Food for Thought: 2 low performers forced to shut down for 24 hours after inspection

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Two Lubbock restaurants were forced to temporarily shut down this week due to excessive health violations.

Restaurants receive a score on their health report; if that score falls below 70, they are automatically shut down for 24 hours, giving the establishment time to correct those violations.

It doesn’t happen very often, but this week, two of our three low performers were forced to close.

Ground Zero at 2522 Marsha Sharp Freeway had to temporarily close their doors.

They had 28 violations with a score of 68.

Here’s a look at their priority violations.

• Multiple food items were above the safe cold temperature of 41 degrees.
• The ambient temperature of the reach-in cooler was 50 degrees and did not have a thermometer in place. The unit must be able to keep food 41 degrees or below.
• Gravy was not at least 135 degrees.
• Spilled bags of food were laying, unprotected, on the bottom of the reach-in cooler which had a heavy accumulation of food debris and ice buildup.
• The cooling unit inside the walk-in cooler was dripping liquid into a perforated container of strawberries.
• Clean plates had food debris splashed or spilled on them.
• Shaker and squeeze bottles were covered in food debris.
• Knives and the knife holder were dirty.
• A hand sink was leaking waste water directly onto the kitchen floor.
• There was no hot water available in the facility.
• Multiple products did not have a date mark.
• A spice shaker and plastic food pans were melted. They must be kept in good repair.

The inspector notes, due to the number in the nature of the violations managerial control was not demonstrated.

(Core)

• Wet rags stored outside of solution all around the facility, including inside reach-in coolers, on counters, and on the floor.
• Bulk food storage containers of flour and seasoned flour were not covered and protected from cross contamination.
• Ice buckets were stored uncovered and not inverted, not protected from contamination.
• Single-service items and laundered linens stored on ground in outside storage shed.
• Clean utensils were stored with their food contact surfaces presented.
• A bulk storage container of seafood batter had a scoop with its handle in the product.
• Fountain drink cups and clean plastic plans were wet and not stored in a manner that allowed for air drying.
• Bulk storage container which PIC identified as seasoned flour was not labeled with the name of the food.
• Multiple wet mop heads stored on the ground and not able to air dry.
• Facility has evidence of lack of cleaning frequency. Buildup of grease, trash, debris, moisture, and mold.
• Multiple employee drinks and one employee jacket were stored above clean wares. PIC stated there is a designated area for the items and that it is just not being utilized by employees.
• Gaskets on reach-in cooler were in disrepair and had mold growing inside their cracked surfaces.
• Ice machine is leaking from the basin onto the floor, instead of properly draining.

They were allowed to reopen once their violations were corrected.

Cesiah’s Panaderia at 1519 34th had 26 violations.

With an overall score of 63, they were also forced to close.

Here’s a look at their priority violations.

• Cooked meat was on a wire rack and was not being refrigerated.
• Several foods were improperly stored. Raw eggs were above milk. Raw pork was in a container with multiple ready-to-eat items. Raw beef was above ready-to-eat beef.
• An employee washed their hands in the three compartment sink without using soap.
• The hand sink was not operational.
• The waist pipe for the hand sink was not properly installed and waste water was being disposed of into a bucket.
• There were no paper towels at the Hand sink.
• An employee handled and ready to eat cake with their bare hands.
• Plates were visibly soiled and chipped.
• A can opener was heavily soiled.
• A spray bottle was not labeled.
• There were no food handler certifications available.
• There are no testing strips for the sanitizer solution.

The inspector notes due to the number and the nature of the violations including multiple priority violations a lack of active managerial control was demonstrated.

(Core)

• Single-use cups were stored in a box that was placed directly on the ground.
• Ice scoop was stored in the ice bin with the handle of the scoop in direct contact with the ice.
• Scoop used to dispense bulk foods was a modified and reused single-use container.
• Employee placed their keys on top of a food prep surface.
• No sign instructing employees to wash hands before returning to work was present in the restroom.
• No sign designating the hand sink as for hand washing only was present.
• No certified food manager was posted in a conspicuous location.

Due to the inspection score of 63, the facility was required to close for a minimum of 24 hours. A repeat violation fee was issued.

The facility was allowed to reopen after their violations were corrected.

Now to our final low performer, District 1 King Claw & Lounge at 5217 98th had 29 violations.

Here’s a look at their priority violations.

• Pots of cooked sausage, potatoes, apples and corn were not cooling properly. This can cause bacteria to grow.
• Raw beef was stored above crab legs. Raw chicken was over ready to eat noodles.
• Soda nozzles had black debris in them.
• Acetaminophen was on top of a freezer.
• Radishes, milk and pineapple did not have a date mark.
• There was no food thermometer available.
• There were multiple items in a hand sink. Hand sinks are for hand washing only to prevent cross-contamination.
• Vinyl tape was used to hold a gasket together on the reach-in cooler.
• A bowl was chipped.
• Fabric mats were used in front of a cook station.

The inspector notes, due to the number of nature of the violations proper knowledge of foodborne disease prevention was not demonstrated.

(Core)

• Wet cloth in-use for wiping stored on prep table between uses.
• Open bag of rice stored in dry storage not closed to protect food from cross contamination.
• Box of garlic sauce stored on the floor in back storage area.
• A box of rice paper stored on floor by water heater.
• Raw whole muscle beef thawing at room temperature on top of reach in freezer. Raw whole muscle beef was still frozen.
• Raw shrimp thawing in left compartment of prep sink without running water. Raw shrimp was still frozen.
• Raw whole muscle beef thawing in right compartment of prep sink without running water. Raw whole muscle beef was still frozen.
• A box of single-use cups and a box of napkins stored on the floor in the drink station.
• Single-use container used as a scoop stored in bulk container of sauce in reach in cooler.
• Single-use container used as a scoop stored in bulk container of MSG in prep area.
• Accumulation of grease on vent hood filter baffles.
• Accumulation of grease and other debris on the interior nonfood-contact surfaces of the vent hood.
• Employee personal coat and hoodie stored on dry storage shelving above facility product.
• Employee personal drink stored on table on clean side of ware wash machine.
• Employee personal water bottle stored on prep table on prep line.

The report shows most of their violations were corrected at the time of the inspection.

Also this week, three assisted living facilities are on the list of low performers. You can find more details at the links below:

Now to the good news. Here’s a look at this week’s Top Performers:

• Eddie’s Barbeque at 1324 50th
• Salvation Army at 1614 Ave. J
• Pro Kitchen 806 (Food truck)
• Hey Vos (Food truck)
• Randy’s Scratch Kitchen (Food truck)

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