Fredericksburg Restaurant Inspections: Sonic, Sakura, Sakae Thai & Sushi

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — More than a dozen restaurants around the Fredericksburg area recorded violations during recent health department inspections. The most recently published inspections occurred between March 2 and March 8.

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.

Want to keep up with the latest news around Fredericksburg? Subscribe to Fredericksburg Patch to have the biggest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

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:

• Sonic Drive In, 240 McWhirt Loop Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  • Date inspected: March 2
  • Total violations: 13
    • Observed the following: 1- Employee handle the sanitizer bucket with single use disposable gloves, remove gloves and don new gloves to handle unwrapped single use article (take out paper bag), 2- Observed a food employee touch a heavily soiled towel wearing single use disposable gloves, remove gloves and prepare to don gloves to engage in food preparation task without washing their hands prior to donning new gloves. Instructed the employees to remove gloves and wash their hands. Discussed handwashing requirements with the person in charge.
    • Observed 6 stainless steel containers of food uncovered in the cold well without adequate overhead protection. Foods were not actively being used at the time of the observation. During the inspection a food employee placed lids on the containers.
    • Observed the interior of the ice machine soiled.
    • Through discussion with the person in charge the shake machine wands are sanitized after every use but are not being washed, facility is conducting a sanitization step only. Informed the person in charge equipment in contact with TCS foods are required to be cleaned and sanitized at least once every 4 hours. The person in charge also communicated the interior of the shake machines are cleaned and sanitized once a week. Informed the person in charge the shake machines are required to be cleaned and sanitized once every 24 hours.
    • Observed tater tots (116, 120, 122 degrees F) hot holding at improper temperatures in the French fry hot holding equipment. The person in charge discarded the food for safety.
    • Observed sliced cheese (45 degrees F) cold holding at improper temperatures inside the top of the prep cooler. The person in charge could not verify how long the cheese was in the unit and voluntarily discarded the food for safety.
    • Observed two wiping cloth buckets which measured at 150 ppm, the sanitizer requirements state 200-400 ppm. Also observed 3-4 wet and soiled cloths held in the small wares rinse basin. During the inspection the person in charge discarded the wiping cloth buckets are retitrated to 200 ppm and removed the wet and soiled cloths to be cleaned.
    • Observed accumulation of grime and debris on the following nonfood contact surfaces: Interior and gaskets of reach in refrigeration equipment, exterior vent of the prep cooler, grate inside the steamer, shelving throughout the facility, inside fryers and exterior of the oil receptacle in the refuse area.
    • Observed significant accumulation of debris in the refuse enclosure including oil which has dripped on the ground from the oil storage receptacle.
    • Observed the oil storage receptacle and both dumpster doors were opened, oil receptacle was filled with oil. During the inspection the person in charge closed the lids.
    • The floor throughout the facility is unsealed concrete
    • Observed the following in need of cleaning: Vents inside toilet rooms, interior ceiling light covers in the back of house near the dry storage, ceiling tiles and caulking at the 3 vat sink.
    • Observed 3.2 and 2.2 foot candles of light inside the walk in cooler and freezer, respectively.
• Checkers 5900, 3901 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: March 2
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed the following: 1. Ice build-up outside of hamburger freezer. 2. Gap between hood filters at flat top grill.
    • The non food contact surfaces of the following were observed soiled with debris: 1. The interior of reach in freezer. 2. The interior surface of the fryer cabinet. 3. The heat lamp on the top shelf. 4. The walk-in cooler above the fans.
    • The following are in need of cleaning: 1. The ceiling vents and tiles were observed soiled throughout the establishment. 2. Peeling paint on ceiling vent in front of the flat top grill.
• Sakae Thai & Sushi Bar, 430 Chatham Heights Road, Suite #101 Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  
  • Date inspected: March 2
  • Total violations: 32
  • Note: Facility had been operating without a permit since November 2021. The restaurant received a permit after their inspection.
    • 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, employees read and signed during inspection.
    • Observed an employee rinse their hands with water, then dried hands using their apron. Observation was discussed with the person in charge.
    • Food employee was observed cleaning their hands at the three compartment sink. Employee was instructed to wash their hands only at the handwashing sink.
    • Observed an employee handle soiled dishes then proceeded to engage in food preparation without first washing her hands. Employee was asked to wash her hands.
    • The following were observed: 1- a bowl in the handwashing sink located next to the walk-in-cooler. 2- a food employee washed a container at the same handwashing sink. EHS informed the food employees of the proper use of the handwashing sinks.
    • Observed the following: 1) a container of raw chicken stored by a container of cooked rice in the walk-in-cooler. 2) two containers of raw chicken stored above several containers of ready to eat food. The person in charge relocated the items.
    • Several containers and knives were observed soiled to the touch and sight. PIC relocated the items to be washed, rinsed and sanitized.
    • Observed an employee wash a knife and a cutting board with soap, rinse with water, and store in the drying area, failing to properly sanitize the items. Items were relocated to the dismachine area to be properly washed and sanitized.
    • Observed three containers of cornstarch mixed with small pieces of raw meat used for breading that were left overnight on the counter. The person in charge reported the breading containers used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods are being stored on the counter and changed every 24 hours without sifting. The person in charge discard the items
    • Observed an unlabeled clear bottle by the dishmachine that contained chemical. The person in charge labeled the bottle during the inspection.
    • Observed three packs of thawed out eel stored in the walk-in-cooler. The instructions on the box stated that the product has to be removed from the plastic bags prior to thawing. The person in charge discarded the items.
    • The exterior door which is located in the kitchen is not tight-fitting. This may allow the entry of insects or rodents.
    • Observed several dead flies glued to the fly trap device located on top of the reach in freezer by the office.
    • Observed an insect control device located on the reach in freezer and near equipment. The person in charge relocated the device.
    • Observed several what appeared to be fruit flies throughout the food establishment.
    • Observed several containers of food stored directly on the floor in the storage room (former banquet room), the walk-in cooler and freezer.
    • Observed several wet wiping cloths throughout the facility. The person in charge placed the wet cloths in the sanitizer bucket.
    • Observed several bowls (on the counter) and glasses (by the drinks station) stacked while wet. EHS instructed PIC to dry the items using disposable paper towels. Corrected during the inspection.
    • Observed unwrapped single service spoons and forks stored with the lip-contact surface facing upward. Corrected on site.
    • Observed several boxes of single services articles stored directly on the floor in the storage room (former banquet room). Corrected during the inspection.
    • The ice machine is in need of repair.
    • Observed several soiled cardboard boxes used as liners for utensils and equipment throughout the food establishment.
    • Observed several boxes of single service articles, several opened bags of single service containers, and pots stored in the unused employees restroom located in the kitchen.
    • Accumulation of debris were noted on the following: 1) exterior of ice machine, 2) exterior and interior of cold holding units, 3) prep units, 4) Fryer cabinets, 6) shelves throughout the facility.
    • Observed a hose (connected to the water line) attached to a Y connector in the mop sink basin with an air gap that was less than 1 inch above the flood level rim. During the inspection, the PIC created the required air gap between the hose and flood level rim.
    • Direct connection exists at the 3 compartment sink sewer line.
    • Observed all handwashing sinks to include the sink located in the bar area to be soiled.
    • Observed sleeping mats in the banquet room which is now being used a dry storage room. Per discussion with the person in charge, employees take naps when not working.
    • Observed several large items and equipment that were nonfunctional or no longer used, per the person in charge.
    • Observed the ceiling tiles (including vents), floors, and walls throughout the facility in need of detailed cleaning.
    • Observed the following employees personal belongings stored near food and equipment: 1) Two coffee tumblers in the bar area, 2) a plastic bag and a plate of food near and above ready to eat food in the walk-in-cooler, 3) a bag of rocks used for decoration on the shelving unit near food, 4) a watch on the shelving unit near food, 5 ) medicine near clean glasses in the bar area. The person in charge relocated the items.
    • Observed the hood system and filters soiled with grime and debris.
• King George High School, 10100 Foxes Way King George, VA 22485
  
  • Date inspected: March 2
  • Total violations: 1
    • This food establishment does not have an employee, with management and supervisory responsibility, that is a Certified Food Protection Manager.
• Bubblicious, 3102 #535 Spotsylvania Towne Center Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: March 2
  • Total violations: 9
    • Observed a carton of shell eggs stored in a reach in unit above a container of a RTE foods. During the inspection the person in charge relocated the carton of shell eggs.
    • Observed a stainless steel container left soiled with used tea leaves from the day prior. During the inspection the person in charge moved the container to the 3 compartment sink area.
    • Observed a container of waffle batter made in the facility without a label of when item was made or discarded by. During the inspection the person in charge discarded the waffle batter.
    • Observed a food employee working without a hair restraint.
    • Observed several pieces of wood holding up one side of the ice machine.
    • Observe a heavy build up of ice in the deep freezer.
    • The following non food contact surfaces are in need of cleaning: Interior and exterior of the deep freezer, handles of waffle maker, shelves holding equipment, 3 food prep tables/stations, a floor fan.
    • The following non food contact surfaces are in need of cleaning: Interior and exterior of the deep freezer, handles of waffle maker, shelves holding equipment, 3 food prep tables/stations, a floor fan.
    • Recommend a deep and thorough cleaning of walls behind equipment, floor drain and floors underneath equipment. Floors of the back storage room are also in need of cleaning.
• Country Inn & Suites, 656 Warrenton Road Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: March 3
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed interior of the microwave oven soiled.
    • The food establishment does not have a certified food manager and uses time as a public health control for waffle batter.
• Pino's Pizza, 152 E Broaddus Ave Bowling Green, VA 22427
  
  • Date inspected: March 3
  • Total violations: 7
    • The food-contact equipment surface of the can opener blade is observed soiled with accumulations of grime and debris. Can opener was cleaned during inspection.
    • Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment were not sanitized after cleaning. Items were observed washed and rinsed, but not sanitized. Person in charge talked to employee and the sanitizer compartment of the 3 compartment sink was set up and employee was instructed proper equipment sanitization.
    • Sauteed onions hot holding at improper temperature in bowl near flattop grill. Temperature of onions measured 110'F. Onions were grilled 1/2 hour prior and were placed back on the grill and re-heated to 165'F and then placed in a double boiler of the flattop.
    • The outer door in the kitchen is not self-closing.
    • Employees observed working in the food service area without proper hair restraints.
    • The interior of the deep fryer cabinets and the filters in the ventilation hood system were observed soiled with grime and debris.
    • The ceiling and walls of the kitchen are in need of cleaning.
• Potomac Elementary School, 16495 15th St King George, VA 22485
  
  • Date inspected: March 3
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed comercially processes pulled bbq pork hot holding at improper temperature (120'F) at the seerving line. The hot holding wells on the line had not been turned on that morning. Pork was reheated to 165'F during inspection.
• The Corner Store, 100 N Main St Bowling Green, VA 22427
  
  • Date inspected: March 3
  • Total violations: 1
    • The filters in the hood ventilation system were observed soiled with grease and debris.
• Taco Bell #15564, 730 Warrenton Road Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: March 3
  • Total violations: 7
    • The person in charge reported the interior surfaces of the coffee machine, which brews individual packets of coffee for customers, is cleaned with peroxide cleaner and sanitized with Quaternary Ammonium for portions of the equipment they can reach. The person in charge reported the facility is not cleaning the internal surfaces of the equipment. The unit is connected to the water line. Instructed the person in charge to provide equipment specs for review, the internal surfaces of the equipment is required to be cleaned appropriately. Informed the person in charge peroxide disinfectants are not food safe and are not permitted for use on food contact surfaces.
    • Observed stainless steel containers stacked while wet after chemical sanitizing on wire shelving near the thermalizer.
    • The person in charge provided a Quaternary Ammonium test kit which expired in November 2021. Instructed the person in charge to purchase a new test kit.
    • Observed accumulation of debris on the following nonfood contact surfaces: Interior of the prep cooler, top of bulk storage bins and inside fryers.
    • Observed absence of backflow prevention on the following equipment: 1- The hot water dispenser, which is connected to the water line and 2- Observed a long hose with a spray nozzle attached to a Y-connector at the mop sink. The hose nozzle was observed on the floor outside of the mop sink. The hose was disconnected from the Y-connector during the inspection. Provided backflow prevention handout during the inspection. Discussed appropriate backflow prevention required at these connections.
    • The following were observed in need of cleaning: Floor drain near the hot holding cabinets, floors and walls in the warewashing area, especially under the 3 compartment sink, soiled ceiling tiles in the dining room.
    • Observed packaged maintenance tools store over packaged food in the walk in cooler. Discussed relocating the maintenance equipment to prevent contamination of food. Discussed removing the maintenance tools if they are no longer being used in the facility.
• Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, 5611 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: March 3
  • Total violations: 8
    • Observed the interior surfaces of the two microwaves were heavily soiled.
    • Observed the top interior surfaces of the ice machine were soiled.
    • Observed the in between use utensils stored in a well wit no running water. During the inspection the person in charge turned the water on and informed food employees to leave the water running at all times.
    • Observed uncovered/unprotected rolls of papertowels being stored on a shelf. EHS advised person in charge to keep the rolls of paper towels stored in the box or package it was delivered in to protect from contamination.
    • Observed numerous sheet trays with a heavy biuld up of grime and debris, and a rack at the chicken prep area rusted/chipping paint.
    • Observed several mops not being hung up to dry.
    • Observed the bottom of the front door is damaged and the back edge of the mop sink needs resealing or repainting.
    • Observed 4 foot candles in the walk in cooler and walk in freezer.
• Lafayette Diner, 4010 Lafayette Blvd., #6 Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: March 4
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed the exterior sides of the deep fryer and hood vent filters are in need of cleaning.
    • Observed floors underneath equipment in the kitchen area are in need of cleaning.
• Wildcat Cafe, 2135 Mountain View Dr. Stafford, VA 22556
  
  • Date inspected: March 4
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed interior plastic lip of the ice machine soiled.
    • Observed debris on the food contact surface of the char broiler.
    • Observed opened containers of commercially processed sliced deli chicken and heavy whipping cream were not dated to identify the date the packages were opened. The person in charge reported the package of chicken was opened on 2/28/22 and placed a date sticker on the packaging. The person in charge could not communicate when the whipping cream was opened and voluntarily discarded the product during the inspection.
• Sakura Japanese Steak & Seafood House, 4540 Plank Rd A Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: March 7
  • Total violations: 17
    • Observed 1 food employee eating an ice cream sandwich at the prep table next to the fryer. EHS informed the food employee of the violation and the corrective action. During the inspection, the food employee went to a designated area to eat the ice cream sandwich. (Corrected)
    • Observed 1 food employee wash his hands under running water and under 5 seconds. EHS informed food employee of the proper handwashing procedure. The food employee rewashed before returning to work. (Corrected)
    • Observed a prep table blocking the only handwashing sink in the main kitchen. During the inspection, the PIC relocated the prep table. (Corrected)
    • No handwashing signs at sushi bar hand sink, main kitchen hand sink, employee restroom hand sink, and men's restroom hand sink. PIC posted handwashing signs at hand sinks. (Corrected)
    • Observed 2 food employees wash their hands at the 3 compartment sink. EHS informed food employees of where to wash hands. During the inspection, the food employees rewashed their hands. (Corrected)
    • No paper towels in the employee restroom. During inspection, the PIC provided paper towels. (Corrected)
    • No written agreement/statement from the supplier/aquaculturist stipulating that the fish were raised (open water in net pens; or land-based operations such as farm and tanks) and pellet fed.
    • Observed 1 large container of cooked spaghetti (42°F - 48°F) in the walk-in cooler that was prepared the day before (03/06/2022). During the inspection, the food employee discarded the spaghetti. (Corrected)
    • The following spray bottles were not labeled: 1. One containing bleach hanging from the pre-rinse sink. 2. Two containing degreaser at the handwashing sink. During the inspection, the food employees labeled the spray bottles. (Corrected)
    • Observed a wet cloth over the sushi rice in the sushi rice container at the sushi bar. Food employee removed the wet cloth. (Corrected)
    • Observed 5 food employees working in the kitchen without hair restraints.
    • Observed several wet wiping cloths on prep tables in the kitchen and in the sushi bar area.
    • The following food contact surfaces (FCS) were not protected from contamination: 1. The plates and dipping bowls on the rack at one end of the dishwasher and next to the back exterior door. 2. (Corrected) At the bar, a stirring spoon, ladle, and pestle with the FCS facing up in a cup.
    • Observed food employee drying utensils at the dishwasher with a cloth. EHS informed food employee of the proper drying methods for equipment and utensils. The food employee discontinued drying utensils with cloth. (Corrected)
    • The following are in need of repair: 1. Red tape on corner of ice bin in the server area. 2. Pieces of cardboard between the hood filters at cook line.
    • The following non food contact surfaces are in need of cleaning: 1. Rice cooker is encrusted with debris. 2. The glass doors and door handles of the reach in cooler are encrusted with food debris. 3. The bottom shelf of prep tables are soiled.
    • The following are in need of cleaning: 1. The floor drain under the 3 compartment sink. 2. The floor behind and under the cook line equipment. 3. The floor and wall along the door in the dry storage room at the end of the cook line. 4. The floor in the dry storage room next to the dishwasher. 5. Soiled paper towels on the floor in the employee restroom.
• El Rodeo Restaurant, Inc., 203 Lansdowne Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: March 7
  • Total violations: 14
    • Observed employee washing their hands for a total of 2 seconds. Employee was instructed in proper hand washing techniques.
    • Observed employee washing their hands in the 3 compartment sink. Person in charge instructed employee to use the hand sink for hand washing.
    • The equipment being cleaned in the dish machine were not observed sanitized. There was no measurable sanitizer being dispensed into the machine. A service call was made and the 3 compartment sink was set up to sanitize equipment.
    • The surface of the cutting board along the cook's prep unit was observed heavily stained. Cutting board was taken to the 3 compartment sink to be cleaned.
    • The prepared ready-to-eat (RTE) spanish rice, house salsa, queso, shredded chicken, beef taco meat, stuffed peppers and pupusas in the refrigeration unit is not properly dated for disposition. Items were dated during inspection.
    • Observed two open windows in the kitchen that were not protected by screens.
    • Observed bus tub of cilantro stored on the floor in the walk in cooler. Tub was relocated during inspection.
    • Observed employees working in the kitchen without proper hair restraints.
    • The following equipment was observed in a state of disrepair: 1-the door handle on the walk in cooler (broken off), 2-the wire shelving throughout the kitchen (rusty), 3-the botton shelves of the prep table and the equipment on the cooks line (rusty).
    • The tin foil and cardboard lining the shelving in the kitchen is not smooth or easily cleanable.
    • The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment were observed soiled with an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and/or other debris: 1-the side of the deep fryers and flattop grill on the cook's line, 2-the plastic containers being used to store utensils, 3-wire shelving throughout the kitchen, 4-the chip storage buckets, 5-the outer surfaces of the microwave oven, 6-the top of the convection oven.
    • There is no covered receptacle for sanitary napkins in the toilet room used by females
    • The following physical facilities are in need of repair: 1-2 light fixtures in the kitchen are not working, 2-window broken in the kitchen.
    • The following physical facilities are in need of cleaning: 1-the walls throughout the kitchen, 2-the floors under the equipment in the kitchen, 3-the floorts in the walk in cooler and freezer, 4-the window sills in the kitchen, 5-the caulking along the 3 compartment sink and the prep trable, 6-the light covers in the kitchen.
• Mi Rancho Authentic Mexican Food, 3400 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: March 7
  • Total violations: 6
    • The person in charge could not provide an employee health policy for the food employees working in the kitchen. EHS provided a sample copy of the employee health policy.
    • Observed 2 food employees working in the kitchen without beard restraints.
    • Observed several gaps between hood filters along the front cook line.
    • Observed 1 chipped knive on the magnetic strip above the microwave, 1 chipped rubber spatula on a shelf above the hot holding table, and 1 chipped rubber spatula in a container with other utensils on the drying dish rack. During the inspection, the food employees discarded the utensils. (Corrected)
    • The following are in need of repair: 1. Cracked light cover at back exterior door. 2. Peeling paint above dry storage area and the prep 3 compartment sink. 3. Cracked floor tile at the entrance into the walk-in freezer. 4. Paint peeling at wall near the dishwashing area and handwashing sink.
    • The following are in need of cleaning: 1. The mop sink wall. 2. The wall to the right of the dishwasher draining boards.
• Dixie Joe’s Crab Shack, 7940 Rebel Road Spotsylvania, VA 22551
  
  • Date inspected: March 8
  • Total violations: 1
    • Test kit for chlorine sanitizer expired in 2014.
• Taste of Trelawny (UZN2834), 100 Randolph Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  
  • Date inspected: March 8
  • Total violations: 5
    • The person in charge could not provide documentation of employee health training, he reported the documents are held offsite. The person in charge was knowledgeable of health reporting requirements. Instructed the person in charge to maintain employee health documents on the mobile unit for review during inspections.
    • Observed two fryer baskets stored on top of the deep fryers which had observable residue
    • Observed the handsink and 3 compartment sink are not sealed to the adjacent wall.
    • The person in charge provided a Chlorine test kit which expired February 2022. Instructed the person in charge to purchase a new test kit.
    • Observed leak at the handsink faucet and water is leaking out of the mobile unit when the water pump is turned on. Observed wet towels around the tubing connections coming out of the fresh water tank. Instructed the person in charge to repair plumbing prior to resuming food service.

Not all inspections end in violations. Here are the locations that received visit from the health department, but didn't record any violations:

• Outback Steakhouse #4718
• Chick Fil-A
• Cava Mezze Grill
• Texas Roadhouse
• My Wife's Pizza & More
• Grafton Village Elementary School
• Taqueria El Habanero Feliz, LLC (Commissary)
• King George Elementary
• El Charro Mexican Restaurant
• Snowie of Central Virginia (VA UA92618)
• Colonial Tavern Home to the Irish Brigade
• Fahrenheit 132