Fredericksburg Restaurant Inspections: Flies, Mold, And Mildew

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — During recent restaurant inspections by the Rappahannock Area Health District uncovered violations at more than a dozen locations around Fredericksburg and Stafford. The inspections were conducted between Dec. 1 and Dec. 7.

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.

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

• Fas Mart # 2, 2515 Salem Church Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: Dec. 1
  • Total violations: 19
    • The person in charge was unable to provide documentation of training relating to the employee health policy for this facility. EHS provided an employee health policy sample.
    • No hand washing sign was provided in the male's restroom. The person in charge placed a hand washing sign.
    • Observed mildew on a cardboard box, that contained expired cheese and salami sandwiches, the use by date is 9/11/2021. The PIC discarded the items.
    • Observed the microwave and several baking pans to be soiled.
    • Observed that the can opener to be soiled. The person in charge moved the item to the dish machine area for cleaning.
    • Observed several containers that were soiled to the sight and touch. The person in charge removed the items to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
    • Observed the following items hot holding in the hot holding station at improper temperatures: 1) four boxes individually boxed pepperoni pizza (122'F), 2) three boxes individually boxed breakfast pizza that contained sausage (128'F). The person in charge (PIC) reported the food was prepared an hour and thirty minutes prior to checking the temperature. The PIC discarded the items.
    • Observed a bag of mashed potatoes (53'F) and a container of beef gravy (57'F) on the counter. The PIC could not remember exactly when they were pulled out of the walk-in-cooler. The items were discarded.
    • Observed a container of corn and a container of corned beef hash that were not properly dated for disposition. Items were discarded during the inspection. EHS explained the importance of the date marking system.
    • Observed several boxes of single service articles stored directly on the floor.
    • Observed several unused and non-functioning equipment stored in the kitchen, and duct tape under the three compartment sink.
    • Observed soiled cardboard boxes being used in the kitchen as containers for unused items and as liners.
    • The quaternary ammonium chloride testing strips available on site were expired in February 2020.
    • Observed the following in need of cleaning: 1) Cup holders in the front of the house, 2) Under the fryers. 3) Wire shelving above the 3-compartment sink, 4) interior and exterior of oven, 5) counters,
    • Observed the handwashing sink in the kitchen, the toilet in the female restroom, and the urinal in the male restroom in need of cleaning.
    • Observed two outdoor refuse containers uncovered.
    • Observed the following areas in need of cleaning: 1) the stainless steel wall behind the frying station, 2) floor under the fryers, 3) ceiling tiles, and ceiling vents, walls, and floors throughout the facility including walk-in-cooler and freezer.
    • Observed the following in need of repair: 1) hand washing sink need to be re-caulked, 2) broken floor tiles throughout the facility, 3) several ceiling tiles throughout the facility need to be re-adjusted, 4) sealant between the coving and the wall near the mop sink has become eroded, 5) chipped paint, 6) several broken walls throughout the facility, 6) door frame in the female's restroom.
    • Observed the following employees' personal belongings stored next to food and equipment: 1) a walking cane in the front of the house, 2) a jacket hung on the dry storage shelving unit, 3) a lighter in a container with utensils.
• McDonald’s #18044, 2300 Plank Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 2
  • Total violations: 5
    • The following were observed in need of cleaning: 1. floors underneath equipment 2. ceiling tiles throughout the kitchen are stained 3. AC vents in the kitchen were observed with mold-like growth.
    • Observed chipped coving tiles in the walk in cooler and a missing coving tile next to the meat deep freezer.
    • Observed the upsplash of all the coffee, tea brewers and the juice machine are heavily soiled.
    • Observed two boxes of happy meal boxes and one box of coffee filters stored on the floor. During the inspection a food employee relocated this items to a shelf.
    • Observed the interior surfaces of the ice machine are soiled.
• Shoppers Food Warehouse #2372, 1505 Stafford Market Place Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 2
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed salad dressing that expired on 11/1/21 and mac & cheese that expired on 11/25/21. The person in charge discarded the items.
    • Observed that the women's restroom has numerous small flies in it. EHS discussed this with the person in charge.
    • Observed that the sprayer hose on the hot bar line does not have a dual check valve on the line.
    • Observed that the air vent covers in the walk in refrigeration units are in need of detailed cleaning.
• Life Active Nutrition & Energy, 50 Dunn Drive Suite 121 Stafford, VA 22556
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 2
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed employee wait on a customer than make her drink without washing his hands in between. EHS discussed this with the person in charge.
    • Observed that the inside of the ice machine requires cleaning.
    • Per discussion with the person in charge, the facility is not washing, rinsing, and sanitizing the equipment. EHS discussed with the person in charge the set up of the 3-compartment sink.
    • Observed that the reach in cooler and reach in freezer do not have thermometers.
• Bright Beginnings Childcare Center, 85 Cleremont Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 2
  • Total violations: 9
    • The food establishment does not have an employee who is a certified food protection manager. The owner reported she has registered for a certified food protection manager course online. The facility is conducting cooling in the food establishment.
    • The person in charge could not provide verification of employee health training but was able to communicate symptoms and illnesses requiring reporting. The owner arrived during the inspection and reported the documents were at home and she would email the employee health training.
    • Observed two loaves of bread and one package of rolls on the countertop which were moldy. The person in charge voluntarily discarded for safety.
    • Observed three cartons of shell eggs stored over ready to eat packaged shredded cheese and whole cucumbers in the refrigerator. Worked with the person in charge to relocate the shell eggs to the bottom drawer.
    • Observed opened package of bolonga and hot dogs which were dated 11/15/2021 and 11/3/2021, respectively. The person in charge voluntarily discarded for safety. Discussed date marking and disposition requirements for commercially processed TCS foods.
    • Observed a spray bottle with bleach which is used to disinfect tables which the children have their meals was observed exceeding 200 ppm. The person in charge voluntarily discarded for safety and Chlorine concentration on food contact surfaces were discussed.
    • Observed plates and bowls with the food contact surface facing upward and without adequate overhead protection, stored in containers on the kitchen countertop and food service was not being conducted. Worked with the person in charge to invert the top plate and bowl to protect from contamination
    • The 3 compartment and kitchen handwashing sink are no longer sealed to the adjacent walls.
    • The person in charge could not provide a Quaternary Ammonium testing kit for the Steramine sanitizer. The facility had Chlorine test kits but had low-splash bleach on the premises. Discussed use and concentration of plain unscented bleach.
• Merit School @ The Castle, 6306 Old Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 2
  • Total violations: 9
    • The person in charge was unable to provide documentation of training relating to the employee health policy for this facility. The person in charge was able to pull a policy form the file and will have the food employee sign it.
    • Observed a food employee wipe the counter with a wet towel and put on a hair restraint, donned gloves without washing their hands, then started portioning fruit for the children. EHS advised the food employee to wash their hands and discussed proper hand washing procedures.
    • Observed raw shelled eggs stored near and above ready to eat food at the reach-in-cooler.
    • The following equipment food contact surfaces were observed soiled to sight and touch: 1) Three ladles, 2) several lids and cutting boards were stored in between the wall and sink faucet, 3) two containers, 4) two lids. The person in charge placed the items in the 3-compartment sink.
    • Observed the following foods that were prepared over 24 hours, not properly dated for disposition: 1) two bowls of macaroni and cheese, 2) Oatmeal, 3) deli turkey. All items were properly dated during the inspection.
    • Observed a food employees preparing food without proper hair restraints.
    • The testing kit that measures the concentration of sanitizing solutions that was available on site expired on April 2020.
    • The nonfood contact surfaces of the interior of the reach-in- cooler and freezer, and the shelving units are soiled.
    • Observed the sink in the employees' restroom in need of cleaning. The sink was cleaned during the inspection.
• Starbucks Coffee #10621 (Harrison’s Crossing), 5811 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 2
  • Total violations: 3
    • Person in charge could not provide test stips or the chemical sanitizing dish machine of the facility.
    • Observed debris around the dumpster area.
    • Observed the following are in need of cleaning: 1.floors underneath equipment in the front service area and floors underneath shelves and equipment in the back storage area. 2. Several ceiling tiles were observed stained in the back storage area.
• Tropical Smoothie Cafe, 1465 Stafford Market Place Suite 115 Stafford, VA 22556
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 2
  • Total violations: 8
    • The person in charge could not provide documentation for employee health. EHS provided information on this.
    • Observed the employee handle equipment then put on gloves without washing his hands. Observed the employee leave the prep area, put on new gloves, then return to preparing foods without washing his hands. EHS discussed this with the person in charge.
    • Observed that the inside of the oven, the penni grill, and microwave require cleaning.
    • Observed chemical spray bottles hanging over the front hand sink. The person in charge relocated the bottles.
    • Observed employees working in the kitchen without beard and hair restraints.
    • Observed that the faucet on the rear hand sink is leaking.
    • The following physical facilities require cleaning: pipes under the 3-compartment sink and all of the air vent covers to include the walk in refrigeration units and the restrooms.
    • Observed the light out over the walk in cooler and at the end of the prep line.
• King’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant, 7983 Kings Highway King George, VA 22485
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 2
  • Total violations: 1
    • Open drinking containers stored in a manner that may contaminate food, food contact surfaces or utensils. Observed two uncovered drinks stored on a prep table. Drinks were covered during inspection.
• Mama’s Pizza & Subs, 5028 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 2
  • Total violations: 1
    • 5 foot candles of light inside the dry storage area, observed blown out ceiling lights. Discussed replacing burned out ceiling lights to increase the lighting.
• Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria, 7835 Dolly’s Court King George, VA 22485
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 2
  • Total violations: 2
    • The interior surfaces of the deep fryer cabinets were noted in need of cleaning.
    • Observed several mops stored with the mop head in the mop sink. Mops were hung up during inspection.
• Children of America Deacon Road, LLC, 2 South Pointe Lane Suite 105 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 3
  • Total violations: 6
    • Observed a food employee rinse out a washcloth in the only handsink in the kitchen. Informed the food employee handsinks are to be used for handwashing only.
    • Observed shell eggs stored on a shelf over packaged milk in the 1 door upright cooler. The eggs were relocated to prevent contamination.
    • Observed food employees without proper hair restraints working in the kitchen.
    • Observed the following areas in need of cleaning: Interior of ceiling light covers, ceiling vent in the kitchen and employee toilet room and ceiling tile frames.
    • Observed two mops with the mop heads sitting inside a bucket inside the mop sink. Discussed proper storage of mops during the inspection.
    • Observed employee's food stored in the 1 door upright cooler which was not segregated from food used to prepare children's meals. Discussed labeling and segregating employee foods in refrigeration units. Encouraged purchasing a separate refrigeration unit to store staff food.
• Hardee’s of Four Mile Fork #2561, 5107 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 3
  • Total violations: 8
    • No disposable towels were provided a the hand washing lavatory at the front of the kitchen. Towels were provided during inspection.
    • The interior of the microwave oven was observed soiled. Oven was cleaned during inspection.
    • Observed 5 scoops, a whisk and a serving spoon that were soiled to the sight and touch hanging above the breading station. Items were taken to the 3 compartment sink to be cleaned and sanitized.
    • The 3 compartment sink needs to be sealed to the wall.
    • The following non-food contact surfaces were observed heavily soiled: 1-outer surfaces of the ice machine, 2-outer surfaces of the cooking oil pump and filter machine, 3-outer surfaces of the convection ovens, 4-outer surfaces of the on-demand water heater, 5-the pan racks in the walk in cooler, 6-outer surfaces of the char broiler, 7-the table under the char broiler, 8-outer surfaces of the burger freezer, 9-inside of the line reach in freezer, 10-the gaskets on all coolers and freezers in the kitchen, 11-the outer surfaces of the make line hot holding unit, 12-inside of the make line under counter reach in cooler, 13-gas lines of the deep fryers, 14-outer surfaces of the deep fryers, 15-the surfaces of the deep fryer hot holding unit, 16-the outer surfaces of the equipment at the drive-thru station, 17-the wire shelving throughout the kitchen, 18-the shelving in the outside storage room, 19-the upsplash of the dining room soda dispenser. IN GENERAL, ALL EQUIPMENT SURFACES ARE IN NEED OF A DEEP CLEANING.
    • The bare wood hanging above the mop sink is not smooth and easily cleanable.
    • The following physical structures were noted in need of cleaning: 1-the floors throughout the kitchen, 2-the walls throughout the kitchen, 3-the ceiling tiles throughout the kitchen, 4-the floors in the walk in cooler underneath the shelving, 5-the floors in the outside storage room, 6-the floors in the outside reach in freezer. IN GENERAL, ALL WALLS, FLOORS AND CEILINGS IN THE FACILITY ARE IN NEED OF A THOROUGH CLEANING.
    • Intake and exhaust air ducts are not being cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials.
• McDonald’s Restaurant #3258l, 5642 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 6
  • Total violations: 9
    • Observed a food employee scrub thier hands with soap under running water for less than 5 seconds. EHS discussed proper handwashing procedures with the person in charge.
    • Observed two handwashing sinks with temperatures of 95 degres F and 77 degrees F.
    • Observed two handwashing sinks with no paper towels. During the inspection the person in charge provided paper towels at both hand sinks.
    • Observed trays of raw shell eggs being stored above cooked fold eggs and a continer of canadian bacon in a reach in cooler. Durng the inspection the person in charge rearranged the raw shell eggs to the bottom of the cooler.
    • Observed the interior surface of the ice machine soiled.
    • Observed 3 food employees working without hair restraints.
    • Observed an accumulation of ice on the ceiling in the back of the walk in freezer.
    • Observed the caulking at the 3 compartment sink is missing and needs replacing.
    • Observed the following: 1.Floors underneath equipment need cleaning. 2.Ceiling fan vents in the men and womens bathroom were soiled.
• Subway of Stafford, 475 Aquia Town Center #107 Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 6
  • Total violations: 10
    • Observed 0.8 foot candles of light inside the walk in cooler and 9.2 foot candles of light at the 3 compartment sink. Observed blown out ceiling lights in the vicinity of the warewashing area.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: Blown out ceiling lights in the back of the house and ceiling tiles above the back handsink are not securely attached to the frame.
    • The following areas are noted in need of cleaning: walk in freezer floors, floors throughout the back of the house, including under shelving, 3 vat and handwashing sinks in the back of the house, ceiling tiles in the back of the house, ceiling light cover above sandwich prep cooler #1.
    • Accumulation of grime and debris were noted on the upsplash of the soda machine and soda machine trough in the dining room.
    • The front handwashing sink and 3 compartment sink are not sealed to the adjacent counter/wall.
    • Observed multiple boxes of single use articles of food (packaged croutons/condiments) stored under the plumbing connections inside the cabinet at the front handwashing sink. Discussed relocation of the single use articles to prevent contamination.
    • Observed container of tuna salad (48 degrees F) in sandwich prep cooler #1 and three containers of tuna salad (54, 57, 54 degrees F) in the 2 door reach in cooler cold holding at improper temperatures. The person in charge reported the tuna salad was prepared the evening prior and held overnight in the 2 door reach in cooler. The tuna salad in sandwich prep cooler #1 was pulled from the 2 door reach in cooler prior to the inspection. The person in charge voluntarily discarded for safety. Instructed the person in charge to discontinue holding TCS foods in the unit until evaluated by a technician. TCS foods placed in the unit at 10:00 a.m. were relocated to the walk in cooler.
    • Observed numerous black silicon mats used in contact with bread and one stainless steel spoon soiled to the sight at the 3 vat sink. The equipment was removed for cleaning.
    • Observed a food employee on two separate occasions lather their hands under running water. Hands were not effectively cleaned due to hand soap being flushed down the drain. Demonstrated and discussed correct handwashing procedures during the inspection.
    • The food establishment does not have a certified food protection manager and conducts multi-stage cooling of meatballs.
• Cavalier Family Skating Center, 1924 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 6
  • Total violations: 12
    • Observed the interior of the ice machine and can opener soiled. The can opener was removed to the 3 compartment sink for cleaning.
    • Observed interior of the microwave oven soiled.
    • Observed three lighters stored in a container with various dispensing utensils. The lighters were removed to prevent contamination.
    • The person in charge could not provide a thin-probed food thermometer to monitor internal temperatures of thin massed foods.
    • Observed box of Flavorcol for the popcorn, box of Sun Chips and boxes of single use condiments stored on the floor. Discussed elevating boxes at least 6 inches off the ground.
    • Observed ice scoop in the ice well by the popcorn machine stored with the handle sitting in the ice. The ice scoop was removed to the 3 compartment sink for cleaning.
    • Observed the 3 vat sink, mop sink and front handwashing sink are not sealed to the adjacent walls/equipment.
    • Observed multiple Quaternary Ammonium testing kits which expired between 2013 and 2015. Discussed purchasing new testing kits.
    • Accumulation of grime and debris were observed on the following non food contact surfaces: Pre-wash sprayer, nacho cheese and chili hot holding unit, container used to store single use disposable cups (next to the chili machine), base of the Nemco pizza hot holding unit, base of pizza oven and popcorn machine and ice scoop inside the ice machine.
    • Observed the following in poor repair: Cracked floor tiles, damaged wall under the pizza ovens, and paint is peeling by the mop sink.
    • Observed the following areas in need of cleaning: Floors and walls throughout, ceiling tiles in the back prep area, and shower area used to store wet mops.
    • Observed the ceiling tile in the back prep area used to store food and houses refrigeration equipment are not smooth or easily cleanable and were observed soiled.
• Hughes Home For Adults, 100 Caroline St Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 6
  • Total violations: 7
    • Observed the blade of the table mounted can opener was soiled. During the inspection the can opener was relocated to the dish washing area.
    • Per discussion with the person in charge the pots and pans washed by hand are not currently undergoing the sanitizing step. EHS discussed ith the person in charge the proper dish washing procedures.
    • Observed four sheet trays heavily encrusted with grime and grease.
    • Person in charge was unable to provide a small thin probe thermometer.
    • The following equipment was observed in poor repair: 1. The bottom shelf of the dish machine table is heavily rusted. 2. Several cutting boards were observed heavily scored.
    • The following non-food contact surfaces were observed soiled: 1.The upsplash of the coffee maker. 2. Shelves of the dry food storage were heavily soild to sight and touch. 3. Drawers of prep tables in the kitchen were observed with food debris.
    • The following were observed soiled: 1.The floors of the dry storage room and floors underneath the dismachine area are in need of cleaning. 2. Several stained ceiling tiles in the kitchen. 3. Wall mounted fan behind the dish machine is heavily soiled and dusty.
• Staybridge Suites, 2996 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 6
  • Total violations: 19
    • The only food employee who was in charge of the kitchen during the inspection was not properly trained in food safety, including hand washing procedures and proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, as it relates to their assigned duties. The manager came in during the inspection and was able demonstrate knowledge.
    • 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. EHS provided an employee health policy that was read and signed during the inspection.
    • Per discussion with the food employee, the three compartment sink is being used for handwashing. Employee was instructed to wash their hands only at the handwashing sink.
    • Soap was not provided at the only hand washing sink in the kitchen. The food employee placed a liquid dish soap bottle at the hand sink until a bottle of hand soap can be provided.
    • Observed three turkeys that were in the process of thawing stored over pre-cooked sausage links and eggs in the reach-in-freezer which appeared to be malfunctioning as the temperature measured 53'F. The person in charge relocated the items.
    • Observed soiled utensils to the sight and touch that were stored in a drawer.
    • Observed the following equipment to be soiled: up splash of the coffee brewer, 2) the ice chute on the soda machine, 3) the nozzles of the juice machine. The person in charge instructed the food employee to clean the equipment.
    • 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.
    • Observed the following time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food cold holding at improper temperatures at the self service area: Cream cheese 60'F and 2% Milk 53'F. The person in charge placed the items in the reach-in-cooler.
    • The sanitizer solution used is not approved for food contact surfaces. The person in charge will start using a approved sanitized and testing strips.
    • Observed the following stored next to paper towels and utensils: 1) a bottle of restroom cleaner, 2) a bottle peroxide multi surface cleaner. The person in charge relocated the bottles.
    • Observed several bulk containers that were not labeled in the self service area.
    • Observed the only food employee in the kitchen without proper hair restraints.
    • Observed unwrapped single service forks stored with the lip-contact surface in different directions, in the self service area. The person in charge discarded the forks.
    • Observed boxes of single service articles stored directly on the floor in the dry storage area.
    • Observed reach-in-freezer in disrepair (53'F). The person in charge contacted the maintenance company to repair the unit.
    • A direct connection exists between the drain line of the three compartment sink and the sewer line.
    • Observed the following employees' personal belongings stored next to food and equipment. 1) a jacket placed on the shelving rack, 2) a purse, and 3) a cell phone on the counter. The person in charge relocated the items.
• TownePlace Suites By Marriott, 2772 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 7
  • Total violations: 7
    • Observed 17 foot candles of light in the vicinity of the three compartment sink. Observed burned out ceiling lights in the vicinity.
    • Observed accumulation of debris on the following nonfood contact surfaces: Paper towel dispenser, cabinet under the juice machine in the breakfast area, upsplash of the coffee brewers and dish drain.
    • Observed boxes of single use articles stored on the floor in the kitchen.
    • Observed bagels, english muffins and croissants which are individually packaged in the facility for consumer self-service in the breakfast area are not labeled to identify the ingredients and potential allergens. Provide manufacturer label or create a label to inform guests.
    • The interior surfaces of the microwave oven in the kitchen were observed soiled.
    • The food establishment does not have a certified food protection manager and the facility uses time as a public health control for TCS foods.
    • The person in charge could not communicate hot holding temperature requirements for TCS foods, symptoms and illnesses requiring restriction or exclusion, communicate food allergens, or communicate Quaternary Ammonium sanitizer concentration requirements. Strongly encouraged food safety training to prevent food safety risks.

However, not all the restaurants that the health department visited had violations. Here are a list of locations that were visited, but had no violations. Some were visited as part of pre-opening inspections, while others received routine or follow-up visits.

• Courtyard by Marriott
• J Brian's Tap Room
• St. William of York School
• Nori Japan
• Jersey Mike's Subs
• Stir Fry 88
• America's Best Wings