Roaches, Mouse Droppings: Silver Spring Eatery Cited For Violations

SILVER SPRING, MD — Officials from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services inspects food preparation and storage businesses. Evidence of roaches and mouse droppings was observed at a Silver Spring restaurant during one recent inspection.

All Montgomery County licensed retail food establishments are inspected by the Licensure & Regulatory Services Program. Regular comprehensive inspections include evaluating an establishment's sanitation, maintenance and food service operations. These inspections include monitoring critical temperatures and food handling procedures.

From Aug. 20 to Aug. 27, inspectors identified two Silver Spring businesses with critical violations of food safety requirements.

"A Critical Violation means a food safety requirement that requires immediate correction," according to the health and human services website. "Failure for immediate correction results in cessation of some or all food operations or closure of the facility until violation is able to be corrected."

IHOP

On Aug. 23, an E of the IHOP at 2326 University Blvd. W. was conducted in response to a complaint that "there was mold on strawberries and blueberries, expired tartar sauce, and live roaches on floor near front door and on backsplash under hood," according to the inspection report.

While the inspector did not find any expired tartar sauce at the IHOP, they did find mold on whole and cut strawberries and on bread, which the restaurant voluntarily threw out.

The inspector also reported seeing roaches in the restaurant.

"Live adult and nymph roaches observed on food debris under freezer in cook line area," the report said. "Several dead roaches observed on floors and on shelf with dishes. Mouse droppings observed in space between walk in freezer and wall. Insects observed under coffee area."

The person-in-charge was told to continue pest treatment services twice a month to eliminate the roaches, insects and rodents. They were also directed to closed gaps and holes in the building and maintain a dry and sanitary facility.

The inspector also found hazardous foods being kept at temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the report.

"Water observed dripping on inside of four door refrigerator," the inspection report said. "Four door refrigerator, sandwich prep unit, two door under counter server station refrigerator, and glass one door refrigerator observed to hold food above 41oF. Repair or replace. Do not use refrigerators to store potentially hazardous foods until they can maintain foods at 41oF or below."

In addition, whipped cream was being preserved in ice, which was not sufficient to keep it cold safe, according to the report. This was noted as a "repeat violation."

The inspector noted a large amount of food debris on floors and under equipment, which was another "repeat violation."

"Excessive buildup of grease observed on ceiling fixtures, walls, equipment, lower shelves and floors in cook line area," the report said. "Deep clean facility within 1 week. Maintain a clean and sanitary facility.

Other "repeat violations" included:

• gaps and holes in walls and ceilings
• Black residue observed on the cook line cutting board
• plastic and sheet rock found covering shelves in upstairs storage area
• No allergen trained employee on site.

The IHOP was scheduled for a repeat inspection on Tuesday.

Polleria 3 Amigos II

A health and human services inspector reported several critical violations during an Aug. 21 inspection of Polleria 3 Amigos II at 8736 Piney Branch Road.

Milk, which was found being kept at 81 degrees on a service table by the coffee machine, was discarded. The manger was told not to keep milk at room temperature.

Items were stored in a hand sink. The manager immediately removed the items and was told to keep the sink accessible at all times.

The inspector also reported finding rice in a hot holding unit being kept at below 135 degrees. Hot foods need to be stored above that temperature to ensure safety. The rice was reheated.