Live Mice, Roaches, Droppings: Falls Church Restaurant Inspections

FALLS CHURCH, VA — As the Fairfax County Health Department continues to post restaurant inspection reports, we are looking at recent reports in the Falls Church area.

The health department's environmental health staff inspect over 5,200 restaurants and other retail food service establishments in Fairfax County and cities of Falls Church and Fairfax to ensure safe food handling practices are followed. This includes proper sanitation, food storage and preparation, and adequate kitchen facilities. Aside from restaurants, staff inspect child care centers, hospitals, school cafeterias, and temporary food service vendors at festivals.

This week's report focuses on City of Falls Church restaurants east of Washington Street from so far in 2023. Among the notable violations were rodent droppings at Little Saigon Restaurant and Saigon Bakery & Deli, live roaches at HL Cafe & Restaurant, live mice at Hu Tieu My LaCay Cho Lon, roaches and rodent droppings at Pho VA. Health inspectors followed up with each restaurant regarding actions to take due to pest violations.

The health department cautions residents that a single inspection should not be used to evaluate a restaurant. Rather, the health department suggests looking at multiple inspection reports for a better overview.

Click on each link to see the full report for the restaurant. Residents can also search for a specific restaurant or browse a map of inspected locations through the online database.

Thompson Italian: 124 N Washington St., Falls Church, Va 22046

Last inspection: Jan. 25

Violations: No violations found.

Panjshir Restaurant: 114 E Fairfax St., Falls Church, Va 22046

Last inspection: April 5

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: cheddar at 50F, sambosa at 46F.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: 1DR Avantco at 50F.

Subway: 113 E Annandale Rd., Falls Church, Va 22046

Last inspection: March 29

Violations: No violations found.

Cristina Restaurant: 304 Douglass Ave., Falls Church, Va 22046

Last inspection: Feb. 23

Violations:

• The following packaged food item(s) is not properly labeled: coca leaves, eucalyptus leaves.

Little Saigon Restaurant: 6218 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: April 6

Violations:

• The following food item prepared from ambient air temperature ingredients is not being adequately cooled to 41F or less within 4 hours: raw bean sprouts removed from refrigeration, with water added 4 hours prior and changed 2 hours prior observed at 51F.
• Raw animal food storage, preparation, holding or display conducted in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows :1) Observed package of raw squid stored in direct contact with package of cooked shrimp, 2) Observed box of raw chicken sitting directing on top of box of lettuce,3) Observed packages of several different types of raw animal foods stored in direct contact in the Upright freezer.
• Upon discussion with the person-in-charge, one or more of the elements of an effective employee health policy is either missing or incomplete.
• The following food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: white rice at 123-133F in the front warmer.
• The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: observed cooked white rice cooling in large container covered inside of the Cookline prep cooler.
• The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: 1) Cooked noodles and 2) Garlic in oil mixture.
• A review of the menu with the food service operator indicates that there is no consumer advisory for the following food item(s) that may be served raw and/or undercooked: all pho soups with tai (thinly sliced raw beef).
• Observed the hand sink at the front service area being used as a dumping station for ice.
• Effective methods are not being used to control pests. Observed rodent droppings on the shelving in the dry storage room.
• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at each handwashing sink.
• Open drinking containers used or stored in a manner that may contaminate food, food contact surfaces or utensils throughout the kitchen.
• Observed that sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at all handwashing sinks used by food employees.
• Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor in all of the following areas: 1) Dry Storage Room, 2) Walk in Cooler, (3) Walk in Freezer.
• Scoop handle was observed in direct contact with sugar inside of the sugar container. Ice scoop handle was observed in direct contact with ice inside of the ice machine.
• Manufacturer containers (previously for peeled garlic) were observed reused for the storage of various TCS and non TCS foods.
• The nonfood-contact surface of the following equipment is not corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent, and/or smooth: observed cardboard lining shelving. Also observed cardboard lining the floor of the Walk in Cooler.
• There are no chemical sanitizer for sanitizing equipment and utensils that are cleaned/sanitized in place or sanitized at the three compartment sink available in the establishment.
• Observed that items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment are being stored on the premises.
• Observed light bulbs in kitchen not shielded nor shatter resistant directly above food preparation areas and cookline.
• The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment and/or utensils are not durable: observed non food grade Home Depot orange buckets being used to store beef broth.
• The temperature measuring device in the following mechanically refrigerated unit was not properly located in the warmest part of the unit (front of unit): Randell 2DR prep cooler.
• Observed that the hood filters are in need of cleaning.

Thai Time: 6613 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: April 11

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: Located in the Imbera glass door cooler: bean sprout 45F.
• The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: Garlic in oil mixture and cooked rice.
• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: utensils stored in water and the handle of ice scoop was in direct contact of ice.
• A food employee was observed eating and drinking in areas where they may contaminate food, clean equipment, utensils or other items needing protection.
• Wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter.
• There is no covered refuse container for the disposal of feminine napkins in the ladies room stall. Observed a trash can in the unisex restroom without a lid.

New Moon Restaurant: 6619 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: Feb. 2

Violations:

• The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation and was not observed to be date marked: beans, beef soup.
• The person in charge is not able to provide a verbal or written policy for preventing the transmission of foodborne disease by an employee who has a disease or a medical condition.

Number One Coffee: 6799 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: Jan. 25

Violations:

• Upon discussion with the person-in-charge, one or more of the elements of an effective employee health policy is either missing or incomplete.
• Raw animal food storage, preparation, holding or display conducted in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: observed raw pork over washed vegetables in the walk in.
• The following cooked time/temperature control for safety food(s) are not being adequately cooled from 135F to 70F within two hours and to 41F within a total of six hours. Pork cooling overnight at 48f.
• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: pork at 45f, ham at 50f,Vietnamese ham at 56f.
• There is no Certified Food Manager present at the beginning of the inspection.
• Observed that hand soap was not provided at each handwashing sink.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at each handwashing sink.
• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.

Captain Saigon: 6799 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: April 30

Violations:

• The following cooked time/temperature control for safety food(s) are not being adequately cooled from 135F to 70F within two hours: observed cooked noodles at 78-81F after cooling over two hours.
• Upon discussion with the person-in-charge, one or more of the elements of an effective employee health policy is either missing or incomplete.
• The permit holder did not submit plans or specifications for remodeling/renovation, change in type of establishment leading to extensive menu change, and/or change in layout/equipment.
• The tags for the molluscan shellfish are not being retained for 90 days.
• The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: 1) all cooked meats in the new display case, 2) Cooked soups and cooked wraps on the juice side, 3)unsalted butter and raw shell eggs on the spice cart at the cookline.
• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at each handwashing sink.
• Observed that hand soap was not provided at each handwashing sink.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: sugar and cooking oil.
• Manufacturer containers (previously for edible swine blood and peeled garlic ) were observed reused for the storage of various TCS and non TCS foods.
• Wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter.
• Open drinking containers used or stored in a manner that may contaminate food, food contact surfaces or utensils.
• Observed newspaper lining food prep tableunder the cutting board and observed newspaper lining the boxes that cooked meats are received in.

HL Cafe & Restaurant: 6795 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: March 28

Violations:

• The food establishment's Permit to Operate is no longer valid due to expiration of the permit.
• Upon discussion with the person-in-charge, one or more of the elements of an effective employee health policy is either missing or incomplete.
• Raw meats stored above bean sprouts, basil, other vegetables in Everest refrigerator/freezer.
• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
• Observed several live roaches at top of 3-vat sink under and next to prep cooler and walls.
• No sanitizer for 3-vat sink found.
• There is no test kit located in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solutions.
• Intake and exhaust air ducts are not being cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials.
• The shellstock offered for sale or service bears no label or has a label that does not contain all the information as specified in law.
• Sides of refrigerator, sides of stovetop and fryer and under prep cooler in need of cleaning.

Hoang Viet: 6795 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: April 3

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: raw shell eggs room temperature and bean sprouts 69F.
• 2 pans washed in 3 vat sink and no sanitizer observed in 3-vat sink.
• The handwashing facility located at the kitchen area is blocked, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing.
• The certified food manager could not provide a food temperature measuring device.
• A review of the menu with the foodservice operator indicates that there is no consumer advisory for the following food item(s) that may be served raw and/orundercooked: steak noodles.
• Ladles stored on newspaper in between use.

Hu Tieu My LaCay Cho Lon: 6793 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: Feb. 7

Violations:

• The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment were not observed sanitized: multiple knives were only rinsed under water, and not properly sanitized while at the 3 compartment sink, after cleaning.
• Live mice observed inside kitchen as a well as harborage conditions such as excessive grime and debris.
• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
• The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation and was not observed to be date marked: very large pot of duck broth (soup) in walk in cooler, without the date for proper discard.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of salt, pepper, corn starch, flour, andfish sauces at the prep stations and in the storage area.
• Pesticides labeled for residential use were observed in the facility and are being applied by the operator to control pests.
• Areas beneath and around the sides of cook line equipment, sinks, dry storage, and perimeters of all walls and floors in need of deep cleaning.
• Sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at the hand-washing sink, located at the front service area, used by food employees.

LO DAU HU THANH SON: 6793 Wilson Blvd, Unit# A, Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: Feb. 6

Violations: No violations found.

Gong Cha: 6787 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: March 15

Violations: No violations found.

Huong Viet Restaurant: 6785 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: Jan. 31

Violations: No violations found.

Viet Foods: 6783 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: Feb. 7

Violations:

• Documentation on exhaust hood indicates that it is past due for servicing.

TeaDM: 6779 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: Feb. 7

Violations:

• Chemicals were observed stored with food, equipment, and singleservice items.
• Observed an unapproved type of “splitter” on the mop sink faucet.
• The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment were not observed sanitized.
• EHS did not observe any staff members washing their hands during the time of the inspection.
• The food establishment's Permit to Operate is no longer valid due to expiration of the permit.
• The person in charge is not a certified food protection manager.
• Observed that hand soap was not provided at the FRONT COUNTER AREA handwashing sink.
• The handwashing facility located in the KITCHEN AREA is blocked, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing.
• Food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hourspast the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: 1) prepared boba on the counter.
• Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor in kitchen, walk in refrigerator, walk-in freezer, storage areas.
• Observed that the KITCHEN WALL(S) AND CEILING(S) are not maintained in good repair.
• Manufacturer containers for FLAVORED JELLIES are observed reused for the storage of teas, coffees, etc.
• Employees observed working in the food service area without proper hair restraints.
• Wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter.
• Openings to the exterior of the building are present along the REAR KITCHEN DOOR.
• Observed the front counter hand sink clogged.
• Observed CLEAN GLASS BOTTLES/CONTAINERS for teas and coffees stored directly on the kitchen floor.
• Observed the KITCHEN FRP PANELED WALLS in need of cleaning.
• Observed that items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment are being stored on the premises.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment had accumulations of grime and debris: exteriors of equipment like ice machine and lids of ice machine.
• Observed that sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided or is not clearly visible at the following hand sinks: unsex bathroom and kitchen sink.
• Observed that mops are improperly stored between use.

Rice Paper Vietnamese: 6775 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: March 15

Violations:

• The following equipment/utensils were observed soiled to sight and touch: vegetable slicers hanging above sink, bowl on clean equipment shelf.
• The following food item(s) were found subject to contamination after receipt and during storage due to the condition as described: observed noodles soaking inwater in a container which previously held dishwashing liquid.
• Observed that the floor under all equipment especially the cookline is in need of cleaning. Areas around air vents, fan on wall, and area below filters in first hoodalso are in need of cleaning.
• The faucet fixture at the 3 compartment sink is leaking.
• At the rear door, the door sweep is not flush with the ground because the floor is damaged. Daylight can be seen through the gap.
• Observed that the light fixtures in the first hood is not maintained in good repair.

Saigon Bakery & Deli: 6773 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: Feb. 20

Violations:

• Clean equipment/single service items were found stored at the toilet room.
• Plumbing connections under the fan box in the walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer needs to be reconnected from the drain pans to the floor drain.
• Observe mice droppings at the facility.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment were observed soiled with an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and/or other debris: deep fryer,stove grates.

Kim Phung Bakery: 6771 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: March 12

Violations:

• The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hourspast the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: 4 containers of rice cake in customer area; Items at front counter.
• The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparationand was not observed to be date marked: banana leaves stuffed with rice; Meatballs, all in bulk and in the walk in refrigerator.
• Observed that the sides of equipment such as the fryer in the pastry section, prep table shelves, cove/wall junctures behind cookline equipment are in need ofcleaning.
• Observed that sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided or is not clearly visible at all handwashing sinks used by food employees.
• Surfaces of ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment had accumulations of grime and debris: toaster over, waffle/crepe maker, Kitchenaid mixer, Hobartmixer.
• Observed pork ears and pork with bone in thawing in the three vat sink without running coldwater slacking off the water.

Huong Gia Cafe: 6771 Wilson Blvd., Unit# B, Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: March 8

Violations:

• The certified food manager could not provide a food temperature measuring device.
• The nonfood-contact surface of the following equipment is not designed or constructed to be easily cleanable: Several soda crates observed used to store clean glasses.

Mr. Wish: 6767 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: March 14

Violations:

• The food establishment's Permit to Operate is no longer valid due to expiration of the permit.
• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: milk, yogurt based drink in 3 dr prep cooler.
• The handsink located in the front service counter area was filled with kitchen utensils at the start of the inspection, preventing access for employee handwashing.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: TurboAir 3 dr prep cooler.

Pho VA: 6765 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: April 12

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: raw fish 54F, raw beef53F in True 2DR UR.
• The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment were not observed sanitized: knives, glasses.
• Food employee(s) was observed handling the following ready-to-eat foods using their bare hands: basil.
• Some cockroaches observed during inspection, some rodent droppings observed on flat surfaces and floor.
• A food employee was observed cleaning their hands in the 3 vat sink.
• The door gaskets of the following unit(s) are (missing, damaged): Prep coolers.
• Observed that the Physical structures is not maintained in good repair: floor tiles cracked/missing, holes in wall in kitchen and hallway, electrical outlet loose,several ceiling tiles missing from kitchen and hallway.
• Observed that the Physical structure in the is in need of cleaning: floors beneath/behind equipment, walls, ceilings.
• Openings to the exterior of the building are present along the bottom of the back door.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: True 2DR UR in kitchen at 54F.
• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: rice scoops in water..
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment had accumulations of grime and debris: hand washing sink, exterior and interior of coolers, wire shelvesabove 3 vat sink and servers station, piping, stoves.

Martini Restaurant Bar Hookah Lounge: 6763 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: Feb. 20

Violations: No violations found.

Nha-Trange Restaurant: 6757 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: April 7

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: #4 cooler - rice 48F,spring roll 49F, cooked sausage 47F.
• Observed that items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment are being stored on the premises.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: #4 (Avantco) UR beverage display cooler. Doorgaskets are damaged on refrigerators and freezers.

CHA OC GIA HUY: 6757 Wilson Blvd., Unit# 9, Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: April 13

Violations:

• Food packaged in the establishment is not labeled in accordance with Law. Observed milk drink, two frozen meat items, and dried meat without a proper label

One 1ea: 6757 Wilson Blvd., Unit# 10 & 11, Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: Feb. 9

Violations: No violations found.

BANH CUON THANG LONG: 6757 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: March 8

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were found subject to contamination during preparation: Food on the bun preparation machine that overhangs the mop sink and issubject to splashing.
• Openings to the exterior of the building are present along the back door. Observed a weather strip that did not adequately protect from the entrance of pests.
• The following equipment is not designed and constructed to be durable: The newly installed bun-machine for which no documentation of NSF, ANSI, UL orEPH, ETL sanitation approval could be provided.

H20 Cafe: 6757 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: May 20

Violations:

• Upon discussion with the person-in-charge, one or more of the elements of an effective employee health policy is either missing or incomplete.
• The following cooked time/temperature control for safety food(s) are not being adequately cooled from 135F to 70F within two hours and to 41F within a total ofsix hours: rice (50F) inside the 1 dr upright True refrigerator.
• Employees are not properly sanitizing cleaned muliuse eqeuipment and utensils before they are reused.
• Observed that hand soap was not provided at the back handwashing sink.

Cafe Le Mirage: 6757 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22044

Last inspection: May 9

Violations:

• Food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label.