Manassas Health Inspections: Popeye's, Uncle Julio's, Cava Mezze

MANASSAS, VA — Several facilities in the Manassas area recorded violations during recent health department inspections between April 12 and April 18.

Most COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed around the state, and health inspectors are returning to conduct many restaurant and other health inspections in person. However, some visits, such as those for training purposes, can be conducted virtually.

Violations 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. Other violations are addressed later, and an inspector may conduct a follow-up inspection to ensure compliance.

Here are the most recent inspections from the Manassas area, according to the Prince William Health District.

• Cava Mezze Grill, 13959 Promenade Commons St. Gainesville, VA 20155
  • Date inspected: April 12
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed a employee after the sanitizing step placed the pans and other food equipment in a way that did not allow them to properly air dry before stacking together.
    • The Eco lab under-sink dishwasher was not properly working, as in not actively able to wash dishes.
• Uncle Julio's, 13920 Promenade Commons St. Gainesville, VA 20155
  • Date inspected: April 12
  • Total violations: 4
    • There was not verifiable clean up procedure for vomit and diarrhea.
    • The hand sink in the dishwashing area was blocked by food equipment.
    • Observed an employee washing/cleaning food equipment at the prep sink in the produce prep area.
    • The 3 compartment sink faucet was leaking.
• Youth for Tomorrow - Boy's Kitchen, 11800 Hazel Circle Dr Bristow, VA 20136
  • Date inspected: April 17
  • Total violations: 3
    • No hand drying provisions were provided at the handwashing sink in the kitchen. No towel dispensing system located at the hand sink area.
    • Raw animal food (shell eggs) stored over ready-to-eat food in the refrigeration unit.
    • Observed that mops are improperly stored between use.
• Youth For Tomorrow - New Life Center - Cafeteria, 11835 Hazel Circle Dr Bristow, VA 20136
  • Date inspected: April 17
  • Total violations: 1
    • There is no data plate on the warewashing machine.
• Popeye's, 8418 Sudley Rd Manassas, VA 20109
  • Date inspected: April 18
  • Total violations: 12
    • Upon discussion with the person-in-charge, one or more of the elements of an effective employee health policy is either missing or incomplete. A complete employee health policy is required to be in place at the food establishment. At the time of this inspection, the Health Department provided and reviewed handouts and resource information in a red folder labeled "Employee Health Policy."
    • The food establishment does not have written procedures for cleaning up vomiting or diarrheal events that happen in the facility.
    • The food employee failed to clean the food thermometer probe before use.
    • Single-service and/or single-use articles are improperly stored. Stored on the not clean counter (soda syrup spilled on the counter).
    • The soda dispensing equipment is leaking to the counter and the walk-in cooler shelving units are not in good repair. These equipment were observed in a state of repair and condition preventing the equipment to be used as designed.
    • The nonfood-contact surface of the countertop (window serving area) is not cleaned at an appropriate frequency.
    • The mop sink faucet vacuum breaker under pressure and not working. It is leaking. It was not repaired according to the law.
    • The diameter of the air gap between the water drain and the flood level rim of the 3-compartment sink is less than 1 inch.
    • Multiple outdoor unapproved waste oil containers are stored uncovered on absorbent material.
    • The mop buckets are stored next to the food thermalizer. Are stored so that may contaminate food.
    • The walk-in freezer door is not maintained in good repair. Ice buildup observed.
    • The water accumulation observed in the cooking and prep area (in front of the ice machine) are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Tandoori Village Restaurant
• El Agave 5
• Dona Bessy's Pupuseria
• Blessings Food On The Go
• Old Virginia Smoke