Fredericksburg Restaurant Inspections: 14 Violations At 1 Place

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Officials from the Rappahannock Area Health District inspected multiple restaurants across the region from July 22 to July 27; they found eighteen restaurants with violations.

As coronavirus restrictions continue to fluctuate around the state, health inspectors are returning to conduct restaurant inspections in person. However, some visits, such as those for training purposes, can be conducted virtually.

Violations at restaurants typically focus on factors that can contribute to food contamination. The local health department also performs a re-inspection to ensure that possible violations have been corrected.

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.

• Skrimp Shack, 9841 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: July 23
  • Total violations: 8
    • Observed employee sweeping the floor, then don gloves and start to prep food without washing their hands. Person in charge instructed employees on when to wash their hands.
    • No hand drying provisions were provided at the handwashing sink in the back room or on the cook's line. Paper towel was provided during inspection.
    • The interior surfaces of the microwave was observed soiled. Oven was cleaned during inspection.
    • The following items on the clean equipment rack were observed soiled: 1-several stainless steel lids, 2-several plastic lids, 3-stainless steel pans. All items were Taken to the 3 compartment sink to be cleaned.
    • During discussions with the person in charge, it was discovered that the breading mixtures used for fish and chicken were not being sifted. The breading was discarded at the end of each day. Person in charge was instructed to ensure that the breading mixtures were either sifted every 4 hours or kept at 41 degrees or below.
    • Observed a spray bottle of glass cleaner stored with condiments below the back room prep table. Glass cleaned was re-located during inspection.
    • The following non-food contact surfaces were observed soiled: 1-the outer surfaces of the microwave, 2-the stove top, 3-the sides if the cooking equipment on the cook's line, 4-the hot holding unit.
    • The following physical facilities were observed soiled: 1-The floors under all equipment at the cook's area and the back room, 2-the floors in the walk in cooler, 3-the walls throughout the kitchen, 4-the shelves under the cash registers, 5-the ceiling tiles around the ceiling vents over the serving line.
• Royal Farms #359, 5301 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: July 23
  • Total violations: 2
    • During discussions with an employee and the person in charge, it was discovered that the chicken breading at the breading station was only being sifted every 8 hours. EHS informed them that the flour had to be sifted at least every 4 hours or be kept at 41 degrees or below.
    • The following physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean: 1-the door and the door handle on the chicken walk in cooler, 2-the ceiling tiles around the ceiling vent above the front serving line.
• Juan More Taco, 826 Caroline St Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: July 23
  • Total violations: 9
    • Observed a food employee touch her hair and necklace while wearing gloves and then proceed to prep food. EHS informed PIC and employee of proper use of gloves and handwashing
    • The following TCS food (prepared 07/21/2021) was pulled from the RIC at 7:30am and placed in the hot holding unit at approximately at 7:50am. At 10:35am, one stainless steel container of chicken was at 120°F and two stainless steel containers of birria (beef) were at 117°F. PIC discarded the food.
    • Observed 2 large stainless steel containers of chicken broth (date marked 07/15/2021) that exceed the 7 days. During the inspection, the PIC discarded the chicken broth
    • Observed a small bottle of fly trap and 1 container of degreaser/cleaner on the shelf over the 3 compartment sink. During the inspection, the PIC relocated the items
    • Observed food employee preparing food without a beard guard. During inspection, food employee applied a beard restraint.
    • The plastic knives and forks in the black containers on the counter between the kitchen and the dining area are not protected from contamination.
    • Observed the sprayer hanging below the flood level of the basin at the 3 compartment sink. During the inspection, the PIC hung the sprayer on the hook
    • The following are in need of repair: 1. The paint on the wall behind the 3 compartment sink is peeling. 2. The dry storage walls are not finished (smooth and easy to clean). 3. Several cracked floor tile in front of the 3 compartment sink.
    • The light intensity in the dry storage area is 1.5 foot candles.
• Warrior Coffee, 35 Walpole Street Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: July 23
  • Total violations: 14
    • Upon arrival to conduct the inspection the food staff reported the person in charge (owner) was not in the food establishment. The food employee contacted the owner who designated a staff member in the food establishment to serve as the person in charge.
    • The person in charge could not communicate symptoms and illnesses requiring restriction or exclusion and could not provide an employee health policy.
    • Observed a food employee lather their hands with hand soap for 5-6 seconds at the kitchen handsink. Instructed the food employee to rewash their hands, instructing them to ensure they are lathering their hands with soap for at least 10 seconds.
    • Observed a food employee fill a spray bottle with Quaternary Ammonium sanitizer at the three compartment sink and then proceed to don single use disposable gloves to engage in food tasks. Instructed the food employee to wash their hands and discussed handwashing when there is a change in task.
    • Observed the following equipment in contact with non-TCS food soiled: Can opener, panini press and interior of the ice maker. The can opener was removed to the three compartment sink for cleaning and sanitizer.
    • Observed food contact surfaces of the meat slicer soiled.
    • Observed cartons of pasteurized liquid eggs (54, 47 degrees F) being held in a cooler with ice in the front of the house. Observed 8 cartons which were not in contact with any ice. The person in charge could not communicate how long the eggs have been in the food establishment, they were there upon her arrival and the facility opens at 9:00 a.m.. The person in charge voluntarily discarded the cartons of eggs for safety and added more ice to the cartons submerged in ice. Ensure adequate amounts of ice are being used to cold hold TCS foods to ensure foods are maintained at or below 41 degrees F.
    • Observed the cold brew coffee stored in a cabinet without a label indicating when the product should be discarded. The facility has a time as a public health control documentation for their cold brew coffee which is held outside of refrigeration for a period up to 4 hours. The person in charge reported the cold brew coffee was pulled from refrigeration at 9:00 a.m. and placed a label on the product to indicate the discard time (1:00 p.m.)
    • Observed spray bottle of Quaternary Ammonium sanitizer which was not labeled to identify the contents. The person in charge labeled the bottle to identify the contents.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: 1- rust on can opener blade, 2- rubber spatula in a container above the prep table is starting to chip and 3- duct tape being used to hold the vent on the 1 door reach in cooler.
    • Observed two Home Depot 5 gallon containers being used to store roasted coffee beans in the front of the house. Worked with the person in charge to remove the beans to stainless steel bowls. Informed the person in charge Home Depot buckets are not food grade and to discontinue use to store food.
    • Accumulation of debris was observed on the following nonfood contact surfaces: Gaskets and exterior vents of reach in refrigeration units, lid of the deep skillet, base of Avantco oven, shelf under prep table, and upsplash of the coffee brewer.
    • The following were observed in need of cleaning: Ceiling vents in the kitchen, floor drain under the 3 compartment sink, , interior of the mop sink and walls behind the panini press.
    • Observed 12.7 foot candles of light at the warewashing area. Observed numerous blown out ceiling lights.
• Subway (Lee’s Hill), 10635 Spotsylvania Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: July 23
  • Total violations: 5
    • Open drinking containers stored in a manner that may contaminate food, food contact surfaces or utensils. Observed 2 uncovered drinking cup stored on the rear prep table. Drinks were discarded during inspection
    • No hand drying provisions were provided at the handwashing sink at the front of the make line. Paper towels were provided during inspection.
    • The handwashing station at the back of the house is being used as a dump sink. Observed many black olives in the sink. Explained to the person in charge about the importance of keeping the sink clear for handwashing.
    • Observed that the hand sink in the back of the facility was blocked by two large boxes and a step ladder. Items were removed during inspection.
    • Soap was not provided at the hand washing sink at both locations in the kitchen. Soap was provided during inspection.
• Quality Inn & Suites, 28 Greenspring Drive Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: July 26
  • Total violations: 5
    • The person in charge of the breakfast area was not available during the inspection.
    • Facility does not have a Certified Food Protection Manager.
    • Employees are not aware of health requirements relating to foodborne illnesses and employee health policies.
    • Observed a dirty masher and knife stored with the clean equipment near the 3-compartment sink. Items were placed in the sink for cleaning.
    • Facility does not have small probe thermometer.
• Sweeto Burrito, 50 North Stafford Complex Center Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: July 26
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed a case of shell eggs stored over the sauces in the reach in cooler. The person in charge moved the eggs.
    • Observed uncovered fries, onion stips, and tater tots in the reach in freezer. Items were covered during this inspection.
    • Observed stainless steel lids, chargrill, flat-top grill, and mixer with grime and debris on them.
    • Observed that the ice chute and burners are in need of detailed cleaning.
• Gourmeltz, 10013 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: July 27
  • Total violations: 2
    • No Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) available. PIC stated she took the CFPM exam and is waiting for the certificate.
    • Observed 1 stainless steel container of beef brisket (46 - 48F) in a cooling drawer under the flat top grill that was at improper temperature. During the inspection, the PIC discarded.
• El Molcajete Moya 2, 125 Corporate Drive Suite #109 Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: July 27
  • Total violations: 6
    • Observed the cook wash a pot in the dish washing area then place it on the dish drain to dry.
    • Observed beef reheated to 122'F. EHS has the PIC reheat the beef to 165'F.
    • Observed salsa that was made yesterday sitting on the prep table at 79'F. Observed beef stock that was made on Sunday sitting on the storage shelf to cool. EHS requested that the items not be used.
    • Observed cheviche, salsa, and cooked beans that were not date marked.
    • Observed 2 chemical spray bottles that were not labeled. The PIC labeled the bottles.
    • Observed that the bleach spray bottle measured over 200+ ppm - turning the test strip white. Observed that the quaternary spray bottle measured at 400 ppm. The PIC disposed of both spray bottles.
• Hit the Spot Kitchen, 3318 Bourbon Street Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: July 27
  • Total violations: 3
    • The (cavity, door seal) of the microwave oven is observed soiled. Oven was cleaned during inspection.
    • The floors throughout the facility were observed soiled.
    • The intake vent in the ceiling and the ventilation hood filters were observed soiled.
• Panera Bread #89, 1005 Stafford Market Place Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: July 27
  • Total violations: 8
    • Observed an employee handling her phone then continued to make drinks. EHS discussed this with the employee and the PIC.
    • Observed uncovered containers of bacon on the service line, rolls stored under the dirty counter near the coffee stand, baked croutons on the cooling racks.
    • Observed that ice chute, coffee machines, interior of the stainless steel pans, and a spatula that require cleaning.
    • Observed dirty dispensing spoons and ladles on the equipment rack. The PIC placed the items in the dish area.
    • Observed several employees with watches and jewelry on. The PIC requested that each employee remove the items.
    • Observed wet wiping cloth stored on the counters between use.
    • Observed the can opener holder, counter tops, bread racks, and the portable storage cart that require cleaning.
    • The floors, walls, and ceiling require cleaning to include the air vent over the rear door, floor drains, air vent covers in the walk in refrigeration units, and the mop sink.
• Angela's Italian Restaurant, 6336 Jefferson Davis Hwy Spotsylvania, VA 22551
  
  • Date inspected: July 22
  • Total violations: 9
    
    • No certified food protection manager available.
    • Observed an employee wash dishes with soap, rinse with water, and store in the drying area, failing to properly sanitize the equipment. EHS informed the manager and the manager provided training to the employee during the inspection. Equipment was properly sanitized.
    • Observed the upsplash of the coffee brewer to be heavily soiled and the ice chute on the soda machine behind the counter.
    • Alfredo sauce (50'F) stored in the walk-in cooler was measured to be improperly cooled. Employee stated the alfredo sauce was prepared the day prior in the late afternoon and placed in the walk-in cooler overnight. All other TCS foods in the walk-in cooler measured appropriately.
    • 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.
    • No thin-probed food thermometer available.
    • The back exterior door to the facility is not self-closing and tight-fitting.
    • No chlorine test kit available.
    • Observed the wall behind the flat top grill/hot holding station and floor under the fryers to be soiled.
• Panda Express #974, 1680 Carl D. Silver Pkwy Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: July 22
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed two stacks of stainless steel containers stored on shelving unit above the three compartment sink which were wet after chemical sanitizing. The person in charge removed the food containers and separated them on the open shelving and drainboard of the three compartment sink for drying.
    • Observed the 2 vat prep sink and 3 vat sink were not sealed to the adjacent wall.
• Orofino Restaurant, 1006 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: July 22
  • Total violations: 11
    • Observed a food employee apply soap to hands and scrub under running water for less than 5 seconds. During the inspection, the cook had the food employee wash their hands using the proper handwashing procedure
    • Observed soap dispenser and handwashing sign next to prep sink on the main floor. During inspection, the PIC removed the sign and was removing soap dispenser.
    • The following TCS foods were at improper temperatures in the walk-in cooler: 1. One large plastic food container of orecchiette pasta (47°F) that was prepared on 07/21/2021. 2. One large plastic food container of vegetable soup (45°F) that was prepared 07/21/2021. During the inspection, the PIC discarded the pasta and removed the vegetable soup from the establishment.
    • Observed a spray bottle of Scrubbing Bubbles on the window sill in front of the 3 compartment sink and a spray bottle of DC33 over saran wrap at the bar. During the inspection, the spray bottles were relocated.
    • Observed a DC33 spray bottle containing water on the bottom shelf of the prep table at the pizza station. During the inspection, the food employee discarded the water.
    • Observed several large food containers of pasta (44 - 51°F) covered and stacked in the walk-in cooler. The food employee stated the pasta had finished cooking approximately 3 hours prior to the inspection. During the inspection, the food employees removed the pasta from containers and spread onto baking sheets and placed them on a rack in the walk-in cooler.
    • Observed employee preparing a salad while wearing a watch and bracelet. During the inspection, the employee removed the watch and bracelet and rewashed hands before returning to work.
    • Observed 2 wet wiping cloths at the dishwasher and 2 on the prep table at the pizza station. During the inspection, the food employees relocated the wet wiping cloths.
    • Observed an employee drying dishes from the dishwasher with a wiping cloth and another employee drying glasses with a wiping cloth. EHS discussed proper use of wiping cloths and drying of equipment and utensils.
    • Observed cooked broccoli rabe being stored in 3 plastic take out bags in the reach in freezer. During the inspection, the PIC discarded the food.
    • Observed a personal cell phone, a plastic cup with lid and straw, and a package of cookies that belonged to a food employee on a shelf of the prep line. During the inspection, the PIC had the employee relocate the items to their breakroom
• Popeye’s, 253 Garrisonville Road Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: July 22
  • Total violations: 2
    • The back door does not have a tight-fitting seal to prevent the intrusion of pests. Observed gaps along the base and top of the door. The person in charge reported the pest control company will be installing new stripping for the bottom of the front and back door the week of August 1st.
    • The walls and floors throughout the facility are in need of cleaning. Observed soiled ceiling tiles in the dining room and areas of the kitchen.The facility is making gains to address cleaning issues.
• Sleep Inn Southpoint, 5400 Southpoint Centre Blvd Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: July 22
  • Total violations: 3
    • No certified food protection manager available. Facility uses time as a public health control for waffle batter.
    • Person in charge was unable to provide documentation of training for staff on the facility's employee health policy. Manager stated the paperwork is stored in a corporate office and is working to obtain the documentation of training.
    • The following items were measured cold holding at improper temperatures in the countertop reach-in cooler: yogurt (46'F), milk (45'F), and cream cheese (45'F). All foods will be discarded at the close of breakfast. Maintenance will be contacted to lower the unit temperature.
• Chipotle Mexican Grill, 3051 Plank Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: July 22
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed several metal food containers over the 3 compartment sink and on a shelf next to the walk-in cooler that were stacked while wet after cleaning and sanitizing.
    • Observed 2 boxes of plastic forks and 1 box of plastic spoons on a shelf next to the exterior back door that were exposed to contamination. During the inspection, the PIC closed and covered boxes
    • The caulking at the prep sink and the 3 compartment sink was observed soiled.
    • Observed gaps between the hood filters.
    • Observed 7 rubber spatulas hanging over the 3 compartment sink that were warped and chipped. During the inspection, the PIC discarded the spatulas.
• Panaderia Emanuel, 70 Doc Stone Rd 117 Stafford, VA 22556
  
  • Date inspected: July 22
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed employees drinks stored in the prep area. The PIC removed the drinks.
    • Observed cold water temperature as the only available souce of hand washing water for the handwashing sink. Person in charge adjusted the water temperature and hot water is available.
    • Observed no paper towels at the hand sink. The PIC placed towels at the hand sink.
    • Observed two soiled knives stored on the metal knife rack. Soiled knives were removed to the 3 compartment sink area for washing.
    • Observed 3 microwave ovens soiled with food debris.