Route 1 Restaurant Inspections: Golden Buffet, Pupuseria La Bendicion

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 May, June and July. 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.

Starbucks Coffee: 7511 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: May 26

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: grilled cheese sandwiches in #1 (43F, 47F, 46F).
• The establishment has not posted the permit to operate in a conspicuous location.

Papa John's Pizza: 7646 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: May 31

Violations: No violations found.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries: 7622 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: June 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 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: the facility is holding baskets of French fries before orders, using time as a public health control, at the fryer station, but there was no time marked on the food items for proper discard.
• 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.
• The establishment has not posted the permit to operate in a conspicuous location.

IHOP: 7694 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: May 22

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: raw chicken (48F) and raw hamburger (45F) in Delfield 2 Stacked Dr cooler.
• That the current food establishment permit was not posted in plain sight. The 2022 permit was still hanging up.

America's Best Wings: 7696 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: July 12

Violations:

• Different types of raw animal foods stored in such a manner that may cause cross contamination as follows: there were raw chicken steaks stored in a container with raw hamburger patties.
• The following food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: yellow rice in the rice cooker (121F).
• The person in charge is not able to provide a written policy for preventing the transmission of foodborne disease by an employee who has a disease or a medical condition.
• 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 cooked chicken wings held by the fryer in between orders.
• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.

Java Loco: 7696 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: June 15

Violations:

• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
• 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 half and half in the carafes at the self service station is using time as a public health control m with no written procedures.
• The hot water at the 3 compartment sink registered at 71F.
• The handwashing sink located in the back, registered a hot water temperature of 71F.
• The handwashing facility located in the back was blocked with equipment and a large container of pre-made coffee, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing.
• 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 half and half in the carafes at the self service station.

Pollo Campero: 7705 Fordson Rd., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: June 22

Violations:

• When tested, the low temperature, chemical sanitizing warewashing machine was observed with a sanitizing rinse concentration of less than 50 ppm chlorine solution. EHS observed that the chemical dish machine registered at 0ppm.
• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: spring greens (55F) and corn (46F) in #3
• The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment were not observed sanitized: due to the chemical dish machine not functioning properly, the dishes inside were not properly sanitized.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Artic Air 1 Dr prep top cooler (45F).

Buffalo Wild Wings: 7732 F Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: June 15

Violations:

• Due to improper operation of the hot water, mechanical warewashing machine, the thermal plate did not register at 160F. It registered at 153F, indicating that food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils are not being adequately sanitized.

Quickfire Hibachi: 7732 A Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: June 15

Violations: No violations found.

Jersey Mike's Subs: 7732 D Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: June 7

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 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: the lettuce and tomato at the front line is using time as a public health control, but the food items were not labeled with the 4 hour time parameters.
• 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 lettuce and tomato at the front line is using time as a public health with no written procedures.
• The handwashing facility located in the back by the walk in cooler is blocked by multiple slicers inside of the hand washing sink, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing.

Pupusas Express: 7770 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: June 23

Violations:

• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
• The person in charge is not able to provide a written policy for preventing the transmission of foodborne disease by an employee who has a disease or a medical condition.
• 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 pupusa station, but did not have written procedures in the facility.
• The facility is using fresh mussels and clams but has not been putting then date the shell stock was last sold or served on the shell stock tags.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Fogel 1 Dr upright cooler (44F) and Beverage Air1 Dr (46F).

Golden Buffet and Grill: 7820 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: June 28

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: raw honey chicken (46F) in #6, shredded mozzarella (43F), barbecue pork (46F), and crab salad (43F) in #7, and cooked shrimp (43F) in #9.
• 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 ground chicken over the chopped peppers, and raw salmon over the cooked potatoes in the walk in cooler.
• Due to improper operation of the hot water, mechanical warewashing machine, the thermal plate did not register at the appropriate temperature. It registered at154F, indicating that food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils are not being adequately sanitized.
• 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: sushi rice.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at the handwashing sink, located by the 3 compartment sink.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: containers of salt, sugar, hoisin sauce, cooking wine, and oil at the cook line.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Leader prep top cooler (44F) and the Migali sliding dr cooler (50F).
• Observed that signs notifying food employees to wash their hands were not provided at the hand-washing sinks, located in both restrooms ,used by food employees.
• Observed the following food thawing using an improper method: frozen flounder fish thawing in a box in the sink.

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

Last inspection: June 30

Violations: No violations found.

Pupuseria La Bendicion: 7849 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: June 8

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 fish above tomato sauce and masa.
• Different types of raw animal foods stored in such a manner that may cause cross contamination as follows: raw chicken above raw pork in cooler.
• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: cooked yucca in cooler for two days at 45F.
• The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: pot of yucca on counter for 40 minutes at 86-102F.
• 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: cooked pork and pico de gallo in cooler.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: preap cooler at 47F.
• Plumbing connections under the hand sink at service area piping are leaking.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: flour, sugar and corn starch.
• Openings to the exterior of the building are present along the back door.

Sherwood Gourmet Deli: 7900 Andrus Rd., Ste# 3, Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: June 12

Violations:

• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.

Enjoy Entertainment Restaurant & Banquet Hall: 8113 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: May 2

Violations:

• Observed that hand soap was not provided at the hand-washing sinks located in the kitchen by the refrigeration units, and in the back by the 3 compartment sink.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sinks, located by the refrigeration units, and in the back by the 3 compartment sink.

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

Last inspection: July 11

Violations: No violations found.

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

Last inspection: July 10

Violations:

• Food employee(s) was observed handling the following ready-to-eat foods using their bare hands: the food service employee was chopping cabbage and tomatoes with bare hands.
• The date when the last shellstock (mussels) from the container is sold or served is not recorded on the most recent tag.
• 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 red salsas, green salsa, chicken soup and beef soup throughout the refrigeration units, without dates for proper discard.

Izalco Bar & Grill: 8403 E Richmond Hwy., Ste# 8403e, Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: June 27

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: Curtido (50F), Bean and cheese Pupusa mixture (51F), heavy cream (54F) in the walk in cooler.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Walk-in cooler (55°F).
• Observed smoking paraphernalia present in non-smoking area by the freezer in the kitchen.

Suave Bar & Lounge: 8430 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: May 8

Violations:

• The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
• The person in charge is not able to provide a written policy for preventing the transmission of foodborne disease by an employee who has a disease or a medical condition.
• Shelving unit full of hookah smoking paraphernalia present in the kitchen area.

Margarita's Grocery: 8512 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: July 10

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: rice at the steam table (130F)

Nyame Ye Restaurant: 8640 A Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: July 6

Violations:

• Different types of raw animal foods stored in such a manner that may cause cross contamination as follows: bags of raw chicken stored directly on top of bags of raw fish in the Hoccot refrigeration unit.
• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: rice and beans (44F), rice and beans (45F), and jerk chicken (46F) in #2.
• Raw animal food storage, preparation, holding or display conducted in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: bags of raw chicken located directly about bags of cooked vegetables in the Hoccot upright 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: food items at the prep area (eggs, lettuce, rice), using time as a public health control.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of spices and milled corn flour sitting on the countertop, removed from the original containers.
• Observed an accumulation of grease, dirt and food debris on the walls, the cooking equipment, the floor, on the shelving and underneath the 3 compartment sink.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: True 3 Dr upright cooler (50F).

Food Flame: 8634 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: June 29

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: potato samosa (44F, 44F)and sour cream sauce in #4, lamb (48F) and tomato cream sauce (48F) in #5.
• 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: potato samosa and sour cream sauce in #4, lamb in #5, lentils and lentil soup in #3, and cooked spinach in #8.
• The certified food manager could not provide a food temperature measuring device.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sink, located by the 3 compartment sink.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Beverage Air 3 Dr (49F) and the Silver King preptop (60F).
• There was no temperature measuring device located in the following cold or hot holding equipment: Criotec 2 Glass dr, QBD 1 Glass Dr, 1 Glass Dr at cook line, Silver King prep top cooler.

Taco Bell: 8652 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: May 18

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 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: the lettuce, cheese and tomatoes were marked with inappropriate time parameters that were greater than 7 hours.

Taco Jalisco: 8645 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: July 10

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: pork pastor (44F) and sliced ham (43F) in #4.
• 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 prepared chicken broth, pork soup and shredded pork in the walk in cooler without dates for proper discard.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: True 3 Dr upright cooler (56F).

Ricos Tacos Moya: 8685 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: July 10

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: pork pastor (71F) in #5.
• The handwashing sinks located by the bar and by the 3 compartment sink were registering at 80F.

Tops China: 8727 B Cooper Rd., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: July 11

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: cooked pork dumpling(51F), raw beef (51F), and raw chicken (47F) in #1.
• 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: containers of sweet and sour chicken and cooked pork in walk in cooler, containers shrimp egg rolls and sweet and sour chicken in the drink display cooler.
• A food employee was observed eating and drinking at the prep table in the kitchen area.

Momo Poke: 8733 B Cooper Rd., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: July 6

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 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: spam musubi at the prep top cooler.
• Pesticides labeled for residential use were observed near the hand sink by the prep top cooler , and near the hand sink in the back by the hand sink, in the facility.
• Observed that the facility, including the floors, equipment and walls have an accumulation of food debris, grease and dirt. There is an accumulation of paper and personal belongings around the register.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Turbo Air prep top cooler (47°F).

McDonald's: 8735 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: June 12

Violations: No violations found.

Rahama African Restaurant: 8738 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: May 2

Violations:

• That there was no certified food manager present in the facility at the beginning of the inspection.
• Observed that hand soap was not provided at the hand-washing sink, located in the back by the 3 compartment sink.
• 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: containers of cooked beans, cassava leaf soup, dry fish soup and chicken soup in the 2 Glass Dr cooler in the back by the 3 compartment sink.

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

Last inspection: July 5

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: shredded cabbage (44F), roast beef (44F) in walk in cooler.