Dead Mouse Trapped Under Sink: See Recent Route 1 Restaurant Inspections

HUNTINGTON, VA — With Fairfax County Health Department's restaurant inspection reports back online, we continue to look at reports in the Route 1 corridor.

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.

Residents can search for a specific restaurant or browse a map of inspected locations through the online database.

The health department cautions residents that a single inspection should not be used to evaluate a restaurant. Pieter Sheehan, the Fairfax County environmental health director, says "it is important to look at multiple inspection reports for a facility to truly understand their approach and commitment to food safety and sanitation."

This week's report focuses on restaurants in Hybla Valley, Mount Vernon and Woodlawn in December and January. One of the notable reports involved a dead mouse in a trap at China One. During the inspection, an employee removed the mouse and cleaned under the sink where the mouse was trapped.

Click on each link to see the full report for the restaurant.

Green Olive Buffet & Grill: 7405 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 31

Violations: Food employee(s) was observed handling the following ready-to-eat foods using their bare hands: the food service employee at the sushi bar was cutting the cucumber with bare hands; raw animal food storage, preparation, holding or display conducted in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: 3 large containers of raw chicken stored directly above 6 large containers of cooked pastas and cooked potatoes in the walk in cooler (salad bar), and multiple pans of mussels and crabs stored directly above containers of cooked noodles in the walk in cooler (meats); 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: containers of egg rolls in the walk in cooler (meats) and shrimp tempura in the cooler at sushi bar; paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sinks located by the walk in cooler (salad bar) and at the sushi station; hand soap was not provided at the hand washing sink, located by the walk in cooler (meats); hot/cold water under insufficient or inadequate pressure was found to serve the following equipment: the hand washing sink, located at the sushi station; equipment/utensils were observed soiled to sight and touch: multiple rice cookers in the storage area and at the far back cook area,with a build up of grease and food debris; dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: multiple spatulas used for the grill, at the sushi station, were maintained in hot water that registered at 67F; unwrapped or uncovered food in the following location where the food is subject to contamination: multiple opened and uncovered containers of flour, butter sauce, barbecue sauce, and fry dry batter in the storage area without covers for protection; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of curry powder, salt, sugar, pepper sauce, chicken powder, corn starch, and sauces at the cook line; food employee was observed drinking from a coffee mug, in the kitchen area by the cook line.

Family Fortune: 2913 B Arlington Dr., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 25

Violations: Container of raw beef being stored above an uncovered container of rice noodles in the walk in cooler; food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: very large container of beef soup (45F) in the walk in cooler; 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: large container of egg rolls in the walk in cooler and sweet and sour chicken in Beverage Air 1 dr under counter cooler; methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: beef soup cooked and cooled in a very large and deep pot; food employee was observed drinking from a water bottle, in the kitchen area, where they may contaminate food, clean equipment, utensils or other items needing protection; small flying insects on the flooring around the 3 compartment sink and in the kitchen area, observed that there is an accumulation of grease and food debris; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of salt, corn starch, sugar,MSG, and sauces at the cook line; flooring around the cooking equipment and underneath the sinks, the wok, and the fryer have a build up of grease, food debris and dirt.

La Mexicana Bakery: 2907 Arlington Dr., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 25

Violations: The establishment has not posted the current permit to operate in a conspicuous location; food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: shredded beef (44F), tripe menudo (44F) and beans (45F), in the walk in cooler; 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: multiple containers of tamales, Pico de gallo, salsa, and curtido (cabbage slaw) in the prep top cooler; methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: multiple very large, deep, and tightly covered pans of beans in the walk in cooler; wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter of the prep top cooler and at the grill; multiple boxes of avocados being stored directly on the floor underneath the bakery prep table; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of salt, salt and pepper,and oil at the cook line, flour, vanilla, and sauces at the bake station; sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is visible at the hand-washing sink, located at the front by the register, used by food employees; food-contact equipment surface of the two very large commercial dough mixers is observed soiled with accumulations of food debris and flour.

KFC: 7521 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 24

Violations: The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, and buffalo sauce at the prep station, without the common names labeled on the bottles.

Mamma's Kitchen: 7601 Fordson Rd., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 3

Violations: The person in charge is not able to provide written procedures for the use of time as a public health control with the following time/temperature control for safety food item(s): the gyro meat on the spike at the cook-line; 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: the gyro meat on the spike, located at the cook line; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple bottles of oils located at the steam table, the cookline and the pizza station, containers of salt at the steam table; refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Leader 3 Dr prep cooler (48F); sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at the hand-washing sink, located by the cook-line, used by food employees.

McDonald's: 7614 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 8

Violations: No violations found.

Pizza Hut: 7611 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 17

Violations: No violations found.

Della J's Delectables: 7692 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 11

Violations: Food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: raw chicken breast (50F) and cooked chicken breast (45F) in chef base cooler, potato salad (49F) and half and half (49F) in prep top cooler at cook line, collard greens (45F) and macaroni and cheese sauce (55F) in walk in cooler.

Capital Chicken: 7698 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Dec. 5

Violations: Food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: yucca(118F) and French fries (129F) under the heat lamp; paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sink, located by the pot sink in the back; sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at the hand-washing sink, located by the steam table, used by food employees; Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: utensils being stored, in between uses, in a container of water that registered at 66F; pesticides labeled for residential use were observed in the facility and are being applied by the operator to control pests; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: bottles of oil, vinegars, Teriyaki sauce, soy sauce at the prep table by the walk in cooler.

Cold Stone Creamery: 7702 B Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 4

Violations: No violations found.

McAlister's Deli: 7704 A Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 18

Violations: The establishment has not posted the permit to operate in a conspicuous location; faucet connections, at the prep sink by the veggie wash station, cause spraying leaks when the water is running.

China One: 7700 F Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 3

Violations: Large container of rawshrimp being stored below large containers of raw chicken in the walk in cooler; equipment/utensils were observed soiled to sight and touch: there were knives and utensils hanging on a magnetic board near the hand sink in the kitchen area with dried food debris on the surface; accumulation of food debris, grease and pest droppings on the floor, under the sinks, in the corners of the kitchen and around the equipment; dead and trapped mouse was found on glue board under the 3 compartment sink; wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored in a dry bucket on the floor; food employee was observed drinking from an open take-out bowl near the prep top cooler, in an area where they may contaminate food, cleanequipment, utensils or other items needing protection.

McDonald's at Walmart: 7910 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 5

Violations: Paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sink,located by the frappe station.

Best Pollo Latino: 7849 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Jan. 19

Violations: The following food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: beef soup inpot (119F); no certified food manager present in the facility at the beginning of the inspection; food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time thatis 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: the container of fixings such as sliced tomato, cheese, chopped lettuce, at the prep table, without the 4 hour time parameters marked; faucet on the pot sink maintained a steady leak (stream) of water; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: bottle of oil and container of salt at cook-line; dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: a metal container on the grill full of utensils being stored in water, in between use; sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at the hand-washing sink, located in the restroom, used by food employees.

Taco Lucas Restaurant & Bakery: 8142 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Dec. 5

Violations: Methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: the facility makes very large containers of beans that aredeep and difficult to cool properly; food employee was observed eating, in the kitchen area, where they may contaminate food, clean equipment, utensils or other items needing protection; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple bottles of oils at the cook line, andcontainers of spices and ground meal in the dry storage.

Las Carnitas Restaurant: 8250 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Dec. 4

Violations: Food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: rice in #2(47F), Loroco pupusa in #3 (44F), cheese pupusa in #3 (46F), and horchata in #4 (50F); 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: containers of black beans, pinto beans, Pico de gallo and chicken stew in #2; methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: large pans of cooked rice, fully covered with lids, not maintaining proper temperature due to improper cooling; no cover to the feminine napkin refuse container in the ladies room stall; refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: the True 2 glass Dr drink display cooler (45F).

Little Caesars: 8246 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Jan. 9

Violations: The establishment has not posted the permit to operate in a conspicuous location; no certified food manager present in the facility at the time of the inspection; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of seasonings, butter, barbecue sauce, hot sauce and garlic sauce at the prep tables.

Firehouse Subs: 8628 A Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Jan. 5

Violations: The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment were not observed sanitized: the dishes and utensils inside of the chemical sanitizing dish machine; food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: meatballs at the steam table (118F); temperature of the hot water at the 3 compartment sink registered at 98F; chemical sanitizing dish machine was not registering for the chlorine solution when tested with the test kit; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of seasonings on theshelves and at the prep top coolers, like pepper, garlic, Jamaican seasoning, bottles of oils and vinegar at prep top cooler.

Chef Huang's Restaurant: 8638 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Jan. 12

Violations: Large container of raw chicken on the shelf above the ready-to-eat sweet and sour chicken; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of sugar, salt, MSG,pepper sauce, garlic and water, vinegar, and sauces at the cook line.

Pizza Hut: 8640 A Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Jan. 17

Violations: The hot water at the hand-washing sink, located in the kitchen area, is registering at 77F; temperature of the hot water at the 3 compartment sink registered at 103F; ceiling tiles located above the sauce station had an accumulation of dirt, dust and debris.

China Cafe: 8740 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Jan. 22

Violations: No certified food manager present in the facility at the beginning of the inspection; 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: containers of sweet and sour chicken in M3 Turbo Air, containers of wontons and egg rolls in the Beverage Air prep top; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: bottles of soy sauce, vinegar, Hoisin sauce, cooking wine,and corn starch at the cook line.

Orale Mexican Taqueria: 8762 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Jan. 22

Violations: Certified food manager could not provide a food temperature measuring device; 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: container of beans and curtido (shredded cabbage) in True 2 Dr upright cooler, multiple containers of beef soup in the 2glass Dr display cooler; no certified food manager present at the beginning of the inspection; chlorine test strips, available in the facility, were no longer properly registering the chemical concentration of the sanitizer solution; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of flour, salt and bottles of oil at the cookline; ood thawing using an improper method: very large container of frozen chicken thawing directly on the counter top.

Club One Sports Bar & Grill: 8786 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Jan. 24

Violations: 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: multiple containers of salsa, green salsa, and curtido (shredded cabbage slaw) in the walk in cooler without dates.

Roy Rogers: 8860 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Jan. 31

Violations: Food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: creamed chipped beef (44F), sliced tomato (44F, 44F) and roast beef (44F) in the walk in cooler; Hot/Cold water under insufficient or inadequate pressure was found to serve the following equipment: the women’s restroom hand sink.