Route 1 Restaurant Inspections: Dead Roaches Found

HYBLA VALLEY, 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 February, March and April. One of the notable reports involved dead roaches found at Ledo Pizza. Health inspectors told the restaurant to remove dead insects after pest control service and provide proof of cleaning at a follow-up inspection.

Click on each report for more information.

Sea Boil Crab House: 7305 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: March 8

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: cooked potatoes (44F) and cooked corn (44F) in #3.
• Paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sink located by the across from the condiments.
• The establishment has not posted the permit to operate in a conspicuous location. The food establishment has renewed their food permit.
• There is no covered refuse container for the disposal of feminine napkins in the ladies room stall.

Ledo Pizza: 7475 Mount Vernon Square Ctr., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: April 24

Violations:

• There were multiple dead roaches around the hand sink and the Artic Air 1 Dr under counter cooler that needed to be cleaned up.
• The interior of the ice machine and the chemical sanitizing dish machine, had an accumulation of dirt and mold. The ice machine and dish machine needs to be cleaned and sanitized properly.
• The cold water valve at the hand sink, located in the kitchen closest to the 3 compartment sink, was not functioning properly.

Rinconcito VIP: 2911 Arlington Dr., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Feb. 5

Violations:

• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of salt, corn starch,oregano and seasoning in the storage area, and bottles of vinegar, oils and sauces at the cook-line, without the names for identification.
• The dishes and plates, that have been cleaned, located near the cook line, not stored covered or inverted.

Yogurt City: 7615 Fordson Rd, Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: April 13

Violations:

• Open cup of tea on the counter top in the kitchen area.

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

Last inspection: April 4

Violations:

• Observed improper cold holding temperature of raw beef burgers at 46F in reach-in cooler, located in the 2 drawer under counter cooler for raw meat.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: 2 drawer under counter cooler for raw burger (44F).

Moe's Southwest Grill: 7698 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Feb. 13

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: chopped steak (124F) in steam wells.

Noodles & Company: 7702 B Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Feb. 16

Violations: No violations found.

Dunkin Donuts: 7707 Fordson Rd., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: April 12

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: fried egg patty in hot holding shelves (114F, 118F) and sausage patty in hot holding shelves (114F). The shelving unit was not turned on or functioning during the inspection.
• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: sliced American cheese in #5 (45F).
• There was no Certified Food Manager present at the beginning of the inspection.
• The hot holding shelving unit was not operating, but had potentially hazardous food items being held at inappropriate hot holding temperatures.
• The hot holding shelving unit was not operating, but had potentially hazardous food items being held at inappropriate hot holding temperatures.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: the 2 drawer prep to cooler was not functioning atall (56F), but there were potentially hazardous food items on ice in the wells.

Paisano's Pizza: 7711 Fordson Rd., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: March 27

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: sliced cheese (43F) in #1,cheesecake (44F) in #5.
• Observed that hand soap was not provided at the handwashing sink, located in the back by the walk in cooler.
• Observed-that a sign that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at the hand-washing sinks, located in the back by the walk in cooler, used by food employees.
• Observed uncovered multiple containers of mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders and ravioli in the upright freezer, where the food is subject to contamination.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple bottles of oils, sauces and mixed seasoning at the cook line and on counter tops, without the common names labeled.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F:the Norlake 3 dr prep top cooler on the right registered at 50F.

Lotus Pho and Grill: 7770 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: April 11

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: beef broth in pot on stove 98F.
• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: cooked cooled noodles 61 F, pork egg rolls 49 F, sliced tomatoes 59 F in the prep top cooler.
• 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 the hand-washing sink, located by the 3 compartment sink.
• The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: the CFM cooks very large and deep vats of beef broth soup and coolssitting out without the use of ice wands, or breaking down into smaller portions.
• Observed containers of pork egg rolls, containers of peanut sauces and prepared food items (meat skewers), not marked with dates in the prep top cooler and the walk-in cooler.
• 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.
• Observed no chlorine test kit in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solutions.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: 2 dr prep top cooler (53F), Norlake walk in cooler (44F).
• Observed containers of raw beef and carrots being stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler. Food stored directly on the floor.
• Observed the following food thawing using an improper method: raw beef thawing in stagnant water at the 3 compartment sink.
• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: scoop stored with handle below the level of the ice in ice machine.
• Observed residential pesticides stored near 3 compartment sink in the facility.

Popeye's: 7832 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Feb. 16

Violations: No violations found.

La Taza Bakery: 7850 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: March 30

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: shredded lettuce in #6 at 97 F.
• 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: The facility is using time as a public health control for the pupusa station, and it was not marked with the time parameters.
• The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: Covered containers of chicken, beef and chorizo with egg cooling underneath the shelf.
• Observed the following food thawing using an improper method: Bags of beans with cheese and chorizo with cheese thawing directly on shelving unit.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: Containers of sauces at the cook line, container of flour in the prep kitchen, bottles of mayonnaise at the prep top cooler and colored sugars at the bakery station, without common names for proper identification.
• Containers of raw beef, cabbage slaw and margarine stored directly on the floor in walk-in cooler.

Tacos el Costalilla: 7862 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Feb. 5

Violations:

• The temperature of the hot water at the 3 compartment sink registered at 105F.
• 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 facility is using time as a public health control for the salsas at the condiment station, but could not provide written procedures.
• 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 thatis 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: the salsas at the condiment station in the dining area were not marked with the 4 hour time parameters.
• There was no temperature measuring device located in the following cold or hot holding equipment: the Supera 1 Dr prep top cooler and the drink display cooler.
• A 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.
• Food thawing using an improper method: multiple bags of frozen shrimp thawing in an empty pan on the counter top.

Subway: 7868 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: April 13

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: sliced ham (43F) in open air cooler on the right at serve line.
• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.

Pupuseria y Taqueria Mana: 8166 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: March 6

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: half and half in #1.
• Hand soap was not provided at the hand-washing sink located in the kitchen area.
• The following raw and/or undercooked foods are provided on the menu, menu board, table tent or brochure without proper disclosure: the menushave been updated and the burgers, eggs, and steak, available served raw or undercooked, do not have the disclosure on the menus.
• The establishment has not posted the permit to operate in a conspicuous location. The food establishment has renewed their permit.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: True 2 glass dr upright cooler (48F).

Shah's Halal Food: 8256 B Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Feb. 12

Violations:

• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple bottles of yogurt sauces, hot sauces, barbecue sauces at the prep top station, and bottles of oil and water at the cook line, without common names labeled.

Las Veguitas II Restaurant: 8428 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: March 28

Violations:

• Raw animal food storage, preparation, holding or display conducted in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: Raw eggs stored above RTE tomato sauce in Maxx Cold upright cooler.
• Inadequate record keeping system of clam tags. The tags for the clams are not available and are being discarded immediately after preparation of seafood bags.
• The tags for the clams are not being retained for 90 days. There were no clam shell stock tags present in the facility from the past 90 days.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple bottles of oils, sauces, and mixed seasonings nearthe hold holding unit and at the prep top table.
• Observed that the facility is serving clams, but the clams present in the facility do not have the shell stock tags as required. The tags have been removed.
• Observed wet wiping cloths outside sanitizer at the cook line. Wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter.

Johnny Mac's: 8526 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: April 5

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: meat chili in steam wells (122F)
• Food employee(s) was observed handling the following ready-to-eat foods using their bare hands: the food service employee was preparing the toast and plating itwith bare hands.
• 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: multiple containers of beans and chili in the walk in cooler without the dates for proper discard.

Kimchi House: 8537 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: April 19

Violations:

• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: rice scoops stored in container of cold water on counter top.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Superior 2 dr prep top refrigeration unittemperature at (46F), Beverage Air sliding glass dr cooler (43F).

Starbucks at Safeway: 8646 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: April 12

Violations:

• The Person In Charge had an expired certified food manager certification. There was no food service employee, present in the facility, with an active certification.It shall be unlawful to operate a food establishment which has only non-TCS foods and/or minimally prepares or handles Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food unless it is under the immediate control of a limited certified food manager.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at the handwashing sink, located by the 3 compartment sink.
• Observed that a sign that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at both handwashing sinks used by food employees.

Domino's Pizza: 8641 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: April 24

Violations:

• There is no test kit located in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solutions, quaternary ammonia.
• The person in charge was not a certified food manager. There was no certified food manager present at the facility during the inspection.
• The establishment has not posted the permit to operate in a conspicuous location.

Thai Nakorn Restaurant: 8733 F Cooper Rd., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: March 14

Violations: No violations found.

Inca Pollo Royal 777: 8723 B Cooper Rd., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: April 5

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: shredded cheese (44F),curtido cabbage (44F), hot dog (46F), cooked carrots (44F) in #1, and cooked yucca (44F) in #3.
• 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 preparationand was not observed to be date marked: container of Curtido shredded cabbage in the walk in cooler.
• The handwashing sink located next to the mop sink, was blocked with a food blender inside, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing. The handwashing sink at the cook line was full of dishes and utensils as well.
• Multiple wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter at the cook line.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: walk in cooler (50F), glass dr drink cooler (43F), above counter cooler (50F).

Chalkboard Wings & BBQ: 8723 C Cooper Rd., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Feb. 8

Violations: No violations found.

Su Pollo Restaurant: 8741 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Feb. 12

Violations:

• The handwashing facility located in the kitchen area, is blocked by containers and a pitcher in the sink, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing.
• The temperature of the hot water at the 3 compartment sink registered at 96F.
• Multiple cans of Pesticides labeled for residential use were observed in the facility, at the front serve counter, and are being applied by the operatorto control pests.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: the 1 Dr prep top cooler (47F).
• There is no cover to the feminine napkin refuse container in the ladies room stall.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple bottles of white sauce, green sauce,ketchup and mustard located at the salad cooler, without common names labeled.

El Paso Mexican Restaurant: 8746 Cooper Rd., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: March 16

Violations:

• Different types of raw animal foods stored in such a manner that may cause cross contamination as follows: pan of raw chicken being stored directly above pan of raw beef in the walk in cooler.
• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: raw chicken (44F) in #4.
• Paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sink, located at the meat preparation station in the back.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: bottles of margarine, containers of seasonings, and bottles of condiments at the prep top tables and at the cook line, without the common names labeled.
• Multiple wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counters, located at the prep topcoolers and at the grill on the cook line.

Tandoori Kabob and Grill: 8792 H Sacramento Dr., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Feb. 28

Violations:

• Observed food employees using improper handwashing procedures.
• Observed the pre-wash spray hose to extend below the flood rim level of the sink basin at the 3-vat sink.
• The facility did not have any sanitizer solution to make sanitizer at the 3-vat sink. The dishes were being cleaned w/out sanitizer.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at handwashing sink near 3-vat sink.
• The HOT food temperature measuring device was found out of calibration in the range of use.
• There is no test kit located in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solutions.
• The certified food manager could not provide a COLD food temperature measuring device.
• There is no Certified Food Manager present at the beginning of the inspection.
• Observed tilapia was thawing in vacuum bags in Avantco 3-dr reach in cooler.
• Wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter.
• 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.

Mount Vernon Inn Food Court: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Feb. 21

Violations:

• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: open air cooler (47F).

Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Feb. 21

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: raw spinach in under grillcooler (46F).
• The hand soap was not provided at the hand-washing sink, located by the upstairs 3 compartment sink.
• Paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sink, located at the bar.
• Sign that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at the hand-washing sink, located at the bar, used by food employees.
• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: the ice scoop was being maintained inside the ice machine with the handle below the level of the ice.
• Food employee was observed drinking at the cook line, where they may contaminate food, clean equipment, utensils or other items needingprotection.