Fredericksburg Restaurant Bounces Back From 23 Health Code Violations

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 14, Rappahannock Area Health District inspectors visited 17 food establishments in Fredericksburg, finding violations at 10 of them.

On Jan. 2, an inspector reported 23 health code violations at Cowboy Jack's at 2312 Plank Road in Fredericksburg. When an inspector returned to the restaurant eight days later for a followup inspection, things had changed significantly.

All of the violations had been properly addressed or were in the process of being addressed. For example, the 3-door reach-in cooler appeared to be functioning properly and keeping foods at the appropriate temperature to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria. Also, two staff members were in the process of finishing the certified food protection manager course.

More information about what type of violations and corrective measures health inspectors cite food establishments for can be found at the bottom of this story.

The following are the 17 food establishments Rappahannock Area Health District inspectors visited between Jan. 8-14.

Starbucks Coffee Company #7265

3406 Plank Road #A Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

MOST RECENT INSPECTION
Fast Food | Routine
January 14, 2025

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed the outside of the reach-in coolers and freezers soiled.

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill

8016 Spotsylvania Mall Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Carry Out | Routine
January 14, 2025

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed the plastic deflector shield inside of the ice machine soiled.

Always Sonshine Learn and Play

11919 Rutherford Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Child Care Food Service | Routine
January 14, 2025

• No Violations Reported

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

3722 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
January 14, 2025

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed lack of active managerial control. The person in charge is not monitoring the following: 1. Handwashing 2. PPM of sanitizer 4. Temperature of handwashing sinks 5. Cleanliness of food contact surfaces 6. Temperature of dishwasher 7. Allergies awareness
• Observed a food employee not using soap when washing hands. During the inspection EHS requested the food employee to use soap when washing hands. The food employee proper rewashed their hands.
• A Observed three handwashing sinks located by the dishwasher, bar area and server area between 74 -90 degrees. During the inspection maintenance was contacted to evaluating the temperature issues at the handwashing sinks.
• Observed one the can rack a swollen can of pineapple tidbits. During the inspection the can was voluntary discarded.
• A Observed a food employee wearing disposable gloves and wipe them on their apron and proceed to handle onions. During the inspection the food employee removed the gloves and washed their hands before donning new gloves.
• Observed the high temp dishwasher at 158 degrees. EHS ran thermo plate through the dishwasher five times to attempt for a higher temperature. EHS discussed with the person in charge all ware washing will need to be done in the three compartments sink until the dishwasher is properly sanitizing.
• Observed the following equipment improperly cleaned: 1. Deli slicer absent of wash step 2. Through discissions with the person in charge the tongs and meat press while in operation are cleaned only twice a day. EHS discussed with the person in charge utensils in operation and contact with TCS foods must be washed, rinsed and sanitized every four hours. During the inspection equipment was properly cleaned.
• A Observed the following food contact surfaces soiled: 1. Deli slicer 2. Fry basket (hanging above three compartment sink) 3. One pair of tongs (hanging above prep area) 4. Toaster Through discussion with the person in charge these items had not been used the day of the inspection. During the inspection the deli slicer was in the process of be cleaned and the fryer basket and tongs were relocated to the three-compartment sink.
• Observed the Quat sanitizer at the three-compartment sink tested at 500ppm. During the inspection an employee drained the sanitizer from the basin. EHS discussed with the food employee proper PPM for sanitizer.
• A Upon review of HACCP log the following dates were observed incomplete: 1/14 Reheating log of HACCP foods was not complete 1/6 ROP for reheating was not completed The correct violation code for this observation is 12VAC5-421-3595 which was not available as a violation in the database. The person in charge could not provide a copy of the HAACP Plan, requested a copy sent to the health department. Provided 12VAC5-421-870(Reduced Oxygen Packaging without a Variance, Criteria) to the operator. Corrective Actions: Maintain the records required by the HACCP plan to confirm cooling and cold holding refrigeration time/temperature parameters. Make the records available to the regulatory authority upon request. Hold the records for at least 6 months
• Observed chicken thawing at 50 degrees inside thawing cabinet. Thawing cabinet thermometer was at 66 degrees.
• Observed a food employee preparing foods without wearing a hair restraint.
• Observed numerous food employees preparing food while wearing watches and bracelets.
• Observed wet stacking of many food containers throughout the facility. EHS discussed with the person in charge allowing containers to air dry.
• Observed the pressure gauge of the high temperature dishwasher is broken. The person in charge contacted Ecolab during the inspection.
• Observed the following equipment in poor repair: 1. Kick plate is missing on the ice cream chest 2. Door hinges on the ice cream chest are rusted 3. Ice buildup inside the walk-in freezer 4. Splash guard on the handwashing sink is broken 5. Reseal around handwashing sink near the dishwasher 6. Dishwasher is leaking during cycles 7. Belt on toaster is peeling 8. Thawing cabinet is cold holding at improper temperature (66 degrees)
• Observed the data plate on the dishwasher is unreadable .
• Observed all nonfood contact surfaces of equipment throughout the facility are in need of cleaning. EHS recommends a deep cleaning throughout the facility.
• Observed walls, floors and ceilings (including floor drains) are in need of cleaning.

Subway

411 Chatham Heights Square Suite 107 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
January 13, 2025

• No Violations Reported

Silver Collection at Carl D Silver Parkway

1201 Ashford Circle Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Status: Permitted

Continental Breakfast | Routine
January 13, 2025

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed a food employee drinking from an uncovered hot beverage cup. Requirements were discussed and the coffee was covered.
• Observed empty handsoap dispenser at the front handsink. During the inspection the handsoap was refilled.
• Observed front handwashing sink is being used for dumping and rinsing of towels. Informed the operator a handsink may only be used for handwashing tasks.
• Observed containers holding oatmeal toppings uncovered in customer self-service areas.
• Observed the interior plastic lid of the ice machine soiled to the sight. Ice machine plastic lid was cleaned during the inspection.
• The operator could not provide written procedures for using time as a public health control for waffle and pancake batter. Emailed time as a public health control documentation to the operator.
• The person in charge could not provide a thin probed food thermometer during the inspection.
• Observed uncovered single use coffee pods stored in coffee filters stored on the counter next to the handwashing sink which may be exposed to splash. Coffee filters were relocated during the inspection.
• Observed absence of backflow prevention devices on the following equipment connected to water supplies: Ice machine, juice machine and Encore 29 coffee beverage equipment. Emailed backflow prevention handout to the operator.
• Absence of covered receptacle in the employee toilet room.

China Wok Restaurant

10617 Courthouse Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
January 13, 2025

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed lack of active managerial control . The person in charge is not monitoring the following : 1. No Written procedure for time as a public health control for sushi rice 2.. Not monitoring food temperatures of TCS foods 3. Cooling and cooling methods 4. Food contact surfaces 5. Storage of TCS foods
• Observed foods inside all cooling equipment uncovered . The following uncovered foods were prepared on 1/12 and 1/11. During the inspections foods were covered. 1. Precooked pork (Prep cooler) 2. Pooling eggs (Prep cooler) 3. Cut carrots (Prep cooler) 4. Tofu -Walk -in cooler 5. Cut onions
• Observed inside the prep cooler raw scallops stored over ready to eat pre-cooked pork .During the inspection the raw scallops were relocated .
• Observed the following food contact surfaces soiled .Through discussion with the person in charge the following equipment was last used the day prior to the inspection . 1. Interor of floor mixer stainless steel bowl 2. Chicken cutter Person cleaned equipment during the inspection.
• Observed the following equipment soiled: 1. Interior of ice machine 2. Soda gun shoot (bar area )
• Observed precooked bread chicken inside the walk-in cooler at 48 degrees . Through discussion with the person in charge the chicken was prepared the day prior of the inspection at 8:30 am . During the inspection the chicken was voluntary discarded. EHS will provide cooling hanouts and logs to the person in charge.
• Observed the following foods prepared in the facility without a label indicating the date it was prepared.: 1. Precooked pork 2. Precooked noodles 3. Pooling unpasteurized eggs 4. Precooked breaded chicken Through discussion with the person in charge food were prepared on 1/12 and 1/11 at 10:30am. During the inspection the person in charge labeled foods .
• Facility is using time as a public health control for sushi rice. Observed Sushi rice inside the rice cooker at 73 degrees. Through discussion and reviewing the logs the person in charge prepared the rice at 10:30 and will be discarding the rice at 2:00pm. The person in charge is documenting in a log the time rice is prepared and discard time. The person in charge could not provide a signed time as a public health control document EHS will email the person in charge a copy of the time as a public health control.
• Observed rubbing alcohol stored on shelves above bags of rice. During the inspection the alcohol hol was relocated,
• Observed facility is cooling foods in large plastic containers . EHS discussed proper cooling methods with the person in charge and will email handouts .
• The person in charge could not provide a food thermometer for montioring food temperatures . During the inspection the person in charge went to the store and purchaced a thermometer .
• Observed the following non food contact surfaces in need of cleaning: 1. Exterior of all cooking equipment 2. Interior of all cooling equipment 3. All shelving

Colonial Tavern Home to the Irish

406 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Follow-Up
January 13, 2025

Observations & Corrective Actions

• The following time/temperature control for safety foods were holding above 41°F; 1. diced tomatoes at 44°F; 2. corned beef at 44°F; and 3. chicken salad at 43°F. Foods were put into the prep unit less than an hour ago. Corrective Actions: The time/temperature control for safety foods were relocated to the reach-in cooler and walk-in cooler. The person in charge will have the prep unit checked at again.

Cowboy Jack's

2312 Plank Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Follow-Up
January 10, 2025

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Follow-up inspection conducted to review corrective actions for alleged priority violations observed during routine inspection conducted on 1/2/2025. The 3-door reach in cooler appears to be functioning appropriately to cold hold TCS foods at or below 41 degrees F. Continue to monitor the temperature of the unit and TCS foods.
• The person in charge reported the consumer advisory for the brunch menu is in the process of revision and should be completed within the next few days. Recommended sending revised menu to the health department for review prior to printing.
• The following were also observed corrected:- Removal of all pest control strips-Sealing opening in the ceiling above the ice machine-Backflow preventer connected to the hose for floor cleaning
• Absence of thawing of ROP fish, correct thawing were discussed with the operator.
• Two staff are in the process of completing the certified food protection manager course.

Cinnabon

137 Spotsylvania Mall #570 Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Carry Out | Routine
January 10, 2025

• No Violations Reported

Paramount Senior Living at Fredericksburg

3500 Meekins Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Adult Care Home Service | Routine
January 10, 2025

Observations & Corrective Actions

• The automatic paper towel dispenser at the hand sink next to the front kitchen door was not working. Corrective Actions: The person in charge will have maintenance change the battery.
• Observed the deflector plate/shield inside of the ice machine soiled. Corrective Actions: The person in charge will have it drained and cleaned (wash/rinse/sanitize) this weekend.
• The concentration of the sanitizer at the three-compartment sink was measured at 0ppm. A new bottle of sanitizer was added to replace the empty bottle. Corrective Actions: A new bottle of sanitizer was added to replace the empty bottle.
• The irreversible registering temperature indicator needs a new battery. Corrective Actions: The person in charge has already requested a new battery.
• Observed the following non-food contact surfaces soiled: 1. the outside of the ovens; 2. wire shelving from the walk-in cooler; 3. wire shelving for drying clean dishes/pans; 4. the outside of the fryer; and 5. stainless-steel prep table shelves throughout the facility.
• AObserved the hood vent filters heavily soiled. Corrective Actions: The person in charge will have them taken out tonight to be cleaned.

Anita's Cafe

620 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Follow-Up
January 10, 2025

• No Violations Reported

Merit School @ The Castle #9

6306 Old Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Child Care Food Service | Routine
January 9, 2025

• No Violations Reported

Childtime Learning Center

10628 Courthouse Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Child Care Food Service | Routine
January 9, 2025

Observations & Corrective Actions

• The facility does not have an employee in a supervisory or management position that is a certified food protection manager. The facility hot holds and conducts multi-staged cooling of TCS foods.
• A Observed two knives and thin probed food thermometer soiled to the sight. Equipment was removed to the 3 vat sink for cleaning.
• Observed interior of the microwave oven soiled.
• Observed opened package of commercially prepared hard-boiled eggs which were not dated for disposition to identify the date the package was opened. The operator could not communicate when the package was opened and voluntarily discarded the eggs. Discussed date marking. The facility has a date marking system.

Taco Bell #27587

9625 Patriot Highway Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Other
January 8, 2025

• No Violations Reported

Auntie Anne's Pretzels

137 Spotsylvania Mall Drive Space 345 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
January 8, 2025

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed the mini pretzel dogs holding at 130°F and the pizza bites holding at 128°F in the hot holding unit. I measured the unit surface temperature was at 165°F and the digital temperature displayed 160°F. The person in charge advised the foods had been in the unit around 10 minutes. Also, they usually only stay in the warmer for about 30 minutes, due to the small batches.
• Corrective Actions: Ensure that time/temperature control for safety foods are being used or discarded within four hours. Check the temperature of foods when they come out of the oven to ensure that they are at 135°F before they are put in the unit. Keep the sliding windows closed when not removing/adding items to the unit. Keep making small batches. Fix the hole in the Plexiglass window.
• The following equipment is in need of repair: 1. the Plexiglass on the hot holding unit has a piece missing at the left top corner; and 2. there is a gap between the basin and the countertop of the small prep sink.

Auntie Anne's Pretzels

137 Spotsylvania Mall Dr space 210 Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
January 8, 2025

• Observations & Corrective Actions

What Violations Do VDH Inspectors Report?

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. It 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 officials 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 foodservice presents a substantial and imminent threat to the public health."

More Health Inspection Reports:

• 23 Violations Found At This Fredericksburg Restaurant: Inspections
• No Covered Receptacle In Women's Bathroom At 2 Fredericksburg Eateries
• No Written Plans For Cleaning Up Vomiting, Diarrheal Events: Inspector
• Front Door Left Open At Fredericksburg Restaurant: Inspection Report
• Pesticide Devices Hanging In Bar Area Of Fredericksburg Restaurant
• Dead Petite Rodent Found In Food Prep Area At Fredericksburg Eatery
• No Bodily Fluid Clean-Up Plans At 2 Fredericksburg Restaurants: Report