without beard restraints.
    • Observed stacks of plates stored uncovered or otherwise protected on a table by the take out and food assemby prep table. Discussed covering the top plate when not being used to prevent contamination.
    • Observed tortilla chips stored in a Steralite plastic container which is not food grade or safe. The person in charge voluntarily discarded the tortilla chips. Discussed covering food contact surfaces of the container with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or other food grade materials for use in contact with food.
    • Observed the food establishment is reusing manufacturer food plastic container lids which are not easily cleanable due to small and tight crevices.
    • Observed two scratched and scored green cutting boards and one scratched and scored red cutting board in the back prep area.
    • The person in charge provided a Chlorine test kit which expired on August 1, 2021. Instructed the person in charge to purchase a new test kit.
    • Observed hose connected to a Y-connector at the mop sink sitting inside the base of the mop sink. An atmospheric vacuum breaker is attached behind the faucet mounted near the wall. During the inspection the person in charge wrapped the hose around the faucet to create an appropriate air gap.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: Cracked coving tile by the walk in cooler and freezer, gaps in the ceiling tile around electrical conduit lines, and burned-out ceiling lights.
    • Observed the following areas in need of cleaning: Floor/coving juncture behind the cook link and under the 3 vat sink, mop sink, walls at the prep area and ceiling tiles.
• Battlefield Restaurant, 1018 Lafayette Blvd Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 23
  • Total violations: 6
    • Observed the internal sufaces of the microwave oven require cleaning.
    • Observed the handsink need recaulking.
    • Observed blue tape used to hold the gasket of a sliding door cooler.
    • Observed the the following non food contact surfaces that require cleaning: 1. interior surfaces of the cooling (including the prep cooler) and freezing units 2. upsplash of the coffee maker
    • Observed walls and floors of the kitchen area require cleaning.
    • Observed the light in the kitchen above the prep area does not have a shield. Replace for LED/shatterproof or provide a shield.
• Qdoba, 1865 Carl D. Silver Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 24
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed cleaned equipment stored stacked while still wet.
    • Observed the following non food contact surfaces in in need of cleaning: 1.all of the wire shelving in the back kitchen area holding clean equipment and dried paper goods 2. upsplash of the soda machine
    • Observed a leaky faucet at the 3 compartment sink.
• Quality Inn & Suites, 23500 Welcome Way Drive Ruther Glen, VA 22546
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 24
  • Total violations: 11
    • Employees are washing their hands in the 3 compartment sink. The person in charge was instructed to have employees wash their hands in the hand sink.
    • Observed that hand soap was not provided at the handwashing sink in the kitchen. Soap was provided during inspection.
    • The interior of the microwave was observed soiled. Oven was cleaned during inspection.
    • During discussions with the person in charge, it was revealed that flying insect spray was being applied by employees in the kitchen and dining area.
    • Observed a can of raid flying insect spray stored near the 3 compartment sink. Spray was removed from the kitchen during inspection.
    • Consumer self-dispensing bulk food dispensers containing cereal are not properly labeled.
    • Observed cases of single service items stored on the floor in the storage area.
    • The door of the employee restroom is not self closing.
    • The following physical facilities are in need or repair: 1-the kitchen counter (broken tiles), 2-floor tiles are missing in the kitchen, 3-hole in the ceiling.
    • The floors in the kitchen and the food storage area are in need of cleaning. Also observed cobwebs in the upper scorner in the food storage room over the reach in cooler.
    • The walls in some parts of the kitchen are unsealed and are not smooth and easily cleanable. Some parts of the walls are covered with metal tape to cover holes. The metal tape is not easily cleanable.
• Merit School of Quantico #66, The, 400 Corporate Drive Suite #100 Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 24
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed 3 damaged cans of food stored on the shelf with the items used for the clients. The person in charge removed the cans.
    • Observed a light out in the hood system. Observed that floor files are not sealed to the floor under the oven.
    • Observed that the air vent cover in the restroom and in the kitchen require cleaning. Observed that the wall near the rear door in the kithcen requires cleaning.
• IHOP, 10 Simpson Road Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 20
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed stainless steel pan of thinly sliced raw beef for cheesesteaks stored over pan of individually wrapped and portioned vegetables in the 2 door reach in freezer. Observed the raw steak overfilled and above the fill line which could contaminated ready to eat foods. During the inspection the raw steak was relocated.
    • Observed the following TCS foods cold holding at improper temperatures on the top of prep cooler #1: Individually portioned cups of commercially prepared roasted tomatoes (63 degrees F), individually portioned containers of sour cream (54 degrees F), cut lettuce (43-44 degrees F). The person in charge reported the foods were pulled from the walk in cooler at 8:00 a.m. Discussed placing ice in food grade bags to cool the TCS foods. Instructed the person in charge to cool TCS foods to 41 degrees F or less, sell or discard by 12:00 p.m.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Best Western Aquia / Quantico
• Fork N Biscuit
• The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant #1542
• Fujiya House
• Treehouse Learning Academy
• The Southern Bagel and Provision
• Cozy Corner #113
• Homespun
• Domino's Pizza