Fredericksburg Health Inspections: Thai House, Vinny's Pizzeria

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Several facilities around the Fredericksburg area recorded violations during health department inspections between Nov. 16 and Nov. 22.

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:

• Vita Felice Italian Restaurant, 914 Bragg Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: Nov. 17
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed the floor soiled under all equipment.
    • Observed Italian sausage being stored directly on the non-food surface of the to-go bags. During the inspection, the PIC discarded the sausage. (Corrected)
    • The ribeye, lamb, and filet mignon on the menu are missing the asterick linking them to the footnote. During the inspection, the PIC added the asterick to the ribeye, lamb, and filet mignon. (Corrected)
    • Observed lasagna (prepared 11/10/2022) in the walk-in cooler and cooked pasta (prepared 11/11/2022) in the walk-in freezer that were not date marked. During the inspection, the PIC date marked lasagna and pasta. (Corrected)
    • No paper towels at the kitchen handwashing sink. During the inspection, the PIC provided paper towels. (Corrected)
• Vinny's Italian Grill & Pizzeria, 11105 Leavells Road Unit 1 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 17
  • Total violations: 15
    • Facility does not have written procedures for the clean-up of vomiting or diarrhea events. Facility provided procedures during inspection.
    • Observed food employee handle mushrooms with bare hands. Person in charge stated mushrooms will not be cooked. Food was discarded during inspection.
    • Facility has a consumer advisory on the menu stating that salmon may be undercooked per customer request. The person in charge could not provide parasite destruction for salmon. The person in charge was instructed to discontinue offering salmon undercooked unless parasite destruction can be ascertained. The person in charge agreed to comply.
    • Observed food employee wash and rinse container and then proceed to bring it to prep area to use without sanitizing equipment. Food employee was informed to sanitize equipment before use. Equipment was brought to 3-compartment sink to be sanitized.
    • Observed flour used for chicken wings stored in prep area not refrigerated and through discussion with person in charge is not sifted and is discarded after 2 hours. Discussed with Person in Charge that flour/breading used with temperature control for safety (TCS) food, it needs to either be refrigerated or sifted.
    • Observed non-food grade lubricant used for food mixer. Person in Charge stated they will not use the lubricant on the food mixer.
    • Observed spray bottle stored near mop sink not labeled with name of chemicals. Bottle was labeled during inspection.
    • Observed bottles of personal medication stored on shelf above prep table in back prep area. Medications were relocated to prevent contamination.
    • Observed marinara sauce cooling in large containers with lids sealing container. Food has been cooling <1 hour. Food was separated into several containers and lids were removed and placed back on to loosely cover food.
    • Observed reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) salmon in walk-in refrigerator, pulled to thaw <2 hours prior, still observed frozen, not removed from ROP packaging. Salmon packaging was cut open during inspection.
    • Observed cut spinach thawing at ambient temperature in stagnant water, not an approved thawing method.
    • Observed containers of food stored on floor in walk-in freezer. Observed bag of flour stored on floor in prep area of food facility.
    • Observed boxes of single-use equipment stored on floor in dry storage area of food facility.
    • Employee restroom door is not self-closing.
    • Observed several lights out in back prep area of food facility. Observed wall damage behind shelving in dry storage area of food facility.
• Cracker Barrel Old Country Store #537, 1971 Carl D. Silver Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 17
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed several metal food containers encrusted with food debris and stacked on the clean dish rack. EHS informed the person in charge of the observation. The containers are being washed, but the establishment is not monitoring to make sure they are clean. During the inspection, the soiled containers were taken to the 3 compartment sink. (Corrected)
• Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 2851 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 17
  • Total violations: 4
    • The following are in need of cleaning: 1. Walk-in freezer floor. 2. The ceiling tile along the cook/prep line and server area. 3. The ceiling tile around the ceiling vents.
    • The floor tile need regrouting in the following areas: 1. The floor drain at the bar. 2. Between the cook and prep line. 3. In front of the server area.
    • The handwashing sink at the bar is not sealed to the adjoining wall and/or equipment.
    • The concentration of the Sink & Surface Cleaner in the sanitizer buckets was observed high (2258 ppm). During the inspection, the PIC manually set up the Sink & Surface Cleaner sanitizer for the sanitizer buckets and the 3 compartment sink at the bar. (Corrected)
• Thai House, 26 Doc Stone Road Stafford, VA 22556
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 17
  • Total violations: 17
    • Observed an uncovered beverage container located near the cook line. Beverage was removed during the inspection.
    • Observed a food employee handle soiled dishes then proceeded in food preparation without first washing their hands. Employee was instructed to wash their hands. Corrected.
    • Observed food contact surfaces of several stainless steel bowls and utensils soiled. Items were removed to the dishwasher area for cleaning.
    • Per discussion with the person in charge the food contact surfaces for equipment and utensils used for time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS) are not being washed every four hours or when contamination occurs as per the VA Food Regulations. Items get washed prior to closing. EHS discussed cleaning frequency of utensils and equipment with TCS food with PIC.
    • Observed the interior of the ice machine to be soiled to the sight and touch. PIC unplugged to drain and clean- (corrected).
    • The following time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods were observed cold holding at improper temperatures: on a cart by the cookline 1) a mixture of oil and garlic (71'F) (discarded). The following items were stored above the fill line for less than an hour in the prep unit by the cook line, 2) cut tomatoes (48'F)(relocated), 3) cut cabbage (46'F) (placed in the walk in cooler)- (corrected). Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) discussed proper handling of TCS food during rush hours.
    • Observed a container of raw shrimp (29-33'F) and a container of raw squid (25-28'F) on the prep table to thaw. EHS discussed proper thawing methods with the person in charge. Items were placed in the walk-in cooler to properly thaw.
    • Observed 3 refrigerators without temperature measuring devices.
    • Observed several unlabeled plastic containers of Thai peanuts that were prepared and portioned in the store. Containers were located on the hostess stand in the front of the house. PIC moved the items to be properly labeled.
    • The exterior door which is located in the kitchen is not tight-fitting. This may allow the entry of insects or rodents.
    • Observed two food employees in the back of the house preparing food, one employee did not have a proper hair restraint.
    • Observed ladles stored in room temperature water by the rice warmer. Items were relocated to the dishwasher area for cleaning.
    • Observed several boxes of single service articles stored directly on the floor in the lobby which is currently being used as a break room and in the kitchen.
    • The person in charge could not provide an irreversible registering temperature indicator to monitor sanitization of equipment in the hot temperature dishwasher.
    • No chlorine test kit available to test the sanitizer solution used to sanitize food contact surfaces. EHS provided a few test strips- PIC will obtain the proper testing strips.
    • Accumulations of debris were noted on the following non-food contact surfaces: 1) oven, 2) range burners, 3) shelving units near the exterior door, 4) interior of the cooling units.
    • Observed the floors in the back of the house and the walls behind the cook line, in the back of the house by the mop sink , and near the dismachine are in need of cleaning.
• Moment Diner, 1201 Emancipation Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 18
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed the following in need of repair: 1. Missing floor tile behind the oven. 2. Several areas where the floor coving is damaged and/or missing. 3. Several areas where floor tile needs regrouting. 4. Several small holes in the kitchen wall.
• Silk Mill Food & Beverage Catering Company, 1700 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 18
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed several boxes of food stored on the floor of the walk in freezer.
    • Observed the floors of the walk in freezer are rusting and the caulking of the kitchen hand sink needs re-caulking.
• Fun Land of Fredericksburg, 1351 Central Park Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 18
  • Total violations: 4
    • The following are in need of cleaning: 1. Both mop sinks were observed heavily soiled. 2. Several light shield covers and ceiling tile were observed soiled in the main kitchen and party kitchen.
    • The following in the main kitchen were observed leaking: 1. The 3 compartment sink faucet used for the wash. 2. The plumbing under the 3 compartment sink.
    • The following single use/service articles were improperly stored: 1. Observed pizza boxes and 1 box of Icee lids on the floor in the beverage storage room. (Corrected) 2. Observed boxes of plastic utensils on the floor in the linen closet.
    • Observed the interior of the ice machine soiled.
• Maggie's Subs, 820 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 18
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed several boxes take-out containers (cups, straws, lids, and soup) being stored in the basement under a water line.
• Fairfield by Marriott, 10330 Spotsylvania Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 18
  • Total violations: 4
    • Facility does not have written procedures for the clean-up of vomiting or diarrhea events. Facility provided procedures during inspection.
    • Cabinets in kitchen area are made of raw unfinished wood and are not smooth and easily cleanable.
    • Facility does not have available test strips to test concentration of sanitizer. Facility stated test strips have been ordered. Facility was provided test strips during inspection.
    • Ceiling made of porous material and is not smooth and easily cleanable.
• Residence Inn, 60 Towne Centre Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 18
  • Total violations: 2
    • There is no test kit for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solution in the dishwasher.
    • The dishwasher is not sanitizing (0 ppm) equipment and utensils. EHS discussed sanitizing the equipment and utensils at the 3 compartment sink, until the dishwasher can be repaired. The food employee set up the sanitizer at the 3 compartment sink. (Corrected)
• Nori Japan, 137 Spotsylvania Mall Drive #8004 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 21
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed food employee wash their hands and face at th 3 compartment sink. During the inspection, the PIC informed the food employee of where to wash. The food employee washed his hands at the handwashing sink. (Corrected)
    • No paper towels at the handwashing sink near the back door. During the inspection, the PIC provided paper towels. (Corrected)
    • Observed a scoop (made from a rice cooking wine bottle) being used at the hot holding table for rice. During the inspection, the homemade scoop was discarded. (Corrected)
• McDonald's Restaurant #6432, 3102-A Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 21
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed food employee dump a coffee cup of creamer into the handwashing sink drain. EHS informed food employee of proper use of handwashing sink. (Corrected)
    • No paper towels at handwashing sink near frozen Fanta machine. During the inspection, a food employee provided paper towels. (Corrected)
    • Observed several uncovered french fry and 20 piece nugget cartons.
    • The following are in need of cleaning: floor drains and mop sink.
• Stir Fry 88, 137 Spotsylvania Mall Drive #8006 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 21
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed the sanitizer bucket being stored in the handwashing sink basin at the front counter. During the inspection, the bucket was relocated. (Corrected)
    • Observed 4 scoops (made from rice cooking wine bottle) being used throughout the kitchen. During the inspection, the homemade scoops was discarded. (Corrected)
    • The non-food contact surfaces of all equipment (reach in cooler, meat grinding machine, prep tables, and racks) in the kitchen was observed soiled.
    • Observed the floor heavily soiled under all equipment along the cook line.
• Hardee's of Four Mile Fork #2561, 5107 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 21
  • Total violations: 8
    • Observed encrusted residue on inside top of microwave next to fryers. Equipment is in need of cleaning.
    • Through discussion with Person in Charge, utensils in contact with temperture control for safety (TCS) food are not cleaned and sanitized at least every 4 hours. Utensils were brought to 3-compartment sink and were washed and sanitized during inspection.
    • Observed equipment being sanitized in quaternary ammonia for <30 seconds. Equipment was brought back to 3-compartment sink and sanitized for at least 30 seconds in sanitizer solution.
    • Observed lettuce (53F), tomatoes (60F), and cheese (57F) stored in top of prep unit that was not working during time of inspection. Food was relocated to walk-in refrigerator to cool. Discussed immersing food containers in ice at the prep line until equipment is working properly.
    • Observed soap containers stored on shelving above food items (cooking spray & drink syrup), soap was relocated to prevent contamination of food items.
    • Observed an accumulation of grease residue on storage area under french fry hot holding unit. Observed residue build-up on heat lamp above french fry hot holding unit.
    • Observed several ceiling tiles missing in mop sink area of food facility. Observed grout damage around floor drain in drink prep station.
    • Observed mold-like residue on wall behind dry storage shelving.
• H.H. Poole Middle School, 800 Eustace Road Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 21
  • Total violations: 1
    • The chemical sanitizer solution in four sanitizer buckets that were being used on food contact surfaces measured less than PPM. Employee changed the chlorine buckets. Unit is not dispensing properly. PIC contacted a technician to evaluate the unit.
• Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, 1 Towne Centre Blvd. 5100 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 22
  • Total violations: 9
    • Observed a pitcher of water in the handwashing sink basin in the server area. During the inspection, the pitcher was removed. (Corrected)
    • Observed 3 soiled metal food containers on the clean rack across from the dishwasher. During the inspection, the container were placed on the dirty dish rack. (Corrected)
    • During inspection, observed food employee using high temp dishwasher. The dish machine reached 155.3 F (used Dishtemp plate) after several runs. The PIC will have food employee sanitize equipment and utensils at the 3 compartment sink. (Corrected)
    • Observed the following soups were prepared on 11/21/2022 and were improper cooled: 1. Two large plastic container of torilla soup (48 F - 53 F). 2. One large plastic container of southwest potato soup ( 53 F - 57 F). During the inspection, the food was discarded. (Corrected)
    • The following were observed at improper temperatures: 1. Twenty Philly cheesesteak egg rolls (45 F - 48 F) in the pantry prep unit. 2. One tray of chicken tenders (45 F - 48 F) in the chicken/fish drawers. 3. One tray of butterfly chicken breast (43 F - 45 F) in the chicken/fish drawers. During the inspection, the PIC discarded the food. (Corrected)
    • Observed several food employees working without beard guards.
    • Observed 6 cracked/chipped rubber spatulas hanging over the 3 compartment sink. During the inspection, the PIC discarded spatulas. (Corrected)
    • No temperature measuring device for high temp dishwasher.
    • The floor under and behind equipment is in need of cleaning.
• Wild Hare Hard Cider, LLC., 205 William Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 22
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed the edges of the upstairs bathroom flooring need to be properly sealed as to not allow water to seep through.
• Firehouse Subs, 5426 Patriot Highway 108 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 22
  • Total violations: 8
    • Observed person in back kitchen area of food facility that was not an employee.
    • 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 documentation of training relating to the Employee Health Policy for this facility Facility provided with Employee Health Policy that was reviewed and signed by all available employees.
    • Observed food employee cleaning and using point of sale equipment then proceed to don gloves without washing hands. Employee was instructed to wash hands when changing tasks.
    • Observed spray bottle of chemicals without labeling of common name.
    • Observed medicine stored on shelf above prep table in back prep area. Medicine was relocated to prevent contamination.
    • Inside top of prep unit observed with an accumulation of debris and residue and is in need of cleaning. Prep unit doors observed with residue and are in need of cleaning. Inside prep unit lids observed with residue and are in need of cleaning. Observed label residue left on non-food contact surfaces of food container lids.
    • Ceiling vent above steam table and above deli slicer observed with an accumulation of static dust and are in need of cleaning.
• Camellia Colony of Chancellor's Village, 12100 Chancellors Village Ln Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 22
  • Total violations: 5
    • Soap dispenser observed empty at wait station handwashing sink. Person in Charge refilled soap dispenser during inspection.
    • Observed several eggplants that were spoiled, with mold-like growth, stored in walk-in refrigerator. Food was discarded during inspection.
    • Observed unlabeled spray bottle stored in chemical closet. Container was labeled during inspection.
    • Observed clean food equipment in warewashing area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting).
    • Observed hose attachment on mop sink without proper backflow prevention device. Mop sink water turned off during inspection. Hose was elevated off the floor.
• Sammy T's Restaurant, 801 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 21
  • Total violations: 7
    • Observed three open beverage containers at the bar area, dish area and back prep area. During the inspection the open beverages were relocated.
    • Observed the interior lip of the ice machine was soiled.
    • Observed racks inside cooling units and walk in coolers that are rusting.
    • Observed the test strips for the quaternary ammonium used at the 3 compartment sink was wet and unusable.
    • Observed the following non food contact surfaces require cleaning: 1. Inside surfaces of the reach in freezer 2. The stock shelf in the prep area 3. The non food contact surfaces of the kitchen aid mixer.
    • Observed the following: 1. floors underneath and between equipment require a deep cleaning 2. Walls of food prep and cooking areas 3. Caulking of dish room area either replace or clean up existing caulking 4. Fan vents of the walk in coolers 5. Exterior vents of the hood vent area.
    • Observed employee belongings (purses, cell phones and cell phone chargers) on or near food prep or food storage areas. During the inspection the person in charge relocated employee personal belongings.
• Peter Chang, LLC, 1771 Carl D. Silver Pkwy Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 22
  • Total violations: 12
    • The facility does not have a person that is a Certified Food Protection Manager.
    • Observed food debris inside the kitchen hand sink.
    • Observed the interior lip making direct contact with the ice was soiled.
    • Observed the meat slicer was heavily soiled and was left soiled from previous day useage. EHS spoke with the person in charge to ensure equipment should be clean after use to avoid attraction of pest.
    • Observed 3 packs of raw beef and 2 packs of raw pork thawing out at room temperature. EHS spoke with the person in charge to practice approved thawing methods. During the inspection the raw animal meats were relocated to the walk in cooler and under cold running water to finish thawing.
    • Observed pest harborage conditions in the facility. Heavy food debris was observed in the dish pit area left over from the previous day. Also a large barrel of exposed oily and soiled water was observed next to mop sink area. Food debris was also observed in equipment from previous day usage. Spoke with the person in charger to eliminate harborage conditions of pests.
    • Observed crunchy noodles being stored inside a black trash bag.
    • Observed the shelves inside the walk in cooler are heavily rusted.
    • Observed the cutting boards of the prep station are heavily stained and no longer appear cleanable.
    • The following non food contact surfaces were observed heavily soiled and require cleaning: 1. Metal racks holding clean equipment and dried foods 2. Handles of cooking equipment 3. Inside surfaces and racks of cooling and freezer units 4. Spray noozle at the dish pit area 5. Outside surfaces of dish machine 6. Racks of the walk in cooler
    • Observed the following: 1. Floors and walls of the facility are in need of a deep cleaning. A lot of food debris was observed on the walls and underneath equipment. 2. Food debris from the previous day was left over in the dish pit area. Spoke with person in charge to monitor and speak with employees to ensure food debris is cleared out at the end of the day.
    • Observed the following are in need of repair: 1. 4 blown out lightbulbs 2. the hand sink faucet is loose.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Five Guys
• Bee Happy Nutrition
• Early Childhood Special Education Head Start North Campus
• Widewater Grill
• Ghana Jollof
• Mazedaar (UB56-078)
• Homewood Suites
• Cider Lab
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Widewater Elementary School
• Paisano's Pizza