Rodent Droppings Found At 2 Eateries: Ashburn, Sterling Restaurant Inspections

ASHBURN, VA — Numerous restaurants in the Ashburn and Sterling area recorded violations during health department inspections in early May, and several had pest-related violations.

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. 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. Some common violations may include foods hot holding or cold holding at improper temperatures, foods without dates marked, and sanitizer with improper amounts.

Here are restaurant inspection results in and around Ashburn and Sterling so far in June, according to the Loudoun County Health Department. Restaurants cited for rodent droppings included Banaras Xpress and Oriental Express.

At restaurants with pest violations, health inspectors recommended strategies like trapping, pest control service and eliminating pest harborage conditions.

All recent reports in Ashburn and Sterling are listed below.

AllgoRhythms: 21035 Dulles Town Circle Dulles, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 6

Violations: No violations found. The establishment corrected all violations as noted on routine inspection.

Subway: 43330 Junction Plaza #186 Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: June 6

Violations:

• Person in charge was unable to produce signed employee reporting agreements for two (out of four) staff members working at the time of inspection.
• Facility does not have a written procedure for employees to follow in the events of vomit or diarrhea. There is no approved chemical solution on site designated for a bodily fluid cleanup.
• EHS observed in use wiping cloth hanging on the drying rack and not submerged in the sanitizing solution.

Feng's Hunan Cafe: 43300 Southern Walk Plaza #114 Ashburn, VA 20148

Last inspection: June 6

Violations:

• Observed handwashing sink next to 3 compartment sink without a means to dry your hands. All handwashing sinks shall have a means to adequately dry your hands.
• Observed a type of paste in walk in refrigerator with a white and green fuzzy substances along the surface of food item.
• Observed raw chicken over ready to eat foods in walk in cooler. Ensure foods are stored in such a way as to prevent the potential of contamination of other food items.
• Observed microwave in kitchen to have dried food residue along inside cavity.
• Observed raw shrimp (50F), raw beef (48F), and raw chicken (50F) with internal temperatures above 41F. Food being cold held shall be maintained with an internal temperature of 41F or lower.
• Observed mouthwash stored on prep table co-mingled with food and food equipment. Employee personal items shall be stored in such a way as to prevent the potential of contamination.
• Observed food items in walk in refrigerator and freezer stored on the floor. Food items shall be stored at least 6" off the floor to prevent the potential of contamination.
• Observed several food items stored in walk-in freezer stored in plastic grocery bags. Food shall only be stored in packages/containers that are approved for food-contact surfaces.
• Prep Unit 1 was maintaining an internal temperature of 50F to cold hold food items. Equipment being used to cold hold food items shall maintain an internal ambient air temperature of 41F or lower.

Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken: 44260 Ice Rink Plaza Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: June 6

Violations:

• EHS observed container of mac & cheese in the low boy cooler and several pans of house made dressings (coleslaw, hangry joe's dressing, ranch) in the walk-in fridge without a proper date marking. Person in charge (PIC) marked mac & cheese with yesterday's prep date and mentioned sauces stored in a walk-in fridge with 6/3/25 (make date).
• EHS observed in-use wiping clothes stored on the edge of the three-compartment sink and not submerged in the sanitizing solution.

International House of Pancakes:44030 Pipeline Plaza Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: June 5

Violations:

• Observed clean dishes stored on rack were all uncovered and facing up. Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored covered or inverted to prevent contamination from the environment.

The Taco Shop and Bar: 42882 Truro Parish Dr #105 Broadlands, VA 20148

Last inspection: June 5 (pre-opening)

Violations:

The purpose of today's visit to conduct a pre-opening inspection. Facility is in need of correcting the following:

• Mop sink requires a dual check valve on the threaded faucet before Y connection.
• Facility needs to find a way to hang their mops to dry after mopping.
• Floor by the beer cooler is in poor repair with missing or damaged floor tiles. Missing or damaged floor tiles need to be fixed or replaced to allow the floor to be smooth, durable, and easily cleanable.
• 3-compartment sink at the bar must have an air gap instead of an air break.
• Remove prep unit by the back door.
• Replace one ceiling tile in the kitchen by the tortilla prep station so that it is smooth and easily cleanable.
• Remove carpet from the kitchen.
• There is a gap between the bottom of the front entrance door. The door must be tight fitting to prevent the entry of pests.

Monkey Joe's: 23521 Overland Dr #120 Sterling, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 5

Violations: No violations found. All violations have been corrected.

JW'S Fish and Biscuits: 101 Executive Dr #101 A Sterling, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 5 (pre-opening)

Violations: No violations found.

Ashburn Kabob: 42882 Truro Parish Dr #101 Ashburn, VA 20148

Last inspection: June 5

Violations:

• Observed the hand sink in the kitchen and the sink in the bathroom to not have signage notifying food employees to wash their hands.
• Observed raw ground beef stored next to cut onions and raw chicken stored above ready to eat foods.
• Observed raw chicken and other TCS food items being stored on the floor in the walk in cooler.
• Observed a bowl in the white rice with no handle.

The Human Bean: 22074 Railcar Dr Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 5

Violations:

• Quaternary sanitizer solution in the sanitizer sink and in the sanitizer bucket both tested 0 ppm. Quaternary sanitizer solution used for food contact surfaces should be in the range 200 ppm - 400 ppm when tested. Person-In-Charge (PIC) stated that the sanitizer dispenser sometimes does not work.
• Observed ice scoop on food preparation table. Sanitizer at the food preparation table tested at 0 ppm which is an indication that ice scoop was placed on an unsanitized surface.
• Quaternary test kit provided by PIC had an expiration date of August 2024. A test kit that accurately measures the concentration of sanitizing solutions shall be provided and readily accessible for use. PIC changed to chlorine solution but had no chlorine test kit.

Dunkin Donuts D-22: 1 Saarinen Cir. Dulles, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 5

Violations: No violations found. No site visit. Documentation of employee health policy submitted to the department in an email. Facility is continuing to work on item #53 - food debris and residues on the floor.

Starbucks Coffee Company: 44050 Pipeline Plaza Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: June 5

Violations:

• The person in charge (PIC) was unable to provide the Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) with a verifiable manner of employees being informed of their responsibility to report in accordance with law, to the PIC, information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that as transmissible through food.
• The PIC was unable to provide the EHS with written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
• In-use tongs were found being stored with the handle of the cutting board but the food-contact portion of the tongs on the top of the cooler.
• Wrapped straws were found being stored on the floor.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Inc: 20427 Exchange Street - Bld B Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: June 5

Violations:

• There were no paper towels at the handsink near the oven. Provide paper towels at each employee hand sink.
• Hand soap not available at employee hand sink nearest dish machine. Replace battery to allow soap availability. Each employee handsink needs to have soap available.
• There is no method to monitor the surface temperature of wares run through the high temperature dish machine. Provide an irreversible registering temperature indicator to monitor the surface temperature of wares run through the high temperature dish machine.

Pomodoro's Pizza,Pasta & More: 45591 Dulles Eastern Plaza #191 Dulles, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 4

Violations:

• Raw chicken improperly stored above ready to eat foods in two of the line low boy coolers.
• Chicken broth and beef broth hot holding at improper temperatures 85F. Broth is holding at the side of the stove. Hot hold TCS foods at 135F or above.
• Garlic combined with oil for garlic knots observed stored in a squeeze bottle stored at ambient temperature next to the pizza oven.

Banaras Xpress: 46300 Potomac Run Plaza, Sterling, VA, USA Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 4

Violations:

• Observed multiple handwashing sinks not capable of providing hot water including near the dish washing area, at the buffet, and both restrooms.
• Observed raw shell eggs stored above raw RTE produce in the walk-in cooler. F
• Observed low temperature dish machine delivering 0ppm chlorine bleach and 95-95F after multiple cycles and priming.
• Observed racks of caramelized onions and fried curry leaves stored on a cooling rack at room temperature. PIC stated the items were prepared 3 days prior and it is their common practice to store the cooked veg at room temperature.
• Observed large bottle of Ortho BugBGone with a spray style applicator hose stored under the handwashing sink in the dish area. PIC states this is not in use and that in the time since the previous inspection, they have hired a pest control service. EHS confirmed via invoice that a contractor has been brought in.
• Observed two thermometers in the flip-top prep unit in the kitchen both displaying inaccurate temperatures, one reading 30F and one reading 90F.
• Observed multiple signs of rodents including droppings in the upstairs storage area and droppings and nests in the buffet area.
• Observed multiple buckets of food in the walk-in cooler and upstairs storage area stored on the floor including whole nuts, dried beans, yogurt, and lassi.
• Observed a bowl of dirty water used to store ladles between uses at room temperature.
• Observed a general accumulation of grease and debris on kitchen floors, on walls behind equipment, under shelving units, in gaskets of reach-in coolers, and in the coolers themselves.

Marco's Pizza: 46515 Leesburg Pike #140 Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 4

Violations:

• The employee onsite was unable to produce documents of their employee health policy.
• Observed cutting board with a computer mouse on sitting on it.

AMC Loudoun II: 43751 Central Station Dr Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: June 4

Violations: No violations found. New permit delivered. Environmental Health Specialist discussed keeping exterior areas of kettle corn display free from residual popcorn.

Oriental Express: 45665 Church Road West Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 4

Violations:

• Observed no sign or poster in employee restroom. Obtain sign or poster and post for employees to see.
• Observed dirty bowl in handwashing basin. Handwashing sink should be accessible for employees at all time for employee use.
• Observed employee restroom handwashing sink and dishwashing area hand washing sink with no hand drying provision. Provide hand provisions to all handwashing sink.
• Observed improper cold holding temperature in prep coolers and prep table: noodles 52F, raw beef 54F, raw shrimp 54, bean sprouts 57F, shredded cabbage 88F. Food was moved from walk in cooler at 11 AM.
• Observed container of salt, sugar and baking soda with no labels in cook area and prep area. Label items that are not recognizable with their common name.
• Observed several insects in the vents above dishwashing area and rodent droppings in dry storage. Facility should minimize pest presence by approved methods such as traps or pest control company.
• Observed mesh with gaps and holes. The opening should be protected against the entry or incest and rodents.
• Observed raw chicken boxes used as storage for crispy noodles and ready to eat chicken. Single service and single use items should not be reused.
• Observed screwdriver being used to keep walk in freezer closed. Equipment should be kept intact, tight and adjusted with manufacturers specifications.
• Observed pipes under three compartment sink leaking. A plumbing system should be maintained in good repair.
• Observed filters and ventilation system with an accumulation of grease. Ventilation system and filters should be cleaned frequently to prevent accumulation of dust, dirt and other materials.

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers #637: 45545 Dulles Eastern Plaza Sterling, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 4

Violations: No violations found.

Pizza 360: 21760 Beaumeade Circle #130 Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: June 4

Violations:

• Observed handwashing sink by the pastry freezer was supplying hot water only. The hot water temperature was at least 161F which made it inaccessible for employee use.
• Observed raw chicken wings stored over ready to eat (RTE) shredded chicken in lowboy refrigerator #2.
• Observed can opener and the plated steel base was rusty and had an accumulation of food debris.
• Chlorine sanitizer solution observed at the 3-compartment sink was measuring well over 200 ppm. Facility is using pure bright bleach.
• An in-house prepared pizza tomato sauce observed in the walk-in cooler was not labeled. PIC stated that pizza tomato sauce was prepared on 6/3/25.
• Observed chili sauce past 7 days from the preparation date (5/26/25).
• Observed lowboy by the grill was not equipped with a temperature measuring device.
• An unopened box of mozzarella cheese was observed on the floor in the walk-in refrigerator.

Chili's Grill & Bar #1826: 45555 Dulles Eastern Plaza Sterling, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 4

Violations: No violations found.

Rahama African Restaurant: 45665 W Church Rd #103 Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 4

Violations:

• EHS observed stack of dishes (bowls, pans) in the basin of the only hand washing sink.

Taco Zocalo Kitchen: 21740 Beaumeade Circle #140 Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: June 4

Violations:

• Observed multiple handsinks blocked with items in the sink basin. Corrected on site (COS) PIC (person in charge) moved all items out of sink basins at time of inspection.
• Observed multiple knives stored in clean knife area visibly soiled. COS: PIC instructed employee to clean immediately during inspection.
• Observed multiple salsas not date marked. COS: PIC labeled at time of inspection.

Palace: 413 Enterprise St Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 4

Violations:

• When asked, the PIC was not able to describe or locate a vomit clean up kit or written procedure.
• Observed no handwashing cleanser by cooking handwashing area.
• Observed no handwashing sign or poster in employee bathroom.
• Observed can opener blade with an accumulation of debris.
• Observed improper cold holding temperature in prep coolers: raw shelled eggs 58F, diced chicken 58F and hot dogs 57F. Items were pulled out from walk in cooler at 9 AM.
• Observed prep cooler with no temperature measuring device.
• Observed ventilation system and filters with an accumulation of grease and dust.

Arby's: 45200 Monterey Place Sterling, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 3

Violations:

• Person in Charge (PIC) was unable to produce a verifiable means of an Employee Health Policy. The PIC was be able to produce a verifiable means to EHS when asked of an Employee Health Policy.

Sbarro #736: 21100 Dulles Town Cir #236 Sterling, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 3

Violations: No violations found.

La Pupusa Loca: 309 South Sterling Blvd Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 3

Violations: No violations found. The purpose of today's visit was to discuss moving to time as a public health control for the shredded cheese used in pupusas. Pork and bean mixture to remain under refrigeration. PIC will email copy of TPHC documentation to EHS upon completion.

Taco Bell: 22288 S. Sterling Blvd Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 3

Violations: No violations found.

BON ME SHACK: 46515 Leesburg Pike #190 Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 3

Violations:

• Employee observed drinking from an uncovered cup.
• Employees observed not changing gloves in between tasks. Employee used the same gloves to open the refrigerator door and then continues to place food on a plate.
• Observed raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat food in the prep cooler in the kitchen.
• Wares cycled through the dish machine are not being sanitized, reading of less than 25 ppm chlorine were taken.
• Chemical spray bottles stored above prep sinks.
• Wet kitchen towel stored on the kitchen counter.
• Rice scoop stored in a bowl of water.
• Inside of the dishmachine observed with accumulation of black residues.

South Block Juice D7: 1 Saarinen Cir Sterling, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 3

Violations:

• Person in charge was unable to produce food employee health policies at the time of inspection.
• Facility doesn't have a written procedure for responding to vomiting or diarrheal events for employees to follow.

KFC #K071153: 22300 Sterling Blvd Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 2

• Person in charge (PIC) was not able to produce a verifiable employee health reporting agreement for each of the food employees. EHS observed only one form signed by a food employee at the time of inspection.

Pei Wei Asian Diner: 22000 Dulles Retail Plaza #190 Dulles, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 2

Violations:

• Observed the deflector in the ice machine to have a build up of pink residue.
• Observed raw shrimp (46F) raw chicken (46F), cooked chicken (46F), raw steak (47F) improperly cold holding in the walk in cooler. Temperature of the walk-in cooler registered at 45F. Compressor of walk in was leaking.

MOD Super Fast Pizza: 19855 Belmont Chase Dr #125 Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: June 2

Violations: No violations found.

Pizza Twist: 20691 Ashburn Rd 160 Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: June 2

Violations: No violations found. The purpose of follow up visit was to ensure compliance with the following procedures: Cleanup of vomit and diarrhea written directions, conditional employees health reporting agreement and sanitation of food contact surfaces.All items mentioned above have been corrected.

Domino's Pizza #4383: 22330 S. Sterling Blvd Ste A112 Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: June 2

Violations:

• EHS observed a bottle with colored liquid in a squeeze bottle by the washing machine without a label identifying the chemical.

Cava Mezza Grill: 1 Saarinen Cir. Dulles, VA 20166

Last inspection: June 2

Violations:

• Observed the hand sink by the prep counter to still have the supply of hot water turned off due to a leak.

El Estribo Restaurant: 20800 Edds Ln Potomac Falls, VA 20165

Last inspection: June 2

Violations:

• Establishment did not have written or posted procedures for employees to follow when responding to a vomit or diarrheal event.
• Observed various ready-to-eat (RTE) and time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items (soups, chicken, rice, stews, etc.) located in the reach-in cooler not date marked.
• Observation several wet wiping cloths used to clean table tops and other equipment not stored in a sanitizer solution between uses.
• Observed sponges being used to wash and clean food-contact equipment and surfaces.
• The facility did not have a test kit to accurately measure the concentration of sanitizing solution within the three-compartment sink.
• Observed an accumulation of soil residue on top of the dishwashing machine and behind the cooking equipment.