Fredericksburg Restaurant Inspections: Violations at 24 Locations

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Officials from the Rappahannock Area Health District inspected multiple restaurants across the region from July 14 to July 21; they found two dozen restaurants with violations.

As coronavirus restrictions continue to loosen 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.

Here are the most recent restaurant inspections from around Stafford and Fredericksburg.

• Jersey Mike’s Subs, 5635 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  • Date inspected: July 19
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 7
    • Staff are not properly trained on food safety practices as it relates to their assigned duties. Per discussion with person in charge (PIC), PIC stated cold holding, cooling, and cooking temperatures are not being monitored, PIC is unaware of cold holding, cooling, and cooking temperatures, and PIC was unaware of cleaning frequency for in-use utensils. EHS observed a lack of active managerial control in the facility. EHS provided training to staff during the inspection.
    • Person in charge was unable to provide a copy of the facility's employee health policy. Person in charge was unaware of the employee's responsibility to report certain symptoms and illnesses that are transmittable through food.
    • No hand soap available at the hand washing sink in the back prep/warewashing area. Person in charge stated the soap dispenser fell off the wall. PIC provided soap.
    • Person in charge stated the deli slicer, tongs, spatulas, cooking utensils, knives, and cutting boards are washed and sanitized once per day.
    • Sliced tomatoes (55'F @240pm) stored in the countertop cold well on the back-up prep line were measured cooling at improper temperatures. PIC stated the sliced tomatoes were cut at 9am this morning and placed in the cold well. Tomatoes were discarded.
    • Observed a significant amount of trash and cardboard around the dumpster, in the dumpster area, and along with sidewalk around the dumpster area. Person in charge stated the dumpster is shared between three food facilities in the building.
    • Floors and walls throughout the facility are in need of cleaning.
• Greenfield Assisted Living of Spotsylvania, 9300 Onyx Court Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: July 19
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 1
    • Observed the three compartment sink is not sealed to adjoining wall.
• Tortilleria Mixteca LLC, 451 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: July 19
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 8
    • No hand drying provisions were provided at the handwashing sink in the kitchen. Paper towels were provided during the inspection.
    • Observed beef and chicken stored uncovered in the walk in cooler. Food was covered during inspection.
    • Observed use of the following unsafe material as a single-use/single-service food-contact material: Garbage bags being used to store food in the reach in cooler.
    • The following nonfood contact surfaces have accumulations of grime and debris: 1-the inner and outer surfaces of the reach in cooler and reach in freezer, 2-the condenser fan and cover in the walk in cooler, 3-the prep table in the rear of the kitchen, 4-the door on the walk in cooler
    • Observed mops being stored in dirty mop water at the mop sink. Mops were removed during inspection.
    • The walls throughout the kitchen were noted in need of a thorough cleaning
    • The light intensity is below 10 foot candles in the walk in cooler. Measured 0 foot candles in the rear of the unit.
    • The exhaust hood and filters over the cooks line were observed heavily soiled. Observed grease dripping from vent.
• Hardee’s of Stafford #2942, 567 Warrenton Road Fredericksburg, VA 22406
  
  • Date inspected: July 19
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 4
    • Observed sliced ham (52 degrees F) cold holding at improper temperatures in the top of the prep cooler. The person in charge reported the ham was pulled from the walk in cooler at 5:00 a.m., temperature was taken at 9:40 a.m.
    • Observed accumulation of debris inside and exterior doors of refrigeration equipment with the exception of the walk in coolers, interior shelving along the front counter ares, wheels of equipment in the cooking area and top of the hamburger deep freezer.
    • Observed the floors near cooking equipment, ceiling vents and ceiling tiles in the kitchen in need of cleaning.
    • Observed light intensity less then 10 foot candles of light near the fryers. Observed numerous burned out ceiling lights in the kitchen.
• El Patron Mexican Restaurant, 10040 Jefferson Davis Hwy #118 Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: July 20
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 5
    • Observed that hand soap was not provided at the sink of the rear of the kitchen. Soap was provided during inspection.
    • The handwashing station in kitchen is being used for purposes other than washing hands, observed food debris. The person in charge instructed the employees to use hand sink for hand washing only.
    • The equipment on the cooks line and the dishwashing racks are in need of thorough cleaning.
    • The walls throughout the kitchen are in need of thorough cleaning.
    • Observed employees belongings, a cell phone and speaker, on a food prep area.
• Bonefish Grill #0702, 1779 Carl D. Silver Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: July 20
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 7
    • The following were observed soiled: 1. Four salad plates in the storage chest. 2. Three plates on the shelf in the service area. 3. One sauce container on a tray next to the gas range. During the inspection, the items were relocated to the dishwasher area.
    • Observed several flies at mop sink and the floor drains throughout the kitchen.
    • Observed a food employee bagging broccoli without a beard guard. During the inspection, the food employee applied a face mask.
    • Observed several plastic and metal food containers on the shelf across from the dishwasher that were stacked while wet after cleaning and sanitizing.
    • The following equipment are in need of repair: 1. The two microwaves at the soup and salad station are missing the door handle. 2. Ice build-up behind and below condensing unit of walk-in cooler.
    • The following are in need of repair: 1. The push bar on the exterior back door. 2. The (tile) flooring throughout the kitchen needs re-grouting.
    • The following are in need of cleaning: 1. Floor drains throughout the establishment. 2. Mop sink area.
• Selectos Latin Market and Deli, 3810 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: July 20
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 5
    • Observed an employee eating breakfast from a plate which was sitting on a cutting board in the prep area. Person in charge instructed employee to eat meals in the dining room. Cutting board was taken to be cleaned.
    • Observed employee cleaning equipment in the 3 compartment sink with sanitizer in the sanitizer basin. Sanitizer was added during inspection.
    • 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 sides of the deep fryer, 2-the sides of the flattop grill, 3-the top of the stove, 4-the outer surfaces of the 3 door reach in freezer.
    • Mops not hung up to air dry. Observed 2 mops stored in dirty mop water near the mop sink. Mops were rinsed and hung up to dry during inspection.
    • Vent filters and the hood system are not being maintained in a clean condition.
• NY Grill Kabob House, 537 Warrenton Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  
  • Date inspected: July 20
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 16
    • The person in charge could not communicate symptoms and illnesses requiring restriction or exclusion. The person in charge could not provide an employee health policy.
    • Observed a food employee lather their hands under running water at the front hand sink. Hands were not effectively clean due to hand soap being flushed down the drain.
    • Observed hand soap dispense at the ware washing hand sink was clogged, hand soap was not being dispensed.
    • Observed absence of paper towels available at ware washing area hand sink.
    • Observed the following equipment soiled: tongs at the prep line, bus tub of various utensils at the ware washing area, and meat slicer. The soiled tongs and bus tub of utensils were relocated to the dishwasher drainboard for cleaning and sanitizing.
    • Observed the interior surfaces of the microwave oven soiled.
    • Observed the low temperature dish washer is not sanitizing food contact equipment after cleaning. After four cycles observed the chlorine concentration at 10 ppm and also observed absence of chlorine being dispensed in the line of sight dispenser located in the front of the dish washer. The final rinse temperature was observed at 120 degrees F.
    • Observed the pizza dough machine, vegetable peeler, two can openers soiled.
    • Observed the following TCS foods cold holding at improper temperatures: 1- prep cooler 1 sliced tomatoes (45 degrees F), sliced cheese(48 degrees F), sliced mozzarella (51 degrees F). 2. pizza prep cooler, pre-cooked sausage (48 degrees F), shredded mozzarella (49 degrees F), pizza sauce (51 degrees F), pepperoni (52 degrees F). 3. dessert cooler, tiramisu (60 degrees F), carrot cake (54 degrees F), cheesecake (50 degrees F). The person in charge reported the foods had been in the refrigeration units overnight.
    • Observed two spray bottles which were not labeled to identify the contents. The person in charge reported one spray bottle was grill cleaner but could not communicate the contents of the second spray bottle.
    • Observed presence of flying insects in the kitchen and dining room.
    • Observed the following equipment in poor repair: 1- insulation is coming out from the top of deep freezer #1 and may come in contact with the packaged food in the freezer and 2- ice build up inside deep freezer #1 and #2.
    • Accumulations of grime and debris were observed on nonfood contact surfaces of all food preparation, holding and cooking equipment.
    • Observed the following plumbing in poor repair: Leaking pipe under the warewashing handsink and leak at the pre-wash spray nozzle, wiping cloth is being used to stop up the leak.
    • Observed the following in poor repair Numerous blown out ceiling tiles, soiled ceiling tiles in the hallway by the toilet rooms and dining rooms and damaged ceiling above the soda machine.. Observed mold-like growth on the ceiling in the dining room, this area is not currently being used for guests.
    • The floors, walls and ceiling vents throughout the facility are in need of cleaning.
• Sweeto Burrito, 50 North Stafford Complex Center Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: July 20
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 26
    • The person in charge (PIC) is not maintaining the daily oversight of the employees. Employees are not aware of the required hot/cold holding temperatures and proper date marking.
    • Observed employees drink cups stored in the reach in refrigerator, over the prep table, and uncovered over the cabinet. The person in charge corrected this during this inspection.
    • Observed the cook don new gloves without washing his hands after handling the sanitizer bucket. Observed an employee come from outside then handle single service equipment without washing his hands. EHS addressed this with the person in charge.
    • Observed the employee rinse his hands in the 3-compartment sink. EHS addressed this with the person in charge.
    • Observed raw shell eggs stored over sauces in the reach in cooler.
    • Observed uncovered fries, onion strips, and tater tots in the reach in freezer. Observed uncovered cooked beef on the rear prep table.
    • Observed that the ice chute, can opener, burners, and interior of the fryers are in need of detailed cleaning.
    • Observed stainless steel pans, lids, chargrill, flat-top grill, and mixer with grime and debris on them.
    • Observed cooked beef on the counter at 133'F and chicken on the service line at 133'F. Both items were reheated to 165'F.
    • Observed Shell eggs at 46'F, milk at 43'F, and cut lettuce at 42'F - cold holding at improper temperatures.
    • Observed several items dated with the day then year, the incorrect date, or excecssive dates.
    • Observed several chemical spray bottles stored on the prep sink and a container of sanitizer stored with the single service items on the front line.
    • Observed 4 large pieces of beef that were sitting on the prep table to cool. The beef measured 115'F.
    • Observed tomatoes stored on the floor.
    • Observed containers of food stored under the leaking condenser units in the reach in coolers.
    • Observed the cook working without proper hair restraint.
    • Observed wet wiping cloths stored on the counter tops.
    • Observed several scored and scratched cutting boards throughout the prep area.
    • Observed that the reach in refrigerator units are in disrepair. Condensation is leaking in two of the units and there is ice build up.
    • The nonfood-contact surface of the wiping cloths used under the cutting boards and under the dishes to air dry are not corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent, and/or smooth:
    • Observed the employee use the middle sink for washing and the 3rd sink for sanitizing. EHS discussed the setup of the 3-compartment sink with the employee.
    • Observed all of the reach in refrigeration units, plastic lid bin, and the can opener holder are in need of detailed cleaning.
    • Observed that the sprayer for the 3-compartment sink is not located above the flood-rim of the sink.
    • Observed the mop inside of the mop sink - not allowing it to air dry.
    • Observed that the following physical facilities are in need of detailed cleaning: the top of the 3-compartment sink and the floor drain under the 3-compartment sink.
    • The following physical facilties must be maintained in good repair: hand sink is separating from the wall, lights out in the hood system.
• Best Western Fredericksburg, 2205 Plank Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: July 20
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 4
    • The PIC 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. During the inspection, the PIC had employee read and sign agreement
    • Observed trays of raw shell eggs over a pitcher of milk and boxes of croissants in the 2 door reach in cooler. During inspection, food employee relocated the raw shell eggs.
    • No working food thermometer.
    • Observed several cabinet doors in the kitchen that are in need of repair.
• Taqueria Flavio
  3824 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: July 20
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 3
    • The interior surfaces of the ice machine which was in contact with a non TCS (temperature controlled for safety) food item, ice, was observed soiled. These surfaces were cleaned during inspection.
    • Observed employee washing equipment without using sanitizer. Sanitizer was added during inspection.
    • Observed improper methods used to thaw food. Observed raw pork and shrimp thawing in a basin of the 3 compartment sink without the water running
• The Grounds Coffeehouse, 50 N Stafford Complex Center Suite #107 Stafford, VA 22556
  
  • Date inspected: July 20
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 7
    • Observed wet wiping cloths stored on the counter and hanging on a hook.
    • Observed employees with watches and bracelets on while preparing foods.
    • Observed equipment stored on the floor in the rear storage room.
    • Observed bait stations stored with the single service equipment
    • Observed chemicals stored with single service items under the rear hand sink.
    • Observed that the ice machine and the coffee machine (corrected) require cleaning.
    • Observed the employees wash their hands then dry then with a single use paper towel then touch the handle of the water with their washed hands. EHS addressed this with the employees.
• Denny's #9575, 5325 Jefferson Davis Hwy Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: July 21
  • Total violations: 7
    • The interior of both microwave ovens on the cooks line were observed soiled. Both ovens were cleaned during inspection.
    • The following food contact surfaced were observed soiled on the clean equipment rack: 1-5 portion scoops, 2-cutting board (stained), 3-a strainer. Items were taken to the dish machine to be cleaned.
    • The following non-food contact surfaces were observed soiled: 1-The shelves under the cook's line, 2-the top of the stove, 3-inside of the reach in cooler on the cook's line, 4-the sides of the flattop grill.
    • Observed a hose with a direct connection to the main supply with a pressure nozzle attached without a backflow protection device attached. The nozzle was under pressure. Water was turned off during inspection
    • The following physical facilities were observed soiled: 1-the caulking around the hand wash sink on the cook's line, 2-the walls throughout the kitchen.
    • The following physical facilities were noted in need of repair: 1-the ceiling over the cook's line (peeling), 2-the floor on the cook's line (cracked and missing tiles), 3-the baseboard near the door of the walk in cooler (separating from wall).
    • The ventilation hood and the filters are in need of cleaning. Filters are heavily coated in grease.
• McDonald’s, 4301 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: July 21
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 4
    • Observed employee with single-use glove and blue gloves crack raw shell eggs, remove the blue glove with single-use gloved hand, and then proceed to prepare a ready-to-eat breakfast sandwich, failing to remove soiled gloves, wash hands, and don fresh gloves
    • Observed the juice nozzles and the interior of the ice machine to be soiled.
    • The drive-thru windows are not self-closing or equipped with an air curtain. EHS observed the windows to be left open.
    • Observed wiping cloths stored in a chlorine sanitizer solution that measured 0ppm. All buckets were corrected to 100ppm.
• Chipotle Mexican Grill #2455, 28 S Gateway Road Suite 109 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  
  • Date inspected: July 21
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 1
    • Observed numerous stacks of stainless steel containers which were stacked while wet after chemical sanitizing. Observed containers dripping onto the floor from the shelf.
• Domino’s Pizza, 4211 Plank Road #Suite D Fredericksburg, VA 22407
  
  • Date inspected: July 21
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 1
    • Person in charge was unable to provide proof of training for staff on the facility's employee health policy. A sample policy will be provided and PIC stated training will be conducted.
• Domino’s Pizza #6053, 2606 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: July 21
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 4
    • Observed gap at the lower left edge of the back door, observed light penetrating through the bottom of the door.
    • Observed seven rolls of disposable paper towels and one roll of toilet paper stored unwrapped on an open shelving unit across from the toilet in the employee toilet room.
    • Observed accumulation of debris on the handles and doors of the 2 door upright cooler and base of three tiers of the pizza oven.
    • Observed light intensity inside the walk in cooler at less than 10 foot candles of light.
• Panda Express #974, 1680 Carl D. Silver Pkwy Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: July 15
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 8
    • The person in charge could not communicate foodborne illnesses requiring restriction or exclusion, however, he could communicate symptoms requiring reporting to the person in charge. The employee health policy only addresses symptoms requiring restriction or exclusion.
    • Observed the following: 1- Food employee place soiled food contact equipment in the wash basin of the three compartment sink and then proceed to handle cleaned and sanitized equipment on the drainboard next to the sanitizer basin and 2- Observed a food employee touch their apron wearing single use disposable gloves, discard gloves and then proceed to handle the inside of a bowl used to place cooked chicken for service to customers.
    • Observed interior of the ice machine soiled.
    • Observed teriyaki chicken hot holding (117.120 degrees F) at improper temperatures along the service line.
    • Observed cut kale (52 degrees F) and cut cabbage (49 degrees F) cold holding at improper temperatures in the top of prep cooler #2. The person in charge reported the TCS foods were pulled from the walk in cooler at 12:30 p.m. and temperatures were taken at 1:25 p.m.
    • Observed the self-closing mechanism for the back door of the food establishment is broken. The door does not automatically close when opened.
    • Observed a stack of stainless steel bowls on shelving unit above the three compartment sink and stack of plastic food containers on the equipment shelving which were stacked while wet after chemical sanitizing.
    • Observed the 2 vat prep sink and 3 vat sink were not sealed to the adjacent wall.
• Roma Pizza, 116 Olde Greenwich Dr Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: July 15
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 1
    • The HVAC intake vent cover in the kitchen is missing.
• Hardee’s, 11825 Tidewater Trail Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  
  • Date inspected: July 16
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 3
    • The inner surfaces of the ice machien which was in contact with a non-porentially hazardous food (ice) were observed soiled. Ice machine was cleaned during inspection.
    • The following equipment was observed not sealed to adjoing walls and/or counters: 1-The handsink at the rear of the kitchen, 2-the table at the biscuit station, 3-The side of the drive through hand sink.
    • The following non-food contact surfaces were observed soiled: 1-the vent filters above the conveyor oven, 2-the grout along the 3 compartment sink.
• Regal Fredericksburg 15, 3301 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  
  • Date inspected: July 16
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 2
    • The handsink in the kitchen is slow to drain.
    • The tile coving next to the ice machine need regrouting.
• Firehouse Subs, 1465 Stafford Market Place 101 Stafford, VA 22556
  
  • Date inspected: July 16
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 1
    • Observed two stacks of plastic food storage containers stacked while wet after chemical sanitizing on a shelving unit in the warewashing area.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites, 2784 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22556
  
  • Date inspected: July 16
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 9
    • Absence of active managerial control observed during the inspection. The person in charge could not communicate set-up and testing of the chemical sanitizer at the 3 compartment sink, is not monitoring hand washing of employees or cold holding temperatures of TCS foods.
    • The food establishment does not have an employee in a management or supervisory role who is a certified food manager.
    • The person in charge could not provide documentation of the employee health policy. The person in charge was knowledgeable of symptoms and illnesses requiring reporting.
    • Observed the following: 1- Food employee begin to don single use disposable gloves to engage in food preparation tasks, who was working at the front desk, without washing their hands, and 2- Observed food employee pick up their cell phone to place in their pants pocket without washing their hands prior to opening the microwave oven to monitor the reheating of pre-cooked eggs.
    • The person in charge reported the juice nozzles on the juice machine are not removed for cleaning, they are wiped down daily with sanitizer only.
    • Observed the following TCS foods cold holding at improper temperatures: Small reach in cooler in dining room - pre-cooked hard boiled eggs (60 degrees F) and yogurt (50 degrees F) and 1 door upright cooler- half gallon container of skim milk (44 degrees F), pre-cooked hard boiled eggs (48, 47 degrees F). The person in charge reported the TCS foods have been in the 1 door upright cooler since Tuesday and the hard boiled eggs in the small reach in cooler were pulled from the 1 door upright cooler in the back of the house. The person in charge reported the yogurt in the small reach in cooler was pulled from the 2 door upright cooler at 8:30 a.m., temperature was taken at 9:30 p.m. Observed the 1 door upright cooler densely packed with half gallons of skim milk. The skim milk containers in the back of the unit were holding at appropriate temperatures. Worked with food staff to relocate some of the milk containers to the 2 door upright cooler and discussed preventing overstocking the 1 door upright cooler.
    • The person in charge could not provide a working thin-probed food thermometer during the inspection. A digital thin probed food thermometer was onsite but it was not working.
    • Observed food employees without proper hair restraints.
    • Observed container of wiping cloths held in water.
• Shoppers Food Warehouse #2372, 1505 Stafford Market Place Stafford, VA 22554
  
  • Date inspected: July 15
  • Total violations and corrective actions: 5
    • Observed an employee touch his glasses after taking a food temperature, then continued to put on a new pair of gloves without washing his hands first. EHS addressed it with the person in charge.
    • Observed 2 stainless steel food containers and a serving spoon among clean dishes with food debris. The dirty equipment was taken to the 3 compartment sink for rewashing.
    • Observed ribs on the hot line held at a temperature of 129 degrees F. Employee removed the ribs from the hot line to be reheated to the proper temperature of 165 degrees F.
    • Observed the following items in the walk in refrigerator passed thier disposition date: spaghetti noodles dated 7/5/2021, spices used for cooking dated 6/30/21 and 7/5/2021. An employee discarded the spices.
    • Observed the following foods marked for more than the 7 day dating period: chicken salad, cooked fried chicken, rotisserie chicken. EHS discussed it with the person in charge.