Arlington Restaurant Inspections: Rat Hole, Raw Chicken, Soiled Nozzle

ARLINGTON, VA — Several facilities in Arlington recorded violations during recent inspections from the Arlington County Public Health department. Inspectors conducted the most recent visits between Nov. 15 and Nov. 30.

In Virginia, all food service locations are supposed to be inspected at least once per year. Facilities with higher risk factors may be inspected as often as four times per year, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Violations at restaurants typically focus on factors that can contribute to food contamination. The local health department can also perform a re-inspection to ensure that possible violations have been corrected. Sometimes, the follow-up inspection only considers the most important "priority" violations.

For every observed violation, the inspector provides a specific corrective action that can be completed to rectify the violation. Sometimes these are simple, and violations can be corrected during the course of the inspection.

Depending on the results of the inspection, the health department can pursue several actions.

They can issue a permit for the restaurant to continue serving food, they can schedule a follow-up inspection to determine if violations have been rectified, or they can temporarily shut down an establishment until certain issues are solved.

The Virginia Department of Health only recommends restaurants have their permits suspended when "the continued operation of the food service presents a substantial and imminent threat to the public health."

Here are the violations from Nov. 15 to Nov. 30 as listed by Arlington County Public Health:

Holiday Inn-National Market, Fresh Kitchen and O'Malley's Bar, 2650 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202

Date inspected: Nov. 30

Total violations: 2

• Observed raw chicken wings stored over ready-to-eat vegetables in the walk-in cooler. PIC stored the foods properly (Corrected).
• The interior of the bulk ice machine was observed soiled with grime and debris. PIC cleaned the equipment during the inspection (Corrected).

Roll'd, 4238 Wilson Blvd #106, Arlington, VA 22203

Date inspected: Nov. 29

Total violations: 3

• No hand soap available at hand wash station. Corrected. Corrective Actions: Hand soap must be provided at all hand washing lavatories to encourage proper hand washing. Hand cleanser must always be present to aid in reducing microorganisms and particulate matter found on hands.
• Fresh fish, filleted and frozen on site, used to make the sushi dishes. Corrected by instruction.C orrective Actions: Ensure parasite destruction of raw, raw marinated, partially cooked or marinated-partially cooked fish for consumption is frozen throughout to a temperature of -4°F (-20°C) for 168 hours (7 days) in a freezer or at -31°F (-35°C) for 15 hours in a blast freezer.
• Consumer advisory is incomplete on ordering menu (missing from several items), and is not available on overhead menu board. Corrected by instruction. Corrective Actions: The Consumer Advisory shall include a disclosure statement that includes a description of the animal-derived foods offered raw or undercooked and identification of the animal-derived foods by asterisking (*) them to a footnote that states that the items are served raw or undercooked, or contain raw or undercooked ingredients.

Bollywood Bistro Express, 4238 Wilson Blvd, 160, Arlington, VA 22203

Date inspected: Nov. 29

Total violations: 5

• Observed containers of raw chicken stored onions in the walk-in cooler. PIC stored the foods properly during the inspection (Corrected).

DCA - Dunkin' Donuts - Pre-Security, WNA-Terminal A Pre-Security Space #A2-707 A/B, Arlington, VA 22202

Date inspected: Nov. 29

Total violations: 1

• No paper towels at hand sink dispenser across from the 3-part sink. Corrective Actions: Hand drying devices such as individual disposable paper towels, a Continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel or heated air hand drying device must be provided at all hand washing lavatories to encourage proper hand washing and avoid employees to drying their hands on their clothing or other unclean materials.
• Mouse droppings observed on the upstairs storage area. Air gap observed under the door of the upstairs storage area; eliminate this air gap & clean floor with water and bleach. Corrective Actions: Eliminate harborage conditions. Insects and other pests are capable of transmitting disease to man by contaminating food and food-contact surfaces.
• Observed containers stacked while wet. Corrective Actions: Items must be allowed to drain and air-dry before being stacked or stored to allow evaporation of chemical sanitizer and moisture that may encourage microbial growth.
• Three part sink drains/drain pipes aren't in good repair/leaking onto floor; repair sinks drains and/or pipes so that the sinks can properly hold water to wash, rinse, and sanitize food contact equipment/utensils and not drip water onto the floor. Corrective Actions: Plumbing systems and components shall be maintained in good repair.
• Outside trash dumpster not kept covered; one lid found open, doors open and/or missing. Corrective Actions: Replace the door of the outside refuse container with one that is a tight fit.

DCA - WHSmith, Rm E2-924 Conc E Bldg 12201, Arlington, VA 22202

Date inspected: Nov. 29

Total violations: 1

• No certified food handler on duty; required during all hours of operation (obtain through online class; ensure ANSI certified); email/text certificate to me once received. Corrective Actions: A certified food protection manager is required that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service and who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program.

Flirt Lounge, 542 23rd St S Bldg 100 & 200, Arlington, VA 22202

Date inspected: Nov. 28

Total violations: 5

• Rat burrows/holes observed along "east" side of building. Corrective Actions: Eliminate harborage conditions. Insects and other pests are capable of transmitting disease to man by contaminating food and food-contact surfaces.
• Equipment improperly located under unprotected sewer pipes in basement; relocate or install gutters to under the pipes to catch potential drips/leaks. Corrective Actions: Discontinue storage of clean equipment and utensils in a location subject to contamination.
• Litter/trash & cigarette butts observed on ground beside & behind the building. Corrective Actions: Maintain the premise free of litter.
• One hood light out. Hood not kept clean. Corrective Actions: Provide at least 50 foot candles at a surface where a food employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor. Replace burnt out light bulb and have the hood cleaned.
• Missing no-smoking signs in non-smoking areas of 1st floor back hallway with rest-rooms and room for no-smoking dining. Corrective Actions: Post of no-smoking signs or international no-smoking signs in non-smoking area.

Kentucky Fried Chicken #Y053204, 4901 Langston Blvd, Arlington, VA 22207

Date inspected: Nov. 28

Total violations: 1

• Bulk ice machine chute interior in need of cleaning and sanitizing. Corrective Actions: Properly clean and sanitize equipment.

Wilson Hardware, 2915 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Date inspected: Nov. 28

Total violations: 4

• Certified food manager card expired. Corrective Actions: A certified food protection manager is required that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service and who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program.
• No hand soap or individually dispensed paper towels at the main bar hand sinks. Corrective Actions: Hand soap and individually dispensed paper towels must be provided at all hand washing lavatories to encourage proper hand washing. Hand cleanser must always be present to aid in reducing microorganisms and particulate matter found on hands.
• Slicer not clean to sight; dissemble & wash, rinse, sanitize all parts. Corrective Actions: Clean food contact surfaces of equipment and utensils between and after uses to prevent cross contamination.
• Kitchen dish machine final rinse temperature not reaching minimum 180ºF nor 160ºF dish surface temperature. Corrective Actions: Repair the unit so that achieving a utensil surface temperature of 160°F can be measured by an irreversible registering temperature indicator (e.g. thermolabel and maximum registering thermometer). Discontinue use of mechanical warewashing machine and convert to use of 3-vat sink wash, rinse and chemical sanitization. Use single-service items as deemed necessary if not capable of effective manual washing, rinsing, and sanitization of food-contact surfaces.

Jimmy John's Ballston, 550 N. Quincy St B, Arlington, VA 22203

Date inspected: Nov. 28

Total violations: 6

• Food Establishment license isn't posted for public to see. Corrective Actions: Post the most current food establishment license conspicuously to the public. Food manager card expired; get new food manager certificate and email/text to me as soon as possible. Corrective Actions: A certified food protection manager is required that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service and who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program.
• Soda fountain machine ice chute and inside the kitchen ice machine chute area not kept clean. Corrective Actions: Clean and sanitize these surfaces for food contact.
• Air gaps observed at both the bottom middle of the back and front entrance doors; front entrance door not closing tightly by itself. Corrective Actions: Protect the food establishment against the entry of insects and rodents by: 1. Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings; 2. Closed, tight fitting windows; and 3. Solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors. Insects and rodents are vectors of disease-causing microorganisms which may be transmitted to humans by contamination of food and food-contact surfaces.
• Rat droppings observed by outside trash dumpster. Mice droppings observed in the storage closet. Corrective Actions: Eliminate harborage conditions. Insects and other pests are capable of transmitting disease to man by contaminating food and food-contact surfaces.
• Trash dumpster doors found open; rat gnawing's on them; shall be replaced with new doors and kept closed. Corrective Actions: Replace the missing door of the outside refuse container with one that is a tight fit.
• Two sets of kitchen ceiling light bulbs aren't shielded or shatter-resistant. Corrective Actions: Shield or replace light bulb with a coated or shatter-resistent bulb.

Medium Rare, 3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201

Date inspected: Nov. 28

Total violations: 2

• Observed utensils container stores in handwashing sink at the salad station. Corrective Actions: A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than hand washing. Do not store equipment or food utensils in the handsink.
• No paper towels provided at bar handsink. Corrective Actions: Provide disposable towels at all handsinks at all times.

Ya Hala Bistro, 5216 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22205

Date inspected: Nov. 28

Total violations: 1

• Observed that stuffed grape leaves are prepared and then cooled and stored in the establishment for more than 1 day. PIC stated grape leaves were prepared on Sunday. Corrective Actions: Cooked foods stored for more than one day must be labeled with the date prepared, or the day they must be served or discarded by. If labeled with discard date, the date must be within 7 days, including the date prepared.

Peking Pavillion, 2912 N Sycamore St, Arlington, VA 22207

Date inspected: Nov. 27

Total violations: 1

• Observed large bulk containers of cooked chicken and cooked lo mein that were not properly date marked. PIC labeled the foods properly during the inspection (Corrected).

Hyatt Centric Awbrey And Sons Lounge, 1325 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209

Date inspected: Nov. 27

Total violations: 4

• No certified food manager on duty; mush have during all hours of operation; email/text certificate once received. Corrective Actions: A certified food protection manager is required that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service and who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program.
• Not using paper towels at hand sink dispenser; found old/moldy paper towels; replace with new ones and ensure employees are washing and drying their hands at this location. Corrective Actions: Hand drying devices such as individual disposable paper towels, a Continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel or heated air hand drying device must be provided at all hand washing lavatories to encourage proper hand washing and avoid employees to drying their hands on their clothing or other unclean materials.
• Half 'n' half best by date 11/16/23; discarded. Corrective Actions: Ensure food is safe and unadulterated.
• Half 'n' half found at 46 F inside the bar 3-door refrigerator; it was discarded, adjust repair unit to keep dairy products 41F and below. Corrective Actions: Discard the food and ensure that potentially hazardous foods for cold holding are maintained at 41°F or below to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Guapos Restaurant, 4028 S Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA 22206

Date inspected: Nov. 27

Total violations: 4

• Employee observed using hand sink to fill up pot. Corrective Actions: Hand sink shall be use only to wash hands.
• Ribs and Cheese Sauce (Queso) prepared the day before observed not properly reheated for hot holding. Corrective Actions: Ensure potentially hazardous foods that are cooked, cooled, and reheated for hot holding are reheated so that all parts of the food reach 165°F or above for 15 seconds. Food shall be reheated within 2 hours.
• Black beans and refried beans in walk in cooler observed not cold holding at proper temperature. Corrective Actions: Discard the food and ensure that potentially hazardous foods for cold holding are maintained at 41°F or below to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Diced tomatoes on prep cook line prepared the day before observed not cold holding at proper temperture. Corrective Actions: Discard the food and ensure that potentially hazardous foods for cold holding are maintained at 41°F or below to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Sheraton Pentagon City Potomac Restaurant & Lounge, Galaxy Ballroom, Stars Ballroom, Club Lounge & Employee Cafeteria (B, L,14,16), 900 S Orme St, Arlington, VA 22204

Date inspected: Nov. 21

Total violations: 3

• Disposable paper towels observed not properly provided at the cook-line handsink. Corrective Actions: Properly provide disposable paper towels at all handsinks.
• Ice machine chute on the 16th floor wait area in need of cleaning.C orrective Actions: Properly clean and sanitize equipment.
• Chemical spray bottles in the wait station area observed not properly labeled with the common name. Corrective Actions: Properly label chemicals with the product common name.

Pan American Bakery, 4113 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204

Date inspected: Nov. 21

Total violations: 2

• Items not being sanitized in 3-part sink. No level detected in right basin; soap appeared in both left and right compartments; Ensure 50-150 ppm of "chlorine bleach" or 150-400 ppm of "quaternary ammonium." Corrective Actions: After cleaning and rinsing of the food-contact surface, the surface shall be effectively sanitized before coming in contact with food and before use.
• Baked potatoes in the steamtable found at 127-133 F. Corrective Actions: Rapidly reheat the food to 165°F and maintain at 135°F or above through the hot holding period.

Gharer Khabar, 5157 Langston Blvd, Arlington, VA 22207

Date inspected: Nov. 20

Total violations: 2

• Missing hand washing sign at kitchen hand sink; no paper towels and no water at downstairs hand sink. Corrective Actions: Hand drying devices such as individual disposable paper towels, a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel or heated air hand drying device must be provided at all hand washing lavatories to encourage proper hand washing and avoid employees to drying their hands on their clothing or other unclean materials. Provide hand washing signage at kitchen hand sink. Provide hot & cold running water at downstairs hand sink. Provide proof of correction to inspector within 10 days.
• Downstairs prep table & cutting board aren't kept clean. Corrective Actions: Clean and sanitize these surfaces for food contact.

Fireworks, 2350 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Date inspected: Nov. 17

Total violations: 1

• Cooked pasta was holding in drawer unit under the grill at 60-62F. Pasta was transferred to walk in and will not be placed in unit until unit is operational and holding at 41F or less. Corrective Actions: Relocate food to a refrigeration unit that is capable of maintaining food storage at 41°F or below.

Renaissance Arlington Capital View -Employee Cafeteria (M Level), Banquet Corridor (Level 2), & Club Lounge (Level 14), 2800 S Potomac Ave, Arlington, VA 22202

Date inspected: Nov. 16

Total violations: 2

• Gasket to one of the reach-in units in need of repair / replacement. Corrective Actions: Request for service was submitted.
• The small cutting board was in need of replacing. Corrective Actions: Cutting board was discarded.

Dos Generaciones, 36 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22204

Date inspected: Nov. 16

Total violations: 2

• Facility observed not having a CFPM on duty. Corrective Actions: A certified food protection manager is required that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service and who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program.
• Hand sink at front counter observed not having hand soap. Corrective Actions: Hand soap must be provided at all hand washing lavatories to encourage proper hand washing. Hand cleanser must always be present to aid in reducing microorganisms and particulate matter found on hands.

Punch Bowl Social, 4238 Wilson Blvd Suite 1180, Arlington, VA 22203

Date inspected: Nov. 16

Total violations: 4

• No certified food manager was on-site at the facility during the start of the inspection. The PIC arrived during the inspection (Corrected). Corrective Actions: A certified food protection manager is required that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service and who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program.
• No paper towels were provided at the hand sink in the bar area. PIC provided paper towels during the inspection (Corrected).
• The dispensing nozzle on the soda gun at the bar area was observed soiled with grime and debris. PIC cleaned the equipment during the inspection (Corrected).
• Observed a container of raw shell eggs stored at room temperature. The temperature of the eggs was estimated at 61 F. PIC voluntarily discarded the eggs during the inspection (Corrected).

Bartaco, 4238 Wilson Blvd #120, Arlington, VA 22203

Date inspected: Nov. 16

Total violations: 2

• No paper towels were provided at the hand sink in the bar area. PIC provided paper towels (Corrected).
• Observed containers of raw chicken and raw pork stored over cooked ready-to-eat pork belly in the walk-in cooler. PIC stored the foods properly during the inspection (Corrected).

Good Fortune, 3209 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204

Date inspected: Nov. 16

Total violations: 2

• Hand sink in downstairs prep area observed missing paper towels. Corrective Actions: Hand drying devices such as individual disposable paper towels, a Continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel or heated air hand drying device must be provided at all hand washing lavatories to encourage proper hand washing and avoid employees to drying their hands on their clothing or other unclean materials.
• Egg drop soup and Hot & Sour soup observed hot holding at improper temperature.Corrective Actions: Rapidly reheat the food to 165°F and maintain at 135°F or above through the hot holding period.

Supreme Hot Pot, 2301 Columbia Pike Suite F, Arlington, VA 22204

Date inspected: Nov. 15

Total violations: 2

• Hand sink by the two door glass RIC missing soap. Corrective Actions: Hand soap must be provided at all hand washing lavatories to encourage proper hand washing. Hand cleanser must always be present to aid in reducing microorganisms and particulate matter found on hands.
• Raw beef in WIC observed over RTF. Corrective Actions: Separate raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding, and display from raw RTE food including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish, or other raw RTE food such as vegetables, and cooked RTE food.

Big Buns Damn Good Burger, 4401 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203

Date inspected: Nov. 15

Total violations: 1

• Container of mushrooms (128 F) observed improperly hot holding along the cook-line. Corrective Actions: Product reheated to 165+ by person in charge.

Nutrio, 1800 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202

Date inspected: Nov. 15

Total violations: 1

• Observed unlableled spray bottles at bar and expo area. Corrective Actions: Spray bottles must be labeled with the common name of the chemical.

Screwtop, 1025 N Fillmore St Suite L, Arlington, VA 22201

Date inspected: Nov. 15

Total violations: 2

• Observed that dish machine was not operating to dispense detergent and sanitizer. Corrective Actions: Please repair dish machine so that it is operating within manufacturer specifications and dispensing sanitizer between 50-150ppm CL.
• No hot water provided at the kitchen hand sink. Corrective Actions: Repair handsink so that it is able to provide hot water to at least 85F.

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