Uncovering Critical Violations: A Comprehensive Look at Monroe County's Food Safety Landscape

In a recent investigation, the Monroe County Health Department's interactive map revealed that more than 20 local businesses faced critical violations between August 1 and September 28. These violations, which can contribute to foodborne illnesses, shed light on the importance of maintaining strict food safety standards in the community. The report delves into the specific issues identified at various establishments, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by Monroe County's food service industry.

Safeguarding Culinary Excellence: Ensuring Food Safety in Monroe County

Eurest Dining Services at Catalent: Addressing Ice Machine Debris

The inspection at Eurest Dining Services at Catalent revealed a critical violation due to a buildup of debris in the ice machine. This issue can compromise the quality and safety of the ice used in beverages, potentially leading to the spread of foodborne illnesses. The management at Eurest Dining Services must prioritize the thorough cleaning and maintenance of their ice machine to prevent such violations in the future.

Oasis: Tackling Multiple Violations

The Oasis restaurant faced three critical violations during the inspection period. These included the improper storage of raw meat above vegetables, the lack of date markings on foods held for more than 24 hours, and the presence of live and dead pests throughout the facility. These violations highlight the need for strict adherence to food handling protocols and effective pest control measures to ensure the safety and quality of the food served to customers.

Turkuaz Restaurant: Ensuring Proper Dish Machine Sanitization

The inspection at Turkuaz Restaurant uncovered a critical violation due to the dish machine's failure to dispense sanitizer properly. This issue can compromise the effectiveness of the sanitization process, potentially leading to the spread of harmful bacteria. The management at Turkuaz Restaurant must address this problem and implement a robust system to ensure the proper functioning of their dish machine.

My Thai Noodles Downtown: Addressing Cross-Contamination Concerns

The inspection at My Thai Noodles Downtown revealed a critical violation due to the improper storage of raw meat above vegetables and ready-to-eat foods. This practice can lead to cross-contamination, where harmful bacteria from the raw meat can transfer to other food items, posing a significant health risk to customers. The restaurant must implement strict food handling protocols to prevent such violations and ensure the safety of their food.

Siam House: Tackling Storage and Labeling Issues

The Siam House restaurant faced two critical violations during the inspection period. These included the improper storage of raw meat above vegetables in the walk-in cooler and the lack of date markings on refrigerated foods held for more than 24 hours. These violations highlight the importance of proper food storage and labeling practices to maintain food safety and quality.

Chow Bar: Addressing Cross-Contamination Concerns

The inspection at Chow Bar revealed a critical violation due to the improper storage of raw meat above vegetables and ready-to-eat foods. This practice can lead to cross-contamination, which can compromise the safety of the food served to customers. The management at Chow Bar must prioritize the implementation of effective food handling protocols to prevent such violations.

Mr. Tokyo Inc: Ensuring Proper Food Storage

The inspection at Mr. Tokyo Inc. uncovered a critical violation due to the improper storage of raw meat above vegetables and ready-to-eat foods. This practice can lead to cross-contamination and the potential spread of foodborne illnesses. The restaurant must address this issue and implement strict food handling procedures to ensure the safety of their customers.

Yatagarasu: Maintaining Proper Dish Machine Sanitization

The inspection at Yatagarasu revealed a critical violation due to the dish machine's failure to dispense the proper chemical sanitizer. This issue can compromise the effectiveness of the sanitization process, potentially leading to the spread of harmful bacteria. The management at Yatagarasu must address this problem and ensure the proper functioning of their dish machine.

Z&C Teriyaki and Sushi: Addressing Multiple Violations

The inspection at Z&C Teriyaki and Sushi uncovered two critical violations. These included the improper storage of raw meat above vegetables and the presence of debris inside the ice machine. These violations highlight the need for strict adherence to food handling protocols and thorough cleaning and maintenance of food service equipment.

Nick's English Hut: Ensuring Proper Food Storage

The inspection at Nick's English Hut revealed a critical violation due to the improper storage of raw meat above ready-to-eat foods. This practice can lead to cross-contamination and the potential spread of foodborne illnesses. The restaurant must address this issue and implement effective food handling procedures to protect the safety of their customers.

Daily Food Mart: Addressing Dented Cans

The inspection at Daily Food Mart uncovered a critical violation due to the presence of multiple cans with dents. Dented cans can compromise the integrity of the food packaging, potentially leading to the growth of harmful bacteria. The management at Daily Food Mart must ensure that all food items are properly inspected and stored to maintain food safety.

Red Restaurant: Tackling Sanitization and Cleanliness Issues

The inspection at Red Restaurant revealed two critical violations. These included the observed issues with the dishwasher's sanitizer dispensing or testing, as well as the presence of grease buildup on handwashing sinks and scrubbers in the sink. These violations highlight the importance of maintaining proper sanitization and cleanliness throughout the food service establishment.

Lincoln Square Pancake House: Ensuring Proper Date Marking

The inspection at Lincoln Square Pancake House uncovered a critical violation due to the lack of date markings on potentially hazardous foods that were prepared and held for more than 24 hours. Proper date marking is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of food items, and the restaurant must address this issue to comply with food safety regulations.

Pizza X – Ellettsville: Addressing Storage and Labeling Concerns

The inspection at Pizza X – Ellettsville revealed two critical violations. These included the observed ready-to-eat food without date markings and the presence of cracks in the bins used for holding food and food ingredients. These issues can compromise the safety and quality of the food served, and the restaurant must take immediate action to address them.

Cracker Barrel #487: Addressing Ice Machine Debris

The inspection at Cracker Barrel #487 uncovered a critical violation due to the buildup of debris in the ice machine. This issue can affect the quality and safety of the ice used in beverages, potentially leading to the spread of foodborne illnesses. The management at Cracker Barrel #487 must prioritize the thorough cleaning and maintenance of their ice machine.

My Thai Cafe and Sushi Bar: Ensuring Proper Storage of Medications

The inspection at My Thai Cafe and Sushi Bar revealed a critical violation due to the observed storage of medications above food and food equipment. This practice can lead to cross-contamination and pose a significant health risk to customers. The restaurant must address this issue and implement strict protocols to ensure the proper storage of medications.

Great Taste Buffet: Addressing Multiple Violations

The inspection at Great Taste Buffet uncovered three critical violations. These included the observed hot holding of potentially hazardous food at the buffet table not meeting the required temperature, the lack of date markings on food prepared and held for more than 24 hours, and the presence of grease buildup on the hand sink. These violations highlight the need for the restaurant to improve its food handling, storage, and cleaning practices to ensure the safety and quality of the food served.

Buccetos Pizza and Pasta West: Addressing Cracked and Chipped Containers

The inspection at Buccetos Pizza and Pasta West revealed a critical violation due to the observed cracks and chips in the bins used for holding food and food ingredients. These types of containers can harbor bacteria and compromise the safety of the food, and the restaurant must replace or repair these containers to comply with food safety regulations.

Cook Polymer Technology: Ensuring Proper Cold Holding Temperatures

The inspection at Cook Polymer Technology uncovered a critical violation due to the observed cold holding of potentially hazardous foods not at the required temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Maintaining proper cold holding temperatures is crucial for preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, and the establishment must address this issue to ensure the safety of the food.

Steak 'n Shake 242: Addressing Ice Machine and Soda Nozzle Debris

The inspection at Steak 'n Shake 242 revealed a critical violation due to the observed debris buildup in the ice machine and soda nozzles. This issue can compromise the quality and safety of the beverages served, and the restaurant must prioritize the thorough cleaning and maintenance of these critical food service components.

Wal-Mart #1991: Addressing Dented Cans

The inspection at Wal-Mart #1991 uncovered a critical violation due to the presence of dented cans. Dented cans can compromise the integrity of the food packaging, potentially leading to the growth of harmful bacteria. The management at Wal-Mart #1991 must ensure that all food items are properly inspected and stored to maintain food safety.