Lawrence County Health Department issues violations to eateries

Special to The Monett Times Published July 16, 2002 4:00 PM CDT Critical violations listed for top 10 places handling food; not all corrective follow-ups yet reported

by Christopher Vore
July 18, 2002

The Lawrence County Health Department has recently made available a list of food service inspection report results for several facilities in the county.

The Health Department Environmental Services Section divides food service code violations into two categories, critical and non-critical. Critical violations are more likely than other violations to contribute to food contamination, illness, and/or injury.

Non-critical violations, although important to the overall food hygiene of the establishment, do not necessarily present an immediate threat to food contamination, illness, and/or injury.

The reports for each establishment inspected show the number of critical violations, along with a short statement as to the nature of the violation. The report also shows the number of non-critical violations, but does not list the nature of these violations.

Receiving the most critical violations out of those reportedly inspected was the Saddle Rock Cafe in Pierce City, during an inspection performed on June 26. They were cited with nine critical violations, and 13 non-critical violations.

Amongst the critical violations noted were:

• Mold growth inside ice chest. Food contact surfaces must be maintained in a clean and sanitized condition.
• Heavy food spillage in a microwave oven, again a sanitary issue.
• Mold growth inside reach-in refrigerator where pastries are stored, again a sanitary issue.
• Evidence of smoking at three-vat sink. An employee shall eat, drink, or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, and linens or other items needing protection can not result.
• Gravy on range at 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Potentially hazardous hot food shall be held at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
• Dirty broom stored on top of clean equipment. Clean equipment must be stored in such a manner to prevent possible contamination.
• Isopropyl alcohol stored above three-vat sink. Toxic products shall be stored in such a manner as to prevent potential contamination.
• Screening next to back exit door in disrepair. Opening to the outside must be maintained in such condition as to prevent vermin entrance.
• No evidence of sanitizing agent being used in three-vat sink. After being cleaned, utensils and equipment food contact surfaces shall be sanitized in accordance with 1999 Missouri Food Code.

Significant improvement was noted upon reinspection on July 5, with all critical violations having been corrected, and only one non-critical violation noted.

Receiving the second most critical violations was YMCA Camp Wakonda in Ash Grove during an inspection on June 6. They also received six non-critical violations. The six critical violations included:

• Water well analysis positive for Coliform bacteria. Water from a non-public water system must meet state drinking water quality standards.
• Hose attached to spigot, outside dining area, was without a back-flow prevention device. Back-flow prevention devices must be installed where necessary to prevent potential back-flow contamination.
• Gear section of can opener encrusted with debris. Food contact utensils and equipment must be cleaned after each use.
• Container of Liquid Plumber stored on back of three-vat sink, and container of WD-40 stored on top of ice machine.
• No hot water at employee handsink, or kitchen/toilet sink. Hot and cold water under pressure must be supplied at each sink.
• Hole in wall to outside in laundry area/storeroom. Screening in disrepair in dining area. Openings to the outside must be maintained in such condition to prevent vermin entrance.

Two follow-up inspections were performed at the facility. On June 20, two critical violations were noted and no non-critical violations. The criticals included the dining area screening, and two containers of cleaning agents stored on a work table next to a toaster.

On the second reinspection, performed on June 27, the critical violation of the screening remained, and one non-critical violation was noted.

Being hit with the third most critical violations was Summer Fresh Market in Mt. Vernon, during an inspection on June 17. The facility had four critical violations, and 17 non-critical violations.

Critical violations included:

• Flies observed in produce and deli prep area.
• Store room/loading ramp doors in disrepair.
• Container of insecticide and container of skin therapy product on deli work table.
• Final rinse temperature in pot/pan washing machine failed to reach required temperature level.

Upon reinspection on June 24, the critical violation of the doors in disrepair was all that remained, as well as four non-critical violations. A second reinspection was performed on June 27, at which time the facility had no violations.

Country Pride Restaurant in Mt. Vernon came in fourth with three critical violations and 14 non-criticals.

Listed as critical violations were food spillage inside a two-door refrigerator, a need to clean inside a microwave oven, and a need to clean a malt mixer splash area. Upon reinspection on July 1, no critical violations were found, and six non-criticals were found.

Dalmas Family Restaurant in Mt. Vernon had three critical violations during a June 17 inspection, including flies noted in the food preparation area, heavy spillage in a two-door refrigerator, and using a utensil without a handle to dispense flour from a bulk unit. There were five non-critical violations.

Upon reinspection on June 25, all the former critical violations had been corrected, but a new one was discovered. Inspectors noted a roach infestation, but also reported that control measures were underway. Two non-criticals were noted.

An inspection was performed at The Windsor Room in Pierce City on June 26, at which two critical violations were discovered. They included spillage in a reach-in refrigerator, and spillage in a microwave oven. Six non-critical violations were found.

Long John Silver's in Aurora had two critical inspections on June 20, including stainless steel cleaner stored with clean equipment, and flies noted in food preparation area. Four non-criticals were noted.

Copper Cup Cafe in Aurora was inspected on June 17, and had two critical violations, including a screen door in disrepair, and dried debris on a meat slicer. Five non-criticals were noted.

Jerry's Diner in Aurora also had two critical violations. They were the need to resurface the food contact area of a mixing bowl, and toxic materials and medications stored on a microwave. Four non-criticals were noted. On reinspection, the need to resurface the bowl was still noted, and non-criticals were reduced to one.

Miller Central Elementary School's cafeteria had two critical violations, including Raid insecticide stored with cleaners, and an upright reach-in refrigerator unit running at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the required 41 degrees or lower. Three non-criticals were found.

Facilities inspected in June with only one critical violation included Diana's Corner Grocery and Cafe in Stotts City, Allen's Supermarket in Aurora, PJ's Country Store in Marionville, Ozark Methodist Manor in Marionville, and Hurricane Ice in Mt. Vernon.

Those with only non-critical violations were the Verona R-7 School cafeteria, Pierce City High School cafeteria, Miller High School cafeteria, Mickey Owen Baseball Camp in Miller, Town and Country Market in Pierce City, Village Place in Aurora, Hudson House in Aurora, Jim Carr Oil Company in Aurora, St. John's Aurora Community Hospital, Burger Barn Ice Cream Parlor in Verona, American Legion Post 137 in Mt. Vernon, Ramey's Supermarket in Monett, Dollar General Store in Aurora, BS Club in Aurora, Garner's General Store in Aurora, Grant's Restaurant in Marionville, Hillbilly Gas Mart in Marionville, and Zippy Mart in Mt. Vernon.

Any or all violations reported for the month of June may have been corrected, but reinspection reports not yet published.