Fredericksburg Health Inspections: Sheetz, Subway, Tropical Smoothie

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 12 and April 18.

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:

• Hampton Oaks Elementary School, 107 Northampton Blvd Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: April 12
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed that the thermometers are missing in the milk boxes. The person in charge placed thermometers inside of the boxes.
    • Observed that the tops of the floor-mounted equipment require cleaning.
    • Observed that the air vent covers in the walk in cooler require cleaning.
• Subway Of Chatham Square, 411 Chatham Heights Square Suite 107 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  • Date inspected: April 12
  • Total violations: 6
    • Observed a food employee handle a cellular phone to enter a coupon then applied hand sanitizer and donned gloves without washing their hands first- the employee then handled ready to eat tomatoes. EHS Instructed the food employee to wash their hands.
    • Observed the following cold holding at improper temperature in the sandwich deli prep unit (58'F). 1) commercially processed chicken (48'F), 2) commercially processed shaved steak (46'F), 3) Deli ham (47'F). Person in charge (PIC) stated the items were brought from the walk in cooler directly to the unit - items have been in the unit about 30 minutes. PIC will monitor temperatures and call a technician if the unit does not reach the proper temperature of 41'F. Items will be taken to the WIC after an hour to lower the temperature.
    • Observed several cooking utensils stored on the shelving unit by the three compartment sink to be soiled to the sight and touch.
    • Observed single use coffee cups and disposable cups and lids stored under the plumbing connections of the front hand sink. Items were relocated.
    • Accumulations of debris were noted on the following nonfood contact surfaces: 1) Interior cabinet under the front hand sink, 2) container used to store various utensils on the warewashing shelving, 3) backsplash of the beverage dispensing machine, 4) shelving units.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: 1) missing coving by the back door, 2) pre-rinse sink and end of 3 comp sink need to be re-caulked 3) broken floor tiles by the hallway door.
• Tropical Smoothie, 16450 Consumer Row King George, VA 22485
  • Date inspected: April 13
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed a wet wiping cloth stored on the prep table. Towle was placed in sanitizer during inspection.
    • Styrofoam cups were being used as scoops in the whet and the pea protein powders. Cups were disposed of during inspection and replaced with scoops.
    • Observed that a drain pipe under the front prep sink was leaking and a drain under the mixer station was clogged.
    • The floors under the equipment on the front line was observed soiled.
• Ricos Tacos Moya Stafford, 60 Susa Drive Suite #127 Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: April 13
  • Total violations: 13
    • Absence of active managerial control observed during the inspection. The person in charge is not monitoring temperatures of TCS food- observed cold and hot holding violations, a lack of hand washing at required points during food preparation- improper cooking temperatures. EHS provided handouts.
    • The food establishment does not have written procedures for cleaning up vomiting or diarrheal events that happen in the facility. EHS provided a handout.
    • A food handler was observed drinking from an uncovered beverage container while in the preparation area in the kitchen. Beverage was covered and relocated.
    • Food employee was observed cleaning their hands at the three prep sink. Employee was instructed to wash their hands only at the handwashing sink.
    • The hand sink by the prep sink was not supplied with hand soap. The person in charge placed hand soap at the sink.
    • Observed absence of hand drying provision at hand sink by the prep sink. The person in charge provided disposable paper towels at the sink during the inspection.
    • Observed several cooking utensils soiled to the touch and sight.
    • Observed the following: 1) a container chicken (107'F) hot holding on the grill for about 30 minutes. Chicken was reheated to 167'F, 2) a bag of rice (79'F) stored in the microwave for less than an hour, rice was reheated to 170'F and placed in the hot holding unit.
    • Observed the following time/temperature control for safety TCS foods cold holding at improper temperatures in the walk-in-cooler (WIC): 1) seven bags of rice that was cooked the night prior (47-55'F), in the prep unit across from the grill - rice was discarded. 2) a container of raw chicken (46'F), 3) a container of raw shrimp (47'F), 4) a container of raw beef (45'F). Person in charge (PIC) stated the items were placed in the unit less than 2 hours prior to temperature check- items were taken to the freezer for a quick chill then will be placed on ice unit the unit is evaluated. in the cold holding drawers 5) a container of raw sausage patties (47'F), 6) a container of raw chicken (45'F) - items were taken to the freezer for a quick chill then will be placed on ice unit the unit is evaluated.- PIC will lower the thermostat in the unit and will contact a technician to come evaluate the units. discussed purchasing an additional unit as the unit is overfilled.
    • Observed two bottles of all purpose cleaner (in the bar area) and insects glue straps (in the dry storage area) stored over single serve articles. The person in charge relocated the items.
    • Observed the following: 1) six bags of beef (41'F) stored in a large container by the prep sink drain board and beef intestines (75'F) stored in standing water in the prep sink basin. Person in charge stated Items were taken out of the freezer one hour prior to temperature check- EHS discussed proper thawing methods- items were placed in the walk in cooler (corrected). 2) Observed five packs of thawed tilapia stored in the prep . The instructions on the package stated that the product has to be removed from the plastic bags prior to thawing. The person in charge discarded the fish (corrected).
    • Observed all sinks throughout the facility not sealed to the adjacent wall.
    • Observed the non food contact surfaces of all the equipment throughout the facility are in need of cleaning.
• Mason-Dixon Cafe, 2100 Princess Anne Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  • Date inspected: April 13
  • Total violations: 6
    • Observed the blade of the can opener and the interior lip making contact with the ice soiled. During the inspection the can opener was removed to the warewashing area.
    • Observed cutting boards of the prep table heavily stained.
    • Observed several stainless steel containers that were stored stacked while still wet.
    • Observed inside and upper surfaces of cooling units that require cleaning.
    • Observed walls behind the 3 compartment sink and handwashing sink with chipped and peeling paint.
    • Observed the following in need of cleaning: 1. floors of the walk in freezer 2. walls around prep and cook areas 3. stained ceiling tiles.
• Ferry Farms Elementary School, 20 Pendleton Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  • Date inspected: April 13
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed a hose attached to a U connector at the mop sink without an airgap.
• Thornburg Middle School, 6929 North Roxbury Mill Road Spotsylvania, VA 22553
  • Date inspected: April 13
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed a food employee scrub soapy hands under running water. EHS demonstrated proper handwashing to employee, they rewashed their hands.
• Sheetz #307, 11449 Kings Highway King George, VA 22485
  • Date inspected: April 14
  • Total violations: 2
    • The bulk cream container tubes in the customer self-serve area were observed not cut on the diagonal (45 degree angle).
    • The up splash on the customer self-serve soda dispenser were observed soiled. Unit was cleaned during the inspection.
• Out O' Bounds, 1548 Black Marsh Road Rappahannock Academy, VA 22538
  • Date inspected: April 14
  • Total violations: 3
    • The food contact surfaces of the equipment being cleaned in the dish machine were not being sanitized. The dish machine was not dispensing sanitizer. 3 compartment sink was set up to sanitize equipment and a service call was made.
    • The following non-food contact surfaces were observed soiled: 1-the handle of the home-style reach in cooler behind the service counter, 2-the top of the dish machine, 3-the outer surfaces of the deep fryers.
    • The vents in the hood system over the cook's line were observed soiled.
• Pupuseria Dona Azucena, 60 Susa Drive Suite #101 Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: April 14
  • Total violations: 7
    • No certified food protection manager available.
    • 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 washing. Employee was instructed to wash their hands.
    • Observed the following hot holding at improper temperatures in the hot holding unit: 1) a stainless steel container of chicken (123'F), 2) a container of beef (109'F). Items were placed in the unit about an hour ago- items were reheated to above 165'F.
    • Observed the following cold holding at improper temperatures: 1) a large plastic bin that contained cooked pork (153'F) the person in charge stated that pork was placed in the unit overnight (item was discarded), 2) a stainless steel container of cooked chicken (92'F) placed directly on the ground. Item was cooked about 2 hours ago. Item was placed in shallow pans and placed in the cooler, 3) a container of cut cantaloupe in the reach in cooler (50'F) in the front of the house (54'F).
    • Observed the following foods not properly dated for disposition: several large plastic bags of cooked pasta, tray of lasagna, several portions of manicotti in the sandwich prep unit, and cooked onions in the walk-in cooler. All items were properly dated during the inspection.
    • Facility is using time as public health control (TPHC) for cheese, beans, and tomato. Items are not marked to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food was removed from temperature control and the discard time.
    • Observed a spray bottle without a label, PIC stated the bottle contained bleach. Bottle was labeled during the inspection.
• Subway (Ferry Farm), 125 Washington Square Plaza Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  • Date inspected: April 14
  • Total violations: 2
    • The food establishment does not have written procedures for cleaning up vomiting or diarrheal events that happen in the facility. Person in charge was informed of the updates to the Virginia Food Regulations on April 8, 2022. EHS provided a handout.
    • Observed a container of commercially processed ready to eat meatballs in the hot holding unit with an internal temperature of 107-109'F. The PIC stated that the meatballs were heated 30 minutes ago, prior to placing in the hot holding unit. Through discussion with the PIC, it was determined that the meatballs were not heated to at least 135°F prior to placing in the hot holding unit. Meatballs were reheated to 167'F then placed in the hot holding unit.
• Taqueria y Pupuseria Don Jose (TYY-6973), 4409 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: April 15
  • Total violations: 6
    • Person in charge could not locate the folder where the documents for of employees' training relating to food borne illnesses that can be transmitted by food and to the symptoms associated with these illnesses are kept. EHS provided two different employee health policy samples in different languages as per the person in charge request- documents were read and sign during the inspection.
    • The food establishment does not have written procedures for cleaning up vomiting or diarrheal events that happen in the facility. EHS provided written bodily fluids clean up procedures sample for the PIC to post. Person in charge will ensue everything listed on the document is available in the mobile unit.
    • 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 washing. Observation was discussed with the person in charge and the employee was instructed to wash their hands.
    • Observed an employee enter the unit and handled single service articles without first washing their hands. Observation was discussed with the person in charge and the employee was instructed to wash their hands.
    • Observed the following time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods cold holding at improper temperatures: On the counter: 1) a plastic container of pupusa mix (contains cut cabbage 79'F)- per person in charge (PIC) was made an hour prior to temperature check- PIC placed the item in a food grade bag and placed it in the freezer for a quick chill. that vinegar was added to the cabbage (corrected). On top of prep cooler not held in the well: 2) shredded cheese (64'F) that was taken out of the cold holding unit one hour prior to temperature check- cheese will be used in less than an hour or placed in the cold holding unit to swap with a new container (corrected). In the cooler: 3) cut cabbage (49'F), item was made a day prior (discarded).
    • Hand washing sink is not sealed to the wall- there is about a two inches gap between the sink and the wall.
• Brooke Point High School, 1700 Courthouse Road Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: April 17
  • Total violations: 1
    • The temperature of the water in the high temperature dish machine that is using hot water to sanitize the dishes was 143'F after several cycles. PIC contacted a technician during the inspection- corrected (166'F).
• Winding Creek Elementary School, 475 Winding Creek Road Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: April 17
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed the facility is holding yogurt in absence of temperature control at the breakfast service line. Through discussion with the person in charge the yogurt is held out of refrigeration for a period of up to 45 minutes. Multiple single use containers of yogurt were observed on a tray in absence of ice or other mechanism to cold hold temperatures at or below 41 degrees F. Internal temperature of yogurt was observed at 60 degrees F. The person in charge reported the yogurt was pulled from refrigeration at 7:45 a.m. and temperatures were observed at 8:15 a.m. Due to the temperature of the yogurt, the person in chose to voluntarily discard. Emailed time as a public health control documentation to the operator.
• AG Wright/Garrisonville, 100 Wood Drive Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: April 17
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed that the air vent covers in the walk in cooler and the ceiling fans are in need of detailed cleaning.
• South Vietnam House, 1623 Carl D. Silver Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  • Date inspected: April 18
  • Total violations: 3
    • The person in charge could not provide documentation of employee health training, reported the documents are held offsite. One signed employee health document (owner) was emailed during the inspection. The remaining employee health training documents will be emailed to the health department.
    • Absence of proper disclosure on paper menus on the dining room tables. Menu does not include an asterisk identifying the animal derived foods which may be served/ordered raw and/or undercooked (sliced beef). A reminder statement is listed on the bottom of menu in absence of an asterisk.
    • Observed long hose attached to the faucet at the utility sink with in absence of any backflow prevention and the opening of the hose was positioned below the flood rim of the sink. Provided backflow prevention handout and the hose was disconnected and removed from the utility sink during the inspection. The person in charge reported the hose is used to clean the floors.
• Gayle Middle School (NEW), 100 Panther Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  • Date inspected: April 18
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed build-up on the plastic lip inside the ice machine.
    • Observed sausage biscuit sandwiches (109, 112 degrees F) hot holding at improper temperatures inside hot box #3. The person in charge reported the sausage patties completed reheating and assembly of sandwiches at approximately 7:40 a.m. Instrutcted the person in charge to sell, use or discard by 11:40 a.m. Verified reheating temperature to 172 degrees F @ 7:30 a.m. through review of the temperature log.
• McDonald's #27256, 1701 Carl D. Silver Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  • Date inspected: April 18
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed one pan of breakfast burritos cold holding at 50 degrees F and one tray of bacon cold holding at 47 degrees F. Burritos and bacon had been placed in unit less than 2 hours before the inspection. Person in charge relocated burritos and bacon to the walk in cooler. Burritos cooled down to 36 degrees F before the inspection was over. Temperature of the cooling drawer ranged from 44-50 degrees F.
    • Observed a food employee wearing multiple bracelets on both arms. During the inspection employee removed jewelry.
    • Observed the following non food contact surfaces in need of cleaning: 1. up splash of the coffee brewer at the drive thru area 2. tea brewer in the back (by employee break area) 3. inside surfaces of the meat deep freezer 4. inside surfaces of the french fry under counter reach in freezer 5. wire rack next to 3 compartment sink 6. wire rack next to tea brewer (by employee break area)
    • Observed one of the kitchen hand sinks (by office) is slow to drain.
    • Observed a backflow prevention device missing from the frozen beverage dispenser. Dispenser is directly connected to the water line.
• Dairy Queen, 207 Kings Highway #Suite 105-106 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  • Date inspected: April 18
  • Total violations: 4
    • A food employee handled soiled equipment with their gloved hands then changed their gloves and engaged in food preparation without first washing their hands. Employee was instructed to wash their hands.
    • Accumulations of debris were noted on the following non-food contact surfaces: 1) all the exterior and the non food contact surface interior of all cooling units, 2) cup dispensing unit, 3) hood filters.
    • Observed a hose with a sprayer attached to a Y connector at the mop sink without a proper back flow prevention device.
    • Observed the ceiling (including vents) , walls, and floors throughout the facility in need of cleaning.
• New Beginning Deli, 7448 -B Commerce Way Ruther Glen, VA 22546
  • Date inspected: April 18
  • Total violations: 4
    • 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 written verification the employees had received training regarding employee health. A sample Employee Health Policy was provided and signed by the two employees that work here.
    • Observed an uncovered cup of coffee next to the microwave oven. Cup was disposed of during inspection.
    • Observed the following in-house prepared items stored without dates indicating when it was prepared: cooked pork, refried beans, chicken salad, cooked beef, diced potatoes, deli sliced ham in the reach in cooler and cooked beef and cooked port in the prep unit. The person in charge indicated that all items were prepared the previous day. Items were dated during inspection.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Vinny's Italian Grill
• Caroline Meal Center
• Hazelwild Day Care Center
• Brooke Point High School Culinary Arts Kitchen
• Holiday Inn Fredericksburg
• Velvet's Skillet
• Domino's Pizza - King George
• China Wok Restaurant
• Brown Sugar Bed & Breakfast
• Riverview Elementary School
• Main Gate Nutrition
• Wendy's #6646
• Walker Grant Center
• Lafayette Upper Elementary School
• Post Oak Middle School
• Walker Grant Middle School
• Fredericksburg Country Club
• FCC Snack Bar
• The Creel-Miller Center