Fredericksburg Health Inspections: Mouse Droppings In Kitchen

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 Feb. 15 and Feb. 21.

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.

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:

• Tacos Y Pupuseria Diner, 3650 Richmond Highway Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: Feb. 15
  • Total violations: 16
    • The facility does not have a certified food protection manager.
    • The person in charge could not provide written documentation concerning employee health.
    • The person in charge could not provide written document concerning bodily fluid cleaning.
    • Observed a large pan of sauce and cooked beans that were uncovered in the walk in cooler stored under the wire racks that are not cleaned. Observed that sausage patties were stored unprotected in the drop in freezer. The person in charge covered the products and the sausage patties were discarded. Observed that the cheese steak slices are stored uncovered in the drop in freezer and were frozen to the shelf.
    • Observed that the coffee grinder (corrected) and the ice machine require cleaning.
    • Observed that the interior of several stainless steel containers and several dispensing utensils that are soiled to the sight and touch on the storage rack near the dish machine.
    • Observed that the consumer advisory is missing on both menus along with the mark that goes along with it.
    • Harborage conditions exists. Observed foods on the floor in the rear storage room. Observe food on the floor behind most of the equipment in the kitchen.
    • Observed mice droppings in the rear storage room inside a cardboard box where the drinks are stored. Observed a box of spaghetti noodles where the mice had eaten the box inside of the rear storage room. Both boxes were discarded.
    • Observed wet wiping cloths stored with the clean equipment to air dry on the 3-compartment sink. The person in charge relocated the wiping cloths.
    • Observed that the cutting boards are heavily scratched and scored.
    • Observed plates (corrected) and a large 3-door reach in freezer that are broken.
    • Observed that the dish machine is in need of detailed cleaning.
    • Observed that the cabinet under the fryers, the outside of the microwave, the handle on the toaster, and the storage shelves require cleaning.
    • Observed that the wall behind the dish machine and the floor/wall junctures throughout the kitchen require cleaning. Observed that the air vent covers in the walk in cooler and restrooms require cleaning.
    • Observed that the hood vents are encrusted with debris.
• Pino's Pizza, 152 E Broaddus Ave Bowling Green, VA 22427
  • Date inspected: Feb. 15
  • Total violations: 1
    • Employees observed working in the food service area without proper hair restraints.
• Metro Diner, 2068 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  • Date inspected: Feb. 15
  • Total violations: 12
    • Person in charge was unable to provide an employee health policy. During the inspection EHS provided a copy. Policy was read and signed by employees.
    • Observed an employee handling the food contact surface of the cleaned utensils (forks and spoons) with their bare hand. EHS did not observe employee wash hands prior to the employee handling the clean utensils.
    • Observed two trays of cut up chicken stored uncovered in the walk in cooler. According to the sticker on the trays, chicken was stored in the walk in cooler the day prior. During the inspection the trays were covered.
    • Observed the upper parts of the ice maker were heavily soiled with black mold like growth.
    • Observed the cutting boards of the prep tables in the kitchen areas are heavily stained and no longer appear cleanable.
    • Observed food employees working without wearing beard restraints.
    • Observed food employees working while wearing wrist jewelry.
    • Observed numerous plastic and metal containers that were stored stacked while still wet.
    • Observed several spatulas stored with the handles observed worn out/melted.
    • Person in charge was unable to provide an effective test kit for the quaternary ammonium sanitizer used in the facility. The test kit provided expired in 2021.
    • Observed the following non food contact surfaces that require cleaning: 1. wire shelving throughout the facility 2. up splash of the coffee brewers 3. upper portions of the prep tables.
    • Observed the following in need of cleaning: 1. floors behind and underneath equipment 2. fan vents of the walk in cooler 3. floors of the walk in freezer 4. ceiling tiles stained or dusty 5. ac/ceiling vents in the kitchen 6. mop sink basin.
• Texas Roadhouse, 3940 Plank Road Ste. A Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: Feb. 15
  • Total violations: 7
    • Observed two employees chewing gum while preparing foods. The person in charge addressed this with the employees.
    • Observed ceramic plates, dispensing spoon, and knives that were soiled to sight and touch. The person in charge placed the items in the dish machine area.
    • Observed items in the walk in cooler that were not sold, used, or discarded by the date on the containers. The containers were labeled 2/11/23 and 2/14/23. The person in charge discarded the products.
    • Observed ceramic plates and bowls along with unwrapped silverware that were stored with the food contact surfaces unprotected from possible cross contamination.
    • Observed that the tops of the fryers and the cabinets under the fryers require cleaning.
    • Observed that the condenser and the faucet in the prep area are leaking.
    • Observed that the floors behind the equipment is in need of cleaning.
• American Legion Post 290, 1141 Mountain View Road Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  • Date inspected: Feb. 15
  • Total violations: 20
    • The person in charge, who is not a certified food manager, was unable to describe reheating for hot holding time and temperature requirements and cooking temperatures for hamburgers and fish upon request of the regulatory authority. Strongly encourage certified food manager training for food staff.
    • Observed absence of active managerial control during the inspection. The person in charge is not monitoring temperatures of TCS foods during reheating, absence of a consumer advisory for hamburgers and steaks which may be offered raw and/or undercooked, adequate storage and labeling of chemicals to prevent contamination of food and equipment and inadequately cleaning food contact equipment and utensils.
    • The facility does not a certified food protection manager with a valid certificate. The person in charge provided a binder of numerous employees with expired certified food manager certificates (all expired in 2020).
    • The person in charge could not provide written procedures for clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal incidents but was able to communicate their processes. Sample written procedures were provided during routine inspection on 2/18/2022 and during today's inspection.
    • Absence of hand drying provision at the prep area handsink. and absence of another accessible hand sink in the vicinity. During the inspection an employee replaced the paper towels.
    • The following handwashing sink are not readily accessible for staff: 1- warewashing hand sink by the dishwasher is partially blocked by shelving, access to the hand sink is limited due to space and 2- Front hand sink is blocked by a table used to hold single use articles. Recommend removing or relocating the prep table and articles. The facility was permitted with these hand sinks and should be accessible for staff.
    • Observed the following food contact equipment soiled: Drawer of various utensils, thermometers and food contact surface of the cheese dispenser. Instructed the person in charge to remove equipment for cleaning. Soiled utensils in the drawer and thermometer were removed for cleaning.
    • Observed interior surfaces of the only microwave oven soiled.
    • Observed improper reheating for hot holding of commercially processed bagged nacho cheese (146 degrees F) and chili (143 degrees F) which the facility cooled in refrigeration units the night prior. The person in charge reported the TCS foods were placed in the warmer between 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. and temperatures were observed at 4:30 p.m. Discussed reheating for hot holding requirements with the person in charge. The person in charge instructed staff to turn the machine off an discard the product. Discussed reheating methods to obtain compliance.
    • Observed unopened container of cream cheese with an expiration date of 12/2022. The person in charge voluntarily discarded the cream cheese for safety.
    • Through discussion with the person in charge the hamburgers and steaks (for monthly steak dinners which are open to the public) may be served/ordered raw and/or undercooked. The menu does not include a consumer advisory. Provided VDH Food Regulation 12VAC5-421-930. Discussed consumer advisory updates needed to be in compliance.
    • Observed the following: 1-Various chemicals for cleaning and sanitation stored on a shelf in a cabinet over single use articles including gloves and Ziploc storage bags, and 2- lighter stored in a container with food thermometers. The food thermometers were removed for cleaning. Requested the person in charge relocate the cleaning chemicals during the inspection but this was not completed.
    • Observed unlabeled chemical spray bottle of Awesome Orange in a cabinet. Instructed the person in charge to label the spray bottle which was not completed during the inspection.
    • Observed male employees in the warewashing area cleaning without wearing adequate beard restraints.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: 1- Significant ice buildup and dripping and condensed water in the 1 door upright freezer. Food was protected through covered containers and 2- blown out shielded light bulb above the cook line
    • The person in charge could not provide an irreversible registering temperature indicator to monitor hot water sanitization of equipment in the high temperature dishwasher.
    • The person in charge could not provide a Quaternary Ammonium test kit. The test kit above the 3-compartment sink was empty.
    • Accumulation of grime and debris on the following nonfood contact surface: Nonfood contact surfaces of cooking equipment, interior of all refrigeration equipment including gaskets, and shelving.
    • Observed hose connected to a Y-connector at the service sink sitting in the base of the service sink in absence of a backflow preventer. During the inspection the hose was removed from the sink and mounted to create an adequate air gap. Discussed installation of a backflow preventer and provided handout.
    • Observed the floors throughout the facility in need of cleaning including behind and under equipment.
• Shun Xing Chinese Restaurant, 50 Foreston Woods Dr Suite #106 Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: Feb. 15
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed a food employee rinse off the left side soiled 3 compartment sink drainboard with their bare hands and then proceed to don single use disposable gloves to engage in food preparation tasks. Instructed the employee to wash their hands, however, the employee did not wash their hands. Discussed issue with the person in charge who instructed the employee to wash their hands.
    • Absence of hand drying provision in the men's toilet room. During the inspection the person in charge placed disposable paper towels in the toilet room.
    • Observed raw ground pork wrapped in plastic wrap stored on shelving in the walk in cooler over uncovered heads of cabbage. During the inspection the raw ground pork was relocated to prevent contamination.
    • Observed shell eggs stored on a shelf (70 degrees F) in the food preparation area. The person in charge reported the eggs were removed from refrigeration at 12:30 p.m. and were relocated to the walk in cooler to cool to 45 degrees F or less by 4:30 p.m.
    • Observed container of cut cabbage (58 degrees F) and noodles (43 degrees F) cold holding at improper temperatures on the prep area countertop. The person in charge reported the foods were pulled from refrigeration at 12:30 p.m. and were relocated to the walk in cooler to cool to 41 degrees F or less by 4:30 p.m.
• Bubblicious, 3102 #535 Spotsylvania Towne Center Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: Feb. 16
  • Total violations: 10
    • This food establishment does not have an employee, with management and supervisory responsibility, that is a Certified Food Protection Manager.
    • Observed employee scratch their head then proceed with food preparation without washing their hands. Employee was instructed to wash their hands before preparing food.
    • The interior of the microwave was observed soiled.
    • Employees observed working in the food service area without proper hair restraints.
    • The bare wood shelving in the rear of the facility and the bare wooden blocks used as weights need to be sealed.
    • The following non-food contact surfaces were observed soiled with grime and debris: 1-the shelving throughout the facility, 2-the mixer bases, 3-the floor mats (sticky), 4-the flavoring containers.
    • Observed the following physical facility items that were soiled with grime and debris: 1-The hand sink, 2-the floors throughout the facility, especially under the equipment, 3-the floor drains, 4-all of the counter tops. IN GENERAL, ALL PHYSICAL FACILITY ITEMS ARE IN NEED OF A THOROUGH CLEANING.
    • Observed a large stack of empty boxes, assorted trash and litter in the facility.
    • Observed that the string of lights hung in the facility are not shielded against breakage.
    • Intake and exhaust air ducts are not being cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials.
• Arby's #7909, 9865 Patriot Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: Feb. 16
  • Total violations: 2
    • The following non-food contact items were observed soiled with grime and debris: 1-the outer surfaces of the fry station reach in freezer, 2-the outer surface of the small reach in freezer by the deep fryers, 3-the sides of the deep fryers, 4-the employee lockers, 5- the wire shelving throughout the kitchen, 6-the kick plate on the walk in cooler door, 7-the grease shuttle, 8-the hot holding drawer unit, 9-the up splash of the soda dispenser in the dining room.
    • The following physical facility items are in need of cleaning: 1-the floors throughout the kitchen, especially under and behind the equipment, 2-the walls throughout the kitchen, 3-the floors in the walk in cooler and freezer. IN GENERAL, THE FLOORS AND WALLS ARE IN NEED OF A THOROUGH CLEANING.
• Taste of China, 5030 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: Feb. 16
  • Total violations: 18
    • The person in charge could not provide written documentation concerning the cleaning of bodily fluid accidents.
    • Observed employees water bottles and coffee cup stored on the prep tables.
    • Observed foods in the sandwich prep units and walk in cooler that were uncovered like the egg rolls, dumplings, and wontons. The person in charge covered the items.
    • Observed a container of peppers sitting inside of another, 3 cans of biscuits, and a container sitting inside of the cut cabbage without a barrier between each container.
    • Observed that the strainer and several plastic food bins are soiled to sight and touch.
    • Observed a large container of General Tso chicken sitting on the floor to cool. The chicken measured 99'F.
    • Observed cooked pork at 43'F and cooked chicken at 44'F in the large sandwich prep unit.
    • Observed a large container of General Tso sitting on the floor to cool.
    • Observed that the bulk foods which have been removed from their original containers are not labeled like the sugar and cornstarch. The person in charge labeled the foods.
    • Observed that the back door is propped open.
    • Observed foods stored on the floor in the walk in cooler and walk in freezer.
    • Observed employees prepping foods without wearing proper hair restraints.
    • Observed wet wiping cloths stored on the prep tables.
    • Observed that the large sandwich prep unit is broken.
    • Observed that cardboard boxes are being reused for storage of to-go packets and sauces.
    • Observed that the sides of the wok station require cleaning.
    • Observed that the walls throughout the kitchen are in need of detailed cleaning.
    • Observe that the door to the restroom and door for the walk in freezer are in disrepair.
• Dahlgren Thai Restaurant, 17274 Dahlgren Road King George, VA 22485
  • Date inspected: Feb. 21
  • Total violations: 7
    • This food establishment does not have an employee, with management and supervisory responsibility, that is a Certified Food Protection Manager.
    • Improper handwashing procedures observed. Observed employee dry their hands with a cloth towel. Employee was instructed to dry their hands with paper towel.
    • Observed employee rinse their hands at the 3 compartment sink. Employee was instructed to wash their hands in the hand sink.
    • The facility is re-using plastic tofu tubs for the storage of vegetables.
    • The hand sink is loose from t he wall and needs to be re-sealed to the wall.
    • The floors under the equipment in the kitchen are in need of cleaning.
    • Observed the ventilation hoods over the cook's line to be soiled with grime and grease.
• Mirna Latino Kitchen, 556 Garrisonville Road Suite #113-A Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: Feb. 21
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed that the hand sinks are not sealed to the wall behind it.
• Worst Deli, 1120 International Parkway #Suite 123 Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  • Date inspected: Feb. 21
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed food contact surfaces of one whisk, stainless steel ladle, vegetable gullotine slicer and rubber spatula stored on wire shelving above the 3 vat sink soiled. Equipment was removed to the 3 vat sink for cleaning.
    • Observed thinly sliced steak (58 degrees F) and sliced cheese (58 degrees F) holding in a small pan of ice at the cookline. The person in charge reported the TCS foods were pulled from the walk in cooler (cheese) and freezer (sliced steak) at 11:00 a.m. Observed the sliced steak (slacking) observed above 41 degrees F. Instructed the person in charge to sell, use or discard TCS foods by 3:00 p.m. and the containers were marked with the discard time. The facility will use time as a public health control (TPHC). TPHC documentation will be used and emailed to the operator.
• Noodles & Company, 1212 Carl D. Silver Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  • Date inspected: Feb. 21
  • Total violations: 6
    • Observed soiled ladles that were stored on a shelf. During the inspection the tools were relocated to the warewashing area.
    • Observed a food employee working while wearing a finger cot but not a glove over it.
    • Observed cleaned plastic food containers stored stacked while still wet.
    • Observed rusted shelves throughout the facility.
    • Observed non-food contact surfaces throughout the facility require cleaning (edges of the saute line cooler, up slash of tea brewer, wheels of equipment, screens, tables where equipment sits on, etc).
    • Observed walls, floors, ceiling tiles, and AC vents throughout the facility need cleaning.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Super 8 Motel
• C & A Daycare and Preschool
• Popeyes
• Iztac Mexican Cantina
• Tiny House Coffee Company, LLC
• Potomac Elementary School