Fredericksburg Health Inspections: Vinny's Italian, Chen's China King

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 May 24 and May 30.

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:

• Commonwealth Senior Living at Fredericksburg, 1001 Northside Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  • Date inspected: May 24
  • Total violations: 23
    • Observed absence of active managerial control during the inspection. The designated person in charge was not monitoring correct handwashing of food staff, proper glove use, persons not involved in food operations entering the kitchen numerous times during inspection, storage of raw animal foods and improper cooling and cooling methods.
    • Upon arrival the facility did not have a designated person in charge. An employee was designed as the person in charge during the inspection.
    • Food establishment does not have an employee in a management or supervisory role that is a certified food protection manager.
    • Facility could not provide documentation food employees have been trained on the employee health policy. Food employees were knowledgeable of symptoms and illness requiring reporting. Sample employee health policy emailed to the person in charge.
    • Person in charge could not provide vomiting and diarrheal clean-up procedures. Sample procedures were provided during the inspection.
    • Observed a food employee touch their facemask with their bare hands and then proceed to handle cleaned equipment. Instructed the food employee to wash her hands.
    • Observed food employee touch soiled speaker wearing single use gloves then proceeded to handle clean equipment using the same gloves. Instructed employee to remove gloves and wash hands.
    • Observed raw ground beef, which was leaking blood, stored on top of a box of raw bacon inside of the two-door upright cooler. Instructed the employee to relocate ground beef to prevent contamination which was not completed during inspection.
    • Observed interior of ice machine and food contact surfaces of can opener soiled. Can opener was removed for cleaning during inspection.
    • Observed interior of microwave heavily soiled.
    • Observed oatmeal from 5/24/2023 breakfast service improperly cooled. During the inspection observed oatmeal (98 degrees F) cooling inside a deep and covered plastic container inside the 2-door upright cooler. The person in charge reported the oatmeal was pulled from the hot holding unit at 9:30 a.m. and was cooled via an ice bath. Observed internal temperature at 11:42 a.m. The person in charge voluntarily discarded the oatmeal during the inspection. Discussed cooling methods to achieve compliance.
    • Observed improper cooling methods for oatmeal. Observed oatmeal being cooled in a deep and covered plastic container and temperatures were not being monitored due to absence of a food thermometer. Discussed cooling methods to achieve compliance.
    • The person in charge could not provide a thin probed food thermometer.
    • Observed multiple boxes of packaged food stored on the floor in the dry storage area.
    • Observed food employees working in the ktichen without proper hair and beard restraints (one employee in need of beard restraint).
    • Observed multiple employees wearing wrist jewelry engaged in food operations and handling clean equipment.
    • Observed two wet wiping cloths stored on the 3 compartment sink basins and prep table. Wiping cloth stored on the 3 compartment sink was heavily soiled and was removed for cleaning. Wet wiping cloth on the prep table was relocated to a sanitizer bucket.
    • Observed multiple clean stainless-steel pans stored on the floor under the 3-compartment sink. A food employee reported the equipment was clean. Instructed the food employee to wash and sanitize the equipment and store at least 6 inches above the floor.
    • Observed multiple cutting boards scratched and scored.
    • Observed rust build-up on wire shelving in the food establishment, surfaces are not longer smooth and easily cleanable.
    • Observed accumulation of debris on the following nonfood contact surfaces: Interior and exterior of refrigeration equipment, up splash of coffee brewer, food processor, up splash of hot holding shelving, and drawers for storage of single-use articles.
    • Observed accumulation of debris including brush behind in the dumpster enclosure.
    • Observed the ceiling around the vent and the ceiling light covers in the server area and air vent in the front area of the kitchen soiled.
• Vinny's Italian, 397 Garrisonville Road Suite #104 Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: May 24
  • Total violations: 10
    • A food employee was observed touching their personal belongings then engaged in food preparation without first washing their hands. Employee was instructed to wash their hands.
    • Per discussion with the person in charge the food contact surfaces for equipment and utensils (cutting boards and knives) used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods are not being washed every four hours or when contamination occurs as per the VA Food Regulations. The items get washed once a day. EHS explained to the person in charge cleaning frequency of utensils and equipment that come in direct contact with TCS foods.
    • The chlorine sanitizer solution in the dishmachine that was being used to wash and sanitize dishes measured 0 PPM. PIC was instructed to use the 3 compartment sink to wash and sanitizer dishes.
    • Observed several containers stored on the shelving units to be soiled to the sight and touch. Items were removed to be cleaned and sanitized.
    • Observed three unlabeled spray bottles that contained chemicals throughout the facility. Bottles were labeled during the inspection.
    • Observed six reduced oxygen packaged salmon that were completely thawed out that were stored in the reach in cooler by the cook line. The packages had a label indicating that the salmon shall be removed from the reduced oxygen environment prior to its thawing under refrigeration. PIC discarded the salmon.
    • No chlorine test kit available to measure the sanitizer solution. PIC will purchase a test kit.
    • Accumulations of debris were noted on the following non-food contact surfaces: 1) the interior of the reach in refrigerators, 2) base of convection oven, 3) shelving units, 4) range burners, 5) dishwasher.
    • Observed the walls, ceiling (including vents), and floors in need of cleaning.
    • Observed the following in need of repair: 1) hand washing sinks and 3 compartment sink to include drain boards need to be re-caulked, 2) broken and missing floor tiles, 3) Prep sink faucet is leaking, 4) provide stoppers for the three compartment sinks' basins.
• Here and Abroad, 1004 Princess Anne Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: May 24
  • Total violations: 5
    • The facility does not have a person that is a Certified Food Protection Manager.
    • Observed a food employee wash their hands at the 3 compartment sink. EHS discussed with the food employee hand washing should only be done at the hand washing sink.
    • Observed the following equipment in poor repair: 1. a heavy build up of ice in the upright freezer in the kitchen 2. the bottom mechanical part of the pastry display cooler is exposed, panel is missing 3. bottom of the upright cooler currently used for storage has a loose cover/paneling.
    • Observed non food contact surfaces throughout the facility require cleaning. To include the following: 1. inside and outside of cooling/freezing units 2. wire shelving throughout 3. outside surfaces of all equipment throughout.
    • Recommend a deep cleaning of floors and walls throughout the facility.
• Chen's China King, 10211 Southpoint Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: May 25
  • Total violations: 10
    • Observed four heavily soiled strainers being stored in the smoker. Strainers were taken to the 3 compartment sink to be cleaned.
    • The following TCS food cold holding at improper temperatures in the walk in cooler: Shell Eggs (56'F), Egg Rolls (56'F) , Dumplings ( 55'F) , Cooked Chicken (45'F), Shrimp ( 51'F), Beef (45'F),Cut cabbage (44'F), Noodles (44'F) , Raw Chicken (50'F) . Foods were voluntarily discarded during inspection, and a service call was made during inspection. Repair company arrived and repaired the unit during inspection. Unit temperature measured 39'F at the end of inspection.
    • Observed three unlabeled chemical bottles located near prep station .Person in charge labeled during inspection.
    • Observed frozen shrimp and beef thawing at the three compartment sink at room temperature. Foods were placed in the walk in cooler.
    • Observed food employee take a stainless bowl that was being used as a scoop for the raw chicken in the prep unit and place it on top of cut cabbage in the prep station . Bowl was taken to the 3 compartment sink to be cleaned.
    • Observed wet wiping cloths on prep table and near fryer station.
    • Observed three compartment sink and prep sink needing resealed to wall.
    • Observed rusty shelving throughout facility.
    • Observed walls throughout the facility heavily soiled and in need of cleaning.
    • Observed that the filters in the hood ventilation system above the wok station were heavily soiled.
• Cracker Barrel Old Country Store #106, 5200 Southpoint Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: May 25
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed serval stainless pans stacked while wet on the clean equipment rack.
    • Observed the following nonfood contact surfaces in need of cleaning. 1. Outer surfaces of the chicken fryers 2. inside and outside of the line hot holding cabinets 3. Top of biscuit ovens 4. Top of convection ovens 4.Inside of convection ovens 5.Clean equipment racks and shelf liners in the dry storage area 6.All plastic carts in kitchen 7.Top of the baked potato oven 8. Outer surfaces of prep cooler 9.IN GENERAL ALL NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES ARE IN NEED OF A THOROUGH CLEANING.
    • The following physical facility items are in need of cleaning. 1. Ceiling tiles throughout kitchen 2. Walls throughout the kitchen 3.Light fixtures in the bakery area 4.The floors throughout kitchen especially under the equipment.
    • The ceiling exhaust and intake vents are in need of cleaning.
• The Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: May 25
  • Total violations: 6
    • Observed handles of the flat top girl are missing and the gaskets of the prep cooler station are worn out and loose.
    • Observed several cutting boards and the cutting board of the prep station that are heavily scratched and/or stained.
    • Observed rusted shelving throughout the facility.
    • Observed wire shelving throughout the facility that should be cleaned.
    • Observed the oil receptacle and trash cans sitting directly on gravel at the back of the facility.
    • Observed cracked floor tiles throughout the kitchen area.
• Dawning Point Learning Center, 805 Lyons Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: May 26
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed opened package of bologna with an opening date of 5/18/2023. The TCS foods should have been discarded on 5/24/2023. The person in charge voluntarily discarded the product during the inspection.
    • Observed the hand sink, 3 vat sink and countertop behind the 3 vat sink are not sealed.
    • Observed accumulation of debris on the following nonfood contact surfaces: Shelving, interior of cabinets, exterior of the oven and lid of the pasta bulk container.
    • Observed the ceiling tiles in the kitchen are not smooth or easily cleanable.
• 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Co., 1140 International Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: May 30
  • Total violations: 6
    • Observed an employee with gloves on touch raw ground beef then changed their gloves without washing their hands. Observed another employee move personal belongings from the prep area then put the gloves on without washing their hands. EHS instructed both employees to wash their hands before putting gloves on.
    • Observed two handwashing sinks without signage posted. Employee corrected on site and posted signs above hands sinks.
    • Observed several containers in dry storage area without labels to identify the foods in the containers.
    • Accumulation of grime and debris was observed on the following non food contact surfaces: 1) oven, 2) prep units, 3) shelving units, 4) fryers.
    • Observed the following in need of cleaning throughout the facility: 1. Floors (especially under equipment), 2. Ceiling (to include vents and light shields), 3. Walls (to include stainless steel backsplash behind grill).
    • Observed employees personal belongs above a food prep area where foods could be contaminated the following items were a phone charger, cell phone and tumbler cup. Employee corrected and moved personal belongings.
• Poke Sushi Bowl, 1625 Carl D. Silver Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: May 30
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed a food employee set up a wiping cloth bucket with Chlorine sanitizer and them proceed to prepare a customer's beverage order without washing their hands. Instructed food employee to wash their hands during the inspection.
    • Observed 2 containers of cubed tofu storge in covered containers inside the walk in cooler which were not dated for disposition. A food employee reported the tofu was prepped the day prior at 11:00 a.m. During the inspection the containers were dated with the date of preparation.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Doris E. Buffett Pool
• Doveshack's Smoked BBQ #2 (DOVSHCK)
• Vinny's Italian Grill
• Starbucks Coffee Co
• Tea 'Go Cafe