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Roaches, 9-month-old sour cream, moldy garlic: Abilene’s weekly restaurant inspections

Updated: 21-10-2024, 10.04 PM

The city of Abilene Environmental Health Division regularly monitors restaurants and food establishments for compliance with state food safety requirements.

Frequent inspections are essential in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses through contamination and improper handling, storage and sanitation.

Scores for retail food establishments, food stores, mobile food units and school and daycare establishments inspected the week of Oct. 14-20 are listed below.

Disclaimer: On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in its most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. A few more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.

Perfect scores

Hendrick Medical Center South-Starbucks, 6250 U.S. Highway 83-84

Dollar General, 5301 Texas Ave.

Small World of Learning, 5050 Travis Court

Bowie Elementary School, 2034 Jeanette St.

Arby’s, 3924 S. Clack St.

Hillcrest Church of Christ Kitchen, 650 E. Ambler Ave.

Fox’s Funnel Cake Paradise-Mobile, 3001 Wenwood Road

Taylor Elementary, 1719 E.N. 10th St.

High to moderates scores

Salvation Army Kitchen, 1726 Butternut St.: 99

Presbyterian Church Pantry, 333 Orange St.: 99

Bogies, 241 Cypress St.: 99

Fairway Oaks Main Kitchen, 34 Fairway Oaks: 99

Fairway Oaks Pub, 34 Fairway Oaks: 99

Wingstop, 4102 Buffalo Gap Road: 98

Cinemark Abilene and XD, 672 E. Overland Trail: 98

United Supermarket, 3301 S. 14th St.: 98

New Beginnings, 5535 Buffalo Gap Road: 98

Abilene Country Club Upstairs, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd.: 98

Mi Gente II Nightclub, 4201 N. First St.: 97

Market Street, 4450 Buffalo Gap Road: 97

Copper Creek, 4401 Loop 322: 97

Dairy Queen, 942 N. Mockingbird Lane: 97

Hole Foods, 34 Fairway Oaks: 97

Stafford Elementary, 1026 N. Pioneer Drive: 97

Habitat for Learning, 3242 Beltway South: 96

Little Panda Chinese Restaurant, 3390 Rebecca Lane: 96

Breakfast on Beech Street, 301 N. Beech St.: 96

Marriott Towne Place Suites, 3838 John Knox Drive: 96

Abilene Country Club 19th Hole, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd.: 96

Jimmy Johns, 4213 Southwest Drive: 95

Abilene Country Club Sports & Wine, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd.: 95

Whataburger, 1625 Highway 351: 94

Super 8 Motel, 4397 Sayles Blvd.: 94

Chicken Express, 3374 Turner Plaza: 94

BK Donuts, 5202 U.S. Highway 277 South: 94

Alfonso Hernandez Bakery, 601 Butternut St.: 93

Hawaii Ramen Noodle and Poke Bowl, 4621 S. 14th St.: 93

Hop-In, 3901 S. First St.: 92

Home 2 Suites, 2109 Scottish Road: 92

Crazy Corn-Mobile, 1417 N. Jefferson St.: 92

Abilene Country Club, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd.: 92

Sway, 401 Pine St.: 91

City Light Community Ministries, 1441 N. Fourth St.: 91

La Bella, 2550 Ambler Ave.: 91

El Pulgarcito, 2502 S. Seventh St.: 91

Betty Rose’s Little Brisket, 3934 Catclaw Drive: 90

Last week’s inspections: Raw meat on the floor, cold potato sticks: Abilene’s weekly restaurant inspections

Low scores and why

Chili’s Grill & Bar, 1702 Texas Highway 351: 89

Priority violation: Mold-like substance seen on upper interior of ice machine.
Priority violation: Food debris was seen in stacks of pans on clean ware rack. Corrected on-site and recleaned.
Pans were found in the hand-wash sink in the ware wash area and behind the bar.
Observed two cracked pans on clean ware rack. Corrected on-site and voluntarily discarded.
Grease was seen dripping down from the vent hood to the stove.

Rib Crib, 1860 Butternut St.: 89

Priority violation: Pinto beans stored in the fridge for more than 24 hours was not date marked. Pinto beans were prepped Oct. 17. Inspection completed Oct. 18. Corrected on-site by the owner.
Priority violation: Food was not protected from cross-contamination. Raw shell eggs were stored above cooked ribs, a ready-to-eat food, in the fridge.
All food contact surfaces are not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable. Observed unsealed wooden shelves in the dry storage area that need to be either painted, sealed or covered with vinyl.
Establishment improperly thawing raw ribs using the water method. Observed raw ribs thawing in the three-compartment sink without cold, running water on it.

Belle’s Chicken Dinner House, 2002 N. Clack St.: 89

Priority violation: Cross-contamination occurring with raw fish fillet and raw tenderized meat stored in the same ice chest next to each other.
Fish fillet and tenderized meat in ice chest with no temperature measuring device to allow for easy viewing of the temperature display.
Observed corrosion on walk-in cooler door and walls.
A male employee in the kitchen with facial hair was not wearing a beard guard.
An employee’s beverage cup was on a food prep table in the kitchen.
Observed a cut-open wall exposing wall studs in the kitchen area. The floor in front of the dishwasher is not maintained in good repair, and water was pooling on the floor.
Covered waste receptacles were not in the two women toilets in the establishment. A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.
Employees illness or symptoms reporting signs were not provided at the hand-wash sinks.
No hand-washing signage was at either male or female bathrooms.

Graze Abilene/Highland Church of Christ, 425 Highland Ave.: 88

Priority violation: A bag of garlic had mold growing inside. A container of apples had brown soft spots. Corrected on-site and the garlic and apples were removed and disposed of.
Priority violation: A spray bottle of peroxide was seen on the food prep table. Toxic items need to be stored away from food prep areas.
Sanitizing test strips were not available in the establishment at the time of inspection.
Boxes of chips were stored on the floor in the dry storage area.
The ice scoop was held on top of the ice machine. While in between uses, utensils shall be stored on a clean and sanitized contact surface.
Plates of a white powdery substance were inside the walk-in cooler and freezer without labels to identify contents.
The inside of the microwave was not clean.

Inspection comments: The establishment is utilized by two different entities.

El Pulgarcito, 2501 Ambler Ave.: 87

Priority violation: A bag of cooked rice in the kitchen reach-in cooler did not bear a day or date label.
Priority violation: Observed Ortho Orthene stored in mop sink room.
Establishment has two priority violations during inspection.
Hot water was not available at the mop sink.
An open package of powdered sugar was seen in the dry storage area.
Grease was dripping down from the vent hood to the stove.

5th Street Diner, 2501 Maple St.: 87

Priority violation: Employee’s packaged food was stored next to eggs in the reach-in cooler.
Priority violation: The ice chute in the ice machine had visible debris on the inside and outside of the chute.
Priority violation: A gallon of CorrectPac sanitizing solution did not have a proper EPA registration label attached.
Observed roaches under the oven cabinets as well as in the adjacent room off the main kitchen area.
A wet wiping cloth was being stored on food contact surface while not being actively used instead of being held in sanitizer buckets.
A serving spoon was held on a windowsill inside the storage area. Utensils shall be stored in a clean location.
A spice container did not have proper identification of its contents.

Alfredo’s Mexican Food, 2849 S. 14th St.: 86

Priority violation: Diced ham temped at 48 degrees and ground meat temped at 52.5 degrees. All food items were moved to the walk-in cooler for rapid cool down.
Priority violation: An uncovered container of raw ground beef was held next to fries in the reach-in cooler. Items were separated by the manager.
The reach-in cooler temped at 50 degrees. Manager stated he has someone coming in to look at it. All food items were moved to walk-in cooler for rapid cool down.
Two female employees at food prep tables did not wear hair nets.
Wiping cloths were stored on food prep tables while not in use instead of in sanitizer buckets.
Several containers inside the walk-in cooler did not have covers to prevent environmental contamination.
Utensil handle was in contact with food in the spice bin. Utensil was removed and stored with the handle sticking out of the food.
Utensil handle was in contact with raw meat being stored in the reach-in cooler. Utensil was removed and placed with the handle outside of the food.
Serving plates were being stored in a position to allow for contamination. All serving plates must be inverted to prevent contamination to the food contact surface.
An accumulation of dust was seen on the intake fans inside the walk-in cooler.
The outside receptacle had the lid open. If not actively using receptacles, lids and doors must remain shut.

Abilene Beehive, 442 Cedar St.: 86

Priority violation: Pulled pork held in the meat walk-in cooler was not date marked. Pulled pork was prepped on Oct. 12. Inspection was done on Oct. 15. Corrected on-site by the manager.
Priority violation: Equipment was not sanitized in a chemical sanitizing solution. The dishwasher was dispensing chlorine at less than 10 parts per million. The serviceman was called on-site to service the dishwashing machine.
Priority violation: Can opener blade was not clean. Corrected on-site by the manager.
Priority violation: Improper storage of toxic items. A spray bottle of sanitizer was stored next to the stand mixer. Corrected on-site by an employee.
Equipment and utensils are not maintained in good repair. Observed a cracked black container in the salad prep cooler.
Failure to wear beard covers in an effective manner.

Tokyo Asia Fusion, 1441 S. Danville Drive: 85

Priority violation: Several knives had old food residue. Utensils were removed and placed in the ware washing area for cleaning.
No daily logs of records for rice being prepared on-site. Records need to be kept daily and need to be held for six months.
A thermometer was not seen in the reach-in cooler near the food prep line. Manager corrected on-site by retrieving thermometer and placing it inside cooler.
A five-gallon bucket was held inside the hand-wash sink in the kitchen area making it inaccessible.
The back door was propped open allowing flies into the kitchen area.
Observed several flies inside the kitchen area.
Several wiping cloths were stored on food prep tables in between uses and not in sanitizer containers.
Fish sitting on food prep counter at sushi bar to thaw. When thawing food, items need to be refrigerated or running under continuous cold water.
Serving plates were stored with food contact surface exposed to environmental contamination.
Several utensil handles were inside food contents. Utensils were removed and placed with the handles outside of food contents.
Single-use items were used as food scoops. Single-use items may not be reused.
The hand-wash sink in the kitchen prep area was partially affixed to the wall. Facilities must be in good repair.

Alfredo’s Mexican Food, 3910 Buffalo Gap Road: 85

Priority violation: Fried potatoes on the counter top by the grill temped at 86 degrees. Refried beans held on the steam table for hot holding temped 122 degrees. Corrected on-site.
Priority violation: Food items were not protected from cross-contamination. Raw bacon was stored above guacamole, a ready-to-eat food, in the walk-in cooler. Corrected on-site by an employee.
Priority violation: Improper storage of toxic items. Hand sanitizer was stored next to a gallon drink container in the prep area.
Observed food residue in the hand-washing sink by the prep area.
All food contact surfaces are not smooth, non-absorbent and easily cleanable. A fryer basket was being stored on an absorbent rag during service.
Wet wiping cloth at the drive thru window was not stored between uses in a sanitizing bucket.
Nacho cheese bags were stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler. Corrected on-site.

Taco Casa, 1402 E. Overland Trail: 84

Priority violation: Mold-like buildup was seen on the upper corner of the ice machine baffle.
Priority violation: Improper storage of toxic items. A sanitizer bucket was stored next to plastic spatulas on the bottom shelf of the prep line unit. Corrected on-site by the manager.
Establishment is using improper cooling methods to effectively cool refried beans. Corrected on-site by the manager.
The sanitizing solution test kit was expired in July of this year and needs to be replaced.
Multiple hand-washing sinks were being used as dump sinks for ice from drinks.
Equipment and utensils were not maintained in good repair. A cracked blue lid was seen on a plastic container holding chips.
Establishment not inspecting the premises for presence of insects, rodents and other pests. Multiple flies were seen in the establishment during the inspection.
Establishment has garbage stored outside in containers that are not rodent or insect-resistant. The sliding door was left open at the outdoor garbage container.

Mexico Viejo, 2002 E. Overland Trail: 84

Priority violation: Large container of salsa stored in the walk-in cooler did not have a date mark label.
Priority violation: Mold-like substance was seen in the margarita dispenser valve and inside the cap of nozzle on soda gun. Corrected on-site, cleaned and sanitized.
Priority violation: Piercing blade on can opener was not clean. Corrected on-site and moved to ware wash area.
Priority violation: Observed Hot Shot Fly and Insect Killer on kitchen shelf. Toxic material is not approved for use in a food establishment.
Soiled wiping cloths were stored on cutting board on main line and not in sanitizer buckets.
Single-use foil containers were stored on shelf above warmer and were not covered or inverted.

Catfish Corner, 780 S. Treadaway Blvd.: 83

Priority violation: Cole slaw held in bucket with ice was temped above the required cold-holding temperature. Corrected on-site and replaced ice for rapid cool down.
Priority violation: Catfish under a heat lamp temped at 118 degrees. Corrected on-site and put catfish in smaller pan to hold directly under heat lamp.
Priority violation: Sanitizer solution in bucket for wiping cloths in server area was not at level detectable by test strip. Corrected on-site and replaced solution.
Priority violation: A leak was seen at hand-wash sink faucet in ware wash area.
Establishment has four priority violations during inspection.
Food under heat lamps was not kept at proper temperature.
Observed live flies throughout kitchen.

Spicy India, 243 W. Stamford St.: 83

Priority violation: Milk found inside a glass reach-in cooler temped at 46.5 degrees. Milk was stored since yesterday, and manager removed and discarded item.
Priority violation: A container of sour cream had a label with the discard date of February 2024. Item was removed and discarded.
Priority violation: A spray bottle near the ware washing station did not have identification of the contents inside.
Several reach-in coolers did not have digital or physical thermometers inside.
Wet wiping cloths were held on food prep tables while in between uses instead of in sanitizer buckets.
Food item inside the walk-in cooler was not actively cooling and did not have proper coverings. Items not actively in the cooling process need to have a protective barrier to prevent contamination.
Several cutting boards had visible scrapes and indentations on the surface. Scrapes and indentations inhibit contact surface from being properly cleaned and sanitized.
Single-use items were being utilized as scoops. Single-service items may not be reused.
Several food containers with food contents did not have identifying labels.
Food blenders had visible accumulation of old food debris.

Allsup’s, 301 N. Judge Ely Blvd.: 83

Priority violation: Food items were not protected from cross-contamination. Raw sausage was stored above milk containers, a ready-to-eat food, in the walk-in cooler.
Priority violation: Cappuccino machine nozzles were not clean.
Priority violation: Establishment has poisonous or toxic materials that are not approved for use in a establishment. Observed a spray bottle of HotShot on the bottom storage shelf.
Priority violation: A plumbing system at the mop sink was not installed to preclude backflow of a solid, liquid or gas contaminant into the water supply system at each point of use at the food establishment.
A sanitizing solution test kit for measuring the concentration of sanitizing solution was not provided.
The hand-washing sink was seen used to store a bucket of water. The hand-washing sink may only be used for hand washing.
Failure to wear appropriate hair restraints in an effective manner.

To report a food establishment that is not following safe food-handling practices, call Environmental Health at 325-437-4590 to initiate a complaint. Be prepared to provide specific details about the name and address of the facility, the date and time the unsafe practice was observed, and the exact practice in question.

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This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Abilene’s weekly restaurant inspections Oct. 14-20