Fredericksburg Restaurant Inspections: 20 Violations At 1 Place

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Officials from the Rappahannock Area Health District inspected several restaurants across the region from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12. More than a dozen restaurants recorded violations in Stafford, Fredericksburg, and the surrounding area.

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 can also perform 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.

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Here are the most recent violations as listed by the Rappahannock Area Health Department:

• Haley's Honey Meadery, 1600 Princess Anne St Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  • Date inspected: Oct. 6
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed several boxes and equipment outside the back exterior door.
• Dona Tere Restaurant, 1964 William Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  • Date inspected: Oct. 6
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed food employee plate cooked chorizo. When EHS asked the food employee questions, the food employee handled the cooked chorizo bare handed. The food employee discarded the food.
    • Observed tongs in the handwashing sink. During the inspection, a food employee removed the tongs.
    • Observed approximately 40 whole tilapia in a plastic covered container in the walk-in cooler that were at improper temperatures (44F - 50F). The fish were received frozen on 10/04/2021 and cleaned on 10/05/2021. During the inspection, a food employee removed the container of tilapia from the establishment.
    • Observed 2 food employee preparing food without hair restraints. During inspection, the food employees applied hair restraints.
    • The following were observed: 1- The ice scoop stored next to the ice machine on a folded table. 2- At the front counter, the ice scoop stored on the lid of an Igloo cooler. 3- The ladle for the atole (cornstarch beverage containing milk) is being stored in a metal container of water (73 F). During the inspection, the utensils were removed for cleaning and sanitizing.
• Riverbend High School, 12301 Spotswood Furnace Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: Oct. 6
  • Total violations: 2
    • The interior surfaces of the ice machine was observed soiled.
    • Person in charge could not produce a test kit for the Smart Power sanitizer being used in the 3 compartment sink. EH did not have a kit for the Dodecylbenzenesulfonic Acid sanitizer.
• Papa John’s Pizza, 411 Suite #111 Chatham Heights Road Suite #111 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  • Date inspected: Oct. 6
  • Total violations: 9
    • Containers of flour and pepperoncini were observed uncovered and not actively being used and were not otherwise protected from cross contamination. The person in charge placed a lid on the containers. Advised the person in charge to cover the container when not actively being used.
    • Through discussion with the person in charge, food contact surfaces of the dough sheeter are removed for cleaning and sanitizing monthly. Informed the person in charge food contact surfaces of equipment in contact with Non-TCS foods are required to be cleaned daily.
    • Observed the back door of the food establishment does not have a tight seal, observed light coming from the bottom of the door. Discussed replacing the seal at the bottom of the door.
    • Observed the 3 vat sink and the employee toilet room hand sink are not sealed to the adjacent wall.
    • The dough spinner has a felt-like food contact surface that is removed monthly. The surface is not smooth or easily cleanable and has observable fibers on the food contact surface which may contaminate food. Instructed the person in charge to discontinue use until the equipment can be further evaluated for safety.
    • Accumulation of debris was noted on the following nonfood contact surfaces: Grate of the pizza oven and container used store food contact equipment (observed one dead flying insect inside). The container was removed to the 3 vat sink to wash and sanitize the utensils.
    • The following areas were noted in need of cleaning: Floors and walls throughout the facility and ceiling tiles in the mop room.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: Cracked coving near the warewashing hand sink, cracked floor tiles by the back door, caulking is missing between coving tiles under the 3 vat sink, blown out ceiling lights in the warewashing area and missing ceiling tile and vent cover in the employee toilet room.
    • Observed 3.1 foot candles of light inside the walk in cooler.
• Anne E. Moncure Elementary School, 120 Juggins Road Stafford, VA 22556
  • Date inspected: Oct. 6
  • Total violations: 6
    • Observed that the inside of the ice machine requires cleaning.
    • Observed that the sanitizer bucket is stored with the spices. The person in charge relocated the bucket.
    • Observed that both the rear delivery door and the side kitchen door are not completely sealed.
    • Observed that the facility does not have a high temperature thermometer to measure the dish machine temperature.
    • Observed that the PSI gauge read 40.
    • Observed that the tops of the ovens/steamers require cleaning.
• Subway, 125 Corporate Drive Suite # 109 Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: Oct. 7
  • Total violations: 13
    • The person in charge is not a certified manager.
    • Observed baked bread sitting on the racks to cool without overhead protection. The person in charge covered the bread by placing a baking pan on the top shelf.
    • Observed the ice chute on the soda machine soiled.
    • Observed meatballs hot holding at 131'F-135'F in the hot holding station.
    • There was no temperature measuring device located in the refrigeration units.
    • No thin-probed food thermometer available on site.
    • Observed multiple employees conducted food preparation process wearing wrist jewelry.
    • Observed the only food employee on duty without proper hair restraints.
    • Observed several broken plastic container lids.
    • Observed accumulations of debris on the following non-food contact surfaces: 1) Under table which is being used as overhead coverage of plates, 2) shelving units, 3) beverage tubes 4) cabinet located under soda machine, 5) plastic drawers where single service articles and equipment were stored. Observed single use label on a container after it washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
    • Observed the a leak in the handwashing sink.
    • Observed the ceiling vents in need of cleaning.
    • Observed the following: 1) a broken light shield in the back of the house, 2) blown out lights in the kitchen.
• China Delight Restaurant, 300 Chatham Heights Road Suite #107 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  • Date inspected: Oct. 7
  • Total violations: 20
    • Observed an employee set up Chlorine sanitizer with their bare hands and then proceed to handle a clean bowl on shelf above the 3 vat sink, without washing their hands. Instructed the food employee to wash their hands.
    • Observed uncovered food containers in the small and large prep coolers, inside the walk in cooler and spices/condiments on a cart by the cook line. The inspection was conducted when the facility opened and food operations were not being conducted.
    • Observed raw shell eggs stored over containers of sauce in the and packaged raw chicken stored over canned beverages in the walk in cooler. The raw animal foods were relocated to prevent contamination.
    • Observed the can opener soiled. The can opener was removed to the three compartment sink for cleaning and sanitizing.
    • Observed the following food contact equipment soiled: Two knives on top of the small prep cooler, food contact surfaces of the meat grinder, stack of metal collanders and bowls on shelf above the 3 vat sink, container of utensils suspended from the shelf above the 3 vat sink and rack of various equipment on the drainboard next to the sanitizer basin of the 3 vat sink. All equipment with the exception of the meat grinder were removed to the three vat sink for cleaning and sanitizing. Instructed the person in charge to clean the meat grinder prior to next use.
    • Observed the interior of the microwave oven soiled.
    • Observed opened bag of cooked chicken dumplings in the small prep cooler and container of noodles in the walk in cooler which were not labeled to identify the date of opening/preparation or discard date. The person in charge reported the bag of chicken dumplings was opened and the noodles prepared the day prior and placed a date label on the foods.
    • Observed harboraging conditions in the food establishment. Observed heavy accumulation of debris on the exterior surfaces of food contact equipment and floors throughout the facility, especially under cooking equipment. The food establishment is also leaving opened containers of food from the previous day overnight for cleaning the next day. Strongly encouraged the person in charge to clean food contact equipment nightly and conduct a thorough cleaning of the facility to prevent attraction of pests.
    • Through discussion with the person in charge, the food establishment has partitioned the dining room with a wall barrier and door, which is not currently available for guests, and permits children to sit in the area. However, this room is also being used for dry food storage. During the inspection their was evidence of laptops and other personal articles at and under a table in this area. Instructed the person in charge to relocate a table to the lobby for the children us use which is separated from the food storage area.
    • Observed numerous wiping cloths held overnight in Chlorine sanitizer solution held at 10 ppm. Instructed the person in charge to remove wiping cloths for cleaning and sanitizing.
    • Observed dispensing utensils used for cooked rice holding in a container of water at 83 degrees F by the rice warmers. The person in charge removed the utensils for cleaning and sanitizing. Discussed storing the utensils in a clean container and removing at least once every 4 hours for cleaning and sanitizing.
    • Observed french fries in deep freezer #1 and wontons in the small prep unit were in direct contact with plastic shopping bags. The person in charge removed the food from the plastic shopping bags during the inspection.
    • Observed the 3 compartment sink and handsink are not sealed the the adjacent wall.
    • The nonfood contact surfaces of all food contact equipment, including shelving and nonfood contact surfaces of food equipment stored on shelving, are in need of thorough cleaning. Heavy accumulation of debris and oil residue was noted during the inspection. Instructed the person in charge to clean equipment.
    • Through discussion with the person in charge, the facility has numerous types of equipment and materials which was observed soiled but not being used. Discussed cleaning of the equipment and storage in a covered container or removal from the premises.
    • The floors, walls and ceiling vents throughout the facility are in need of cleaning, especially inside the walk in cooler and under and behind food contact equipment.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: Numerous blown out or missing ceiling lights in the back of the house, floor tiles in need of grouting and damaged coving on the exterior of the walk in cooler.
    • Observed significant accumulation of build-up on the hood vents and fire suppression sprayers in the hood system.
    • Observed 13 food candles of light at the cook line and less less than 10 foot candles of light inside the walk in cooler. Observed missing and blown out ceiling lights in the back of the house.
    • Observed employee foods are being stored in various areas of the walk in cooler without labeling or segregation of food used for customers. Discussed segregating and labeling employee foods.
• Wilderness Elementary School, 11600 Catharpin Road Spotsylvania, VA 22553
  • Date inspected: Oct. 7
  • Total violations: 2
    • The interior surfaces of the ice machine were observed soiled. Machine was cleaned during inspection.
    • The final rinse water pressure was too high during final rinse. The pressure as measured on the in-line gauge was 40 psi.
• Randolph's on the River, 136 Main Street Port Royal, VA 22535
  • Date inspected: Oct. 7
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed flies in the kitchen.
    • Observed a large gap along the side of the rear kitchen door.
    • Observed a broken wall buy the door in the bar area.
• Aladin Restautrant, 9901 Southpoint Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: Oct. 7
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed several bi-metallic probe food thermometers provided, but not a thin diameter probe for measuring cooking temperatures of thin meats/fish. (The PIC ordered a thin probe thermometer during the inspection.)
    • Observed gap at the bottom of the back door.
    • Observed no sanitizer test kit available for the Oasis 146 sanitizer used at the 3-compartment sink. (PIC ordered a test kit during inspection.)
    • Observed no irreversible registering temperature indicator to measure surface temperature of equipment ran through the high temperature sanitizing dish machine. (During inspection, the PIC ordered the item.)
• Subway (Massaponax), 4605 Southpoint Plaza Way Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: Oct. 7
  • Total violations: 1
    • Meat side of the prep unit has not been repaired but it was discovered the facility was still using it. The following food temperatures were observed: grilled chicken breast (71'F), cooked bacon (68'F), deli sliced turkey (68'F), deli sliced ham (58'F), sliced pepperoni (58'F), sliced salami (60'F), sliced cheese (57'F), tuna slald (63'F), teriyaki chicken (65'F), shredded chicken (64'F), chicken chunks (56'F). Food was voluntarily discarded during inspection. Repairman arrived during inspection.
• El Molcajete Moya 2, 125 Corporate Drive Suite #105 Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: Oct. 7
  • Total violations: 20
    • No certified food protection manager available.
    • The person in charge was unable to provide documentation of training relating to the employee health policy for this facility.
    • Adequate hand drying means is not provided in handwash area at the front and back of the house.
    • Soap was not provided at two handwashing sinks in the back and in the front of the house.
    • A food employee was observed washing his single use gloves. EHS requested that the employee remove his gloves, wash his hands, and don a new pair of gloves.
    • Observed that the can opener, slicer, and mixer are soiled. The person in charge moved the items to the dish machine area for cleaning.
    • Observed an employee wash two knives with soap, rinse with water, and store in the drying area, failing to properly sanitize the equipment.
    • The following equipment food contact surfaces were observed soiled to sight and touch: 1. Three knives, 2. one ladle, 3. one lemon squeezer. 4. two spatulas. The person in charge removed the items to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
    • Observed rice that was made 2 hours prior to the inspection, sitting on in the microwave at 85'F. The person in charge heated the rice to 165'F then placed in the hot holding unit.
    • Observed restaurant-made sauces and pico de gallo are not properly dated for disposition.
    • Observed an unlabeled bottle of chemical stored next to silverware in the front of the house. The person in charge labeled the bottle and relocated it.
    • Observed ROP fish in the walk-in cooler thawing. The person in charge discarded the fish.
    • Observed boxes of food stored directly on the floor.
    • Observed wet wiping cloth being use for wiping the counter then was placed on the counter while wet. The person in charge placed the wet cloth in the sanitizer bucket.
    • Observed single-service articles placed on the shelf without over head protection.
    • Observed unwrapped plastic stored in different directions.
    • Observed several sour cream containers that were re-used to store other food items.
    • Observed a metal band pastry brush which is not designed and constructed to be durable, located in the food container in the prep unit.
    • Observed the hose connected to the faucet on the mop sink without a back flow prevention device.
    • Observed the air vent in the walk-in cooler in need of cleaning.
• Shirley Heim Middle School, 320 Telegraph Road, Stafford, VA 22554
  • Date inspected: Oct. 12
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed that the table top mixer requires cleaning. The person in charge instructed one of the employees to clean the mixer.
    • Observed single service utensils and dispensing utensils stored with the food-contact surface facing upwards.
• L.E.D., 1 Towne Center #Suite #2100 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: Oct. 12
  • Note: The following were not technically considered violations during this pre-opening inspection, but were discussed with the person in charge.
    • The menu missing consumer advisory on all burgers.
    • Replace/repair the lights in the women's restroom, over the bar, the storage room, prep sink area, walk in freezer, walk in cooler, in ventilation hood system, and dishwasher area.
    • Soap and paper towels at all handwashing sinks.
    • Repair ceiling in storage room.
    • Clean the area outside the exterior back door.
    • Repair dishwasher.
    • Ensure all cold holding equipment is maintaining temperature (41 F or below).
    • Relocate ice scoop location.
    • Clean interior of glass chillers in the bar area and ice machine filter.
    • Gap between hood filters.
    • Recaulk mop sink.
    • Repair plumbing at dishwasher handwashing sink.
    • Pest control.
• Sushi Kola, 1811 Carl D. Silver Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  • Date inspected: Oct. 12
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed flying insects coming out of the floor drain located between the back exterior door and dry food storage racks.

Here are the locations that received a visit from the health department, but did not have any violations recorded:

• Ike & Rita's Bakery & Cafe
• Subway #12222