Fredericksburg Health Inspections: Sakae Thai & Sushi Bar, Sam'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 April 5 and April 11.

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:

• Sam's Pizza & Subs, 17069 US Route 1 Ruther Glen, VA 22546
  • Date inspected: April 5
  • Total violations: 14
    • Observed employee eating their lunch in the kitchen. Employee moved to the dining room.
    • The food contact equipment surface of the microwave oven and the pizza oven was observed soiled with accumulations of grime and debris.
    • The interior surfaces of the ice machine and the can opener blade were observed soiled. Items were taken to the 3 compartment to be cleaned.
    • Observed several stained cutting boards on the clean equipment rack in the kitchen.
    • The sliced cheeses and the sliced deli meats in the walk in cooler were not dated for disposition. Items were dated during inspection.
    • Observed employees with beards preparing food in the kitchen.
    • Dispensing utensils improperly stored between. Observed serving utensils stored with the food contact surfaces facing up.
    • The wire shelving throughout the kitchen is beginning to rust and is not easily cleanable.
    • The rear hand sink needs to be resealed to the wall.
    • The person in charge was unable to provide a test kit for the chlorine sanoitozer used in the 3 compartment sink.
    • There was no sanitizer in the facility at beginning of inspection. Person in charge went to the store a bought some bleach.
    • The walls behind and under the 3 compartment sink and the walls and floors behind and under the equipment on the cook's line are in need of cleaning.
    • The coving in the dish room and other areas in the kitchen are peeling from the wall and needs to be replaced.
    • Observed two cell phones stored on a prep surface in the kitchen. Phones were removed during inspection.
• Sakae Thai & Sushi Bar, 430 Chatham Heights Road, Suite #101 Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  
  • Date inspected: April 5
  • Total violations: 27
    • Absence of active managerial control observed during the inspection. The person in charge is conducting noncontinuous food processes without prior approval from the health department, improper hand washing was observed several times, same tongs are used for fish and chicken.
    • Person in charge was unable to provide documentation of training relating to the employee health policy for this facility.
    • The food establishment does not have written procedures for cleaning up vomiting or diarrheal events that happen in the facility.
    • Observed a food employee handle chemicals then engaged in food preparation without first washing their hands. Employee was instructed to wash their hands.
    • Observed a food employee place hand soap on their hands and lather their hand under running water at the hand sink located near the convection ovens. Hands were not effectively cleaned due to hand soap being flushed down the drain during hand.
    • Observed absence of hand drying provision near the exterior door in the kitchen The person in charge provided paper towels.
    • Observed imitation crab being advertised on the menu as crab.
    • Raw tilapia is not included in the parasite destruction letter. Per discussion with the person in charge, tilapia is offered raw for sushi.
    • Observed a food employee handle a soiled pan with gloved hands, rinse with water at the pre-washing sink by the dish machine, then returned to the kitchen to engage in food preparation with the same gloves. Employee was instructed to discard the gloves and properly wash their hands.
    • Observed several containers soiled to the touch and sight.
    • Observed an employee rinse a pan with soap, and place on the stove to use, failing to properly sanitize the item. Item was relocated to the dismachine area to be properly washed and sanitized.
    • Observed the following: 1) a container of pre-cooked anchovies (70'F) stored in the microwave in the bar area, 2) tempura shrimp stored in the frying basket (120'F). Person in charge stated the items are stored at room temperature for less than an hour until the order is placed.
    • A date marking system is not in proper use for the ready to eat time temperature control for safety (TCS) foods throughout the facility. EHS provided a sharpie for PIC and had them date mark TCS foods.
    • Observed the following: 1) Raw tilapia is offered for sale without being listed on the menu therefore the consumers are not informed of the significantly increased risk of consuming such foods, 2) "seafood" is not included in the consumer advisory statement.
    • Observed the following unlabeled: 1) an unlabeled clear bottle by the dishmachine, 2) that contained chemical. The person in charge labeled the bottle during the inspection.
    • Observed an insect control device located over the oven and near the homestyle reach in refrigerator.
    • Observed several dead flies glued to the fly trap device located on top of the oven.
    • Observed several what appeared to be fruit flies throughout the food establishment.
    • Observed several containers of food stored directly on the floor in the storage room (former banquet room), the walk-in cooler, and freezer.
    • Observed several wet wiping cloths throughout the facility.
    • Observed the following in need of repair: 1) water collecting in the reach in cooler by the beverage area- (unit is used to store time/temperature control for safety foods), 2) walk in cooler and freezer- (units are not in use), 3) prep unit by the exterior door- (unit is not in use), 4) The ice machine- (unit is not in use).
    • Observed the strips in the only chlorine test kit available on site are discolored.
    • Observed all equipment throughout the facility in need of cleaning.
    • The facility installed a new ice machine in the nonfunctional walk in freezer without notifying the Health Department. The ice machine did not have a proper back flow prevention device connected to the water line.
    • Direct connection exists at the 3 compartment sink sewer line.
    • Observed the ceiling tiles (including vents), floors, and walls throughout the facility in need of detailed cleaning.
    • Observed several large items and equipment that were nonfunctional or no longer used.
• Burger King # 1229, 426 Kings Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  
  • Date inspected: April 10
  • Total violations: 1o
    • Observed a food employee set up Quaternary Ammonium sanitizer buckets with their bare hands and proceed to handle paper towels in the paper towel dispenser near the office. Instructed the food employee to wash their hands.
    • Observed hot water at all handwashing sinks in the facility between 80-85 degrees F. Adequate hot water was observed at the 3 compartment sink. Contact plumber to evaluate hot water.
    • Through discussion with the person in charge the shake machine spindle, which is in contact with the ice cream (contains milk) is sanitized every 4 hours. Wash, rinse and sanitize step is conducted once a day. Instructed the person in charge to wash and sanitize the spindle at least once every 4 hours.
    • Observed multiple sauce bottles stored at the food production area which were not labeled to identify the contents.
    • Observed food employees without proper hair and beard restraints.
    • Observed hand sinks in the female and male toilet room are not sealed to the adjacent walls. Also observed the stainless steel wall at the mop sink in not sealed.
    • Observed accumulation of debris on the following nonfood contact surfaces: 1- base of the hamburger broiler, 2- fryers, 3- top lid of the deep freezer by the fryers and 4- shelving throughout.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: 1- cracked coving by the fryers and walk in freezer, 2- hole in ceiling by the ice cream machine, 3- rust build up on the air vent by the drive through, and 4- damaged ceiling tiles by the walk in refrigeration units.
    • Observed the floors under equipment and shelving and the air vents in need of cleaning.
    • Observed the hood system above the fryers in need of cleaning, significant accumulation of debris noted.
• Tropical Smoothie Cafe, 1460 Central Park Blvd #Suite #116 Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: April 7
  • Total violations: 8
    • Observed a food employee, that just came into the facility from the outside, attempt to wash their hands at the rinse sink. EHS stopped the employee and employee washed their hands at the hand washing sink.
    • Observed paper towels missing from the only working handwashing sink of the facility. During the inspection paper towels were provided.
    • Observed the blade of the can opener and the interior lip of the ice machine were soiled. During the inspection both were cleaned.
    • Observed the cutting board of the sandwich prep table scored and stained.
    • Observed the following non food contact surface of equipment that require cleaning: 1. handles of cooling equipment 2. racks throughout the facility, in particular above the 3 compartment sink 3. bottom shelf of all upright cooling/freezing equipment.
    • Observed at the mop sink a black hose (without a spray nozzle) was sitting on the basin of the mop sink. During the inspection the person in charge cut the hose above the flood rim level to allow for an air gap as a backflow prevention.
    • Observed the following facilities in need of cleaning: 1. walls throughout the facility, in particular behind food prep and warewashing area 2. floor drain underneath the 3 compartment sink 3. wall and basin of mop sink.
    • Observed an employees cell phone and beverage container on a top shelf above where they were prepping food. During the inspection employees belongings were relocated to an employee belonging shelf.
• Chimpum Pollo, 3619 Richmond Highway Suite #141 Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: April 10
  • Total violations: 23
    • Observed that the person in charge could not explain the proper cooling methods for chicken and cooked foods, reheating procedures, and cold holding temperatures.
    • The person in charge could not provide written documentation concerning employee health training.
    • Facility does not have written procedures for bodily fluid cleaning.
    • Observed that the rear hand sink was blocked with a large utensil containers. The person in charge removed the container.
    • Observed cooked chicken sitting on top of raw chicken. EHS requested that the cooked chicken be discarded. Observed a container of a container of brocolli sitting inside a container of scallions without a barrier. EHS removed the container of brocolli. Observed raw shell eggs stored on the sauces in the walk in cooler (corrected).
    • Observed that the lemon slicer, tomato slicer, knives on the metal knife rack, and dispensing utensils (corrected) that require cleaning. Per converation with the person in charge, the lids to the juice dispenser are not being washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
    • Observed a pan of beans that were made yesterday in the walk in cooler that measured 51'F. EHS requested that the item be discarded. Observed yuca sitting in the prep sink at 85'F.
    • Observed the following items cold holding at improper temperature: chicken sitting on the prep table at 53"F (corrected), shell eggs at 62'F, guacamole - 52'F, hot dogs - 56'F in the sandwich prep unit, cut lettuce - 45'F, cheesecake - 50'F, mozzarella - 45'F, chicken - 43'F in the walk in cooler, tamales - 100'F on the stove (corrected).
    • Observed that the in-house made sauces, flan, and items in the walk in cooler that were not dated.
    • Observed that ceviche, steak, and eggs that are offered undercooked does not have a consumer advisory on the menu.
    • Observed that the sanitizer in the wiping cloth bucket measured over 200+ ppm. EHS addressed this with the person in charge.
    • Observed a spray bottle of cleaner under the front hand sink (corrected) and a container that originally had food in it that now holds a chemical that were unlabeled.
    • Observed a large stainless steel pan of beans that were made yesterday that were not cooled properly.
    • Observed highly stained and wet wiping cloths stored on the counters. Observed wet wiping cloth stored in soap on two countertops.
    • Observed stainless steel pans and containers that were stored wet.
    • Observed that the caulking on the 3-compartment sink is in need of cleaing - making the sink not sealed to the wall.
    • Observed that the bottom of the door to the rear storage room is in disrepair. Observed that the wall in the rear storage area is coming down.
    • Observed that the pupusia tortillas are stored directly in to go bags without a barrier between the bag and the products.
    • Observed that the cutting boards are not smooth and easily cleanable.
    • Observed that the mop sitting in the mop bucket - not allowed to air dry.
    • Observed that the floors under the floor-mounted equipment and the air vent covers in the walk in cooler require cleaning.
    • Observed that the mop sitting in the mop bucket - not allowed to air dry.
    • Observed that the hood system is dripping onto the floor - facility has a catch pan on the floor.
• El Rincon Del Sabor Bar & Grill, 6322 5 Mile Centre Park 307 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: April 11
  • Total violations: 15
    • Employee health policy does not include the non-typhoidal salmonella. EHS provided an updated sample of the employee health policy.
    • The food establishment does not have written procedures for cleaning up vomiting or diarrheal events that happen in the facility.
    • Observed a food employee place hand soap on their hands and lather their hand under running water for less than 10 seconds at the prep sink located near the cookline. Observation was discussed with the person in charge.
    • A food employee was observed cleaning his hands at the prep sink. Employee was instructed to wash his hands only at the handwashing sink.
    • Absence of handwashing signage posted at the bar hand sink. Sample signage was provided during the inspection.
    • Observed absence of hand drying provision at the bar handsink. An employee provided disposable paper towels at the sink during the inspection.
    • A food employee was observed handling personal belongings and chemicals then engaged in food preparation. The observation was discussed with the employee. Gloves were discarded and hands were washed.
    • Observed the food contact surfaces of several cooking utensils and containers stored on the shelving unit to be soiled to the touch and sight- Items were taken to the 3 compartment sink to be washed and sanitized.
    • Observed the following cold holding at improper temperature for over five hours- at the reach in cooler (40'F): 1) Coleslaw prepared five hours prior to temperature check, 2) a container of raw chicken that was stored in the unit for over 48 hours- at the prep unit (46'F VDH Thermometer) : 3) a container of raw sliced beef (52'F), 4) a container of raw diced beef (49'F), 5) a container of raw shrimp (47'F), 6) a container of raw chicken breasts (49'F), 7) a container of individually wrapped rice (48'F). Items were discarded. Person in charge will contact a technician to evaluate the unit.
    • Observed an unlabeled spray bottle that contained a chemical. Person in charge labeled the bottle during the inspection.
    • Observed several what appeared to be fruit flies throughout the food establishment.
    • Observed the following: 1) prep unit (46'F) across from prep sink is not marinating a proper temperature of 41'F or below. 2) ice machine is in need of repair and there is a blockage in the pipe, it contains standing water, 3) broken glass on the display cold holding unit, 4) soda machine is in need of repair, 5) a plastic bag is used as a stopper at the sanitizer basin in the 3 compartment sink.
    • Observed the following in need of cleaning: 1) wired shelving units, 2) non-food contact surface of prep unit and reach in refrigerator.
    • Observed a water hose in the mop sink basin at without a back flow prevention device.
    • Direct connection exists at the 3 compartment sink sewer line. The facility had a change of ownership in 2021.
• North Stafford High School, 839 Garrisonville Road Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: April 11
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed that the ceiling fans and the tops of the convection oven require cleaning.
    • Observed that the faucet is leaking on the front prep line.
    • The following physical facilities require cleaning: air vent covers in dish room, walls in dish room, cobwebs in dish room, air vent covers in restroom, air vent covers in the locker room, and the air vent covers in the walk in cooler. Observed stained ceiling tiles in the restroom.
    • Observed broken wall tiles in the dish room area.
    • Observed that the hood vents require cleaning.
• Poet's Walk of Fredericksburg, 3020 Gordon W. Shelton Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: April 11
  • Total violations: 6
    • The following equipment and utensils were observed soiled while in storage: 1. 1 stainless steel pan, 1 spatula, 1 ladle, 1 whisk 2. the meat slicer 3. blade of the can opener During the inspection items were relocated to the warewashing area.
    • Observed the interior surfaces of the microwave ovens in the bistro and the walden dining room require cleaning.
    • Observed the cranberry and orange juice base and the orange and cranberry thick and easy thickener used in the facility does not state if the juices are pasteurized. Until documentation is provides showing they are pasteurized person in charge will stop using these products.
    • Observed all of the cutting boards used in the facility that are heavily scratched.
    • Observed at the dining room the hand sink basin was loose and the countertop of the basin is held together with black tape.
    • Observed an upright oven and an undercounter cooler in the kitchen that are not in use per discussion with the person in charge. Recommend removing unnecessary and unused equipment from the facility.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Mr. B's BGF, LLC
• Fire Escape Crazy Burgers (VA28-083)
• Sugarlumps (VA 821-420)
• Chili's Grill & Bar #1828
• Yummy Chicken Rotisserie
• Rhoades Productions-Commissary
• The Alexander School of Early Learning
• Rhoades Productions-Push Cart #4
• Rhoades Productions-Push Cart #5
• Rhoades Productions-Push Cart #2
• Rhoades Productions-Push Cart #1
• Rhoades Productions-Food Trailer (VA 723866)
• Hazelwild Day Care Center
• Sam's Food Mart & Pizza
• Bickford of Spotsylvania
• Clubhouse Restaurant
• Taco Bell #28352