Route 1 Restaurant Inspections: Live Insects In Paper Towel Dispenser

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.
Until this summer, food establishment inspection reports had been unavailable online since 2019 as the health department worked to launch a new online system. 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 October and November. One of the notable results was insects found in a paper towel dispenser at Golden Buffet and Grill.

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

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

Last inspection: Nov. 8

Violations: No violations found.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 30

Violations: Cooked time/temperature control for safety food(s) are not being adequately cooled from 135F to 70F within two hours: 2 large bus pans of chicken wings observed cooling tightly covered on shelf next to the three comp, equipment and utensils were not being sanitized after washing and rinsing, food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: rice in cooker/warmer observed at 130F and had been prepared about 2hrs prior, 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 shell eggs observed stored over box of lettuce in walk-in, mop sink faucet system is under constant pressure, no certified food manager on duty, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation/opening and was not observed to be date marked: pasta, cheese cake, mozzarella sticks and other foods, methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: Bus pans of wings observed cooling in covered containers and filled to the top, employees are not properly trained in food safety, including proper method for washing and sanitizing utensils, proper hot and cold holding as well as proper cooling methods and parameter, prior approval for the non-continuous cooking of chicken wings was not obtained by the Health Department.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 27

Violations: Food-contact surfaces of the following equipment were not observed sanitized: dishes inside of the chemical sanitizing dish machine, that was not functioning properly, low temperature, chemical sanitizing warewashing machine was observed with a sanitizing rinse concentration of 0ppm chlorine solution, no chlorine sanitizer test kit located in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solutions of the dish machine, paper towels were not provided at the handwashing sink, located near the mop sink, no Certified Food manager present at the beginning of the inspection, hand washing sink located in the chicken preparation area, by the mop sink, did not have a hand washing sign for proper hand hygiene, chemical sanitizing dish machine registered at 0ppm when tested with the sanitizer test strips.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 27

Violations: Due to improper operation of the hot water, mechanical warewashing machine, the thermolabel did not turn black, and the thermal dish plate registered at 146F, indicating that food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils are not being adequately sanitized; paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sink, located at the bar; hand soap was not provided at the hand-washing sink, located at the cookline; no temperature measuring devices located in the following cold or hot holding equipment: Drawer prep top cooler (Southwest station), Perlick 1 Dr under counter cooler, 5 Drawer prep top cooler (grill station); main high temperature sanitizing dish machine was not functioning properly and registered at 146F, therefore not sanitizing the food contact surfaces adequately; refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: 1 Dr prep top cooler (condiments)(45F) and the 5 Drawer prep top (grill station)(47F); ood employee was observed eating and drinking from a canned beverage, in the kitchen prep area, where they may contaminate food, clean equipment, utensils or other items needing protection.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 22

Violations: 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: prepared containers of chicken and beef, and containers of prepared mayonnaise-based sauce; food thawing using an improper method: raw shrimp sitting in a bucket of water in the sink; dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: the ice scoop was stored in the ice machine with the handle below the level of the ice; refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: the 2 Dr under counter cooler (46F); sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at the handwashing sink used by food employees, located near the soda machine; dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: the rice scoop was being stored in water that registered only at 98F.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 21

Violations: A food employee failed to wash their hands after returning to the kitchen area from the restroom, handwashing sink located in the back by the 3 compartment sink is blocked with slicer equipment, preventing access by employees for easyhandwashing, paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sinks located in the restroom and in the back by the 3 compartment sink, food thermometers are not calibrated on a routine basis for proper food temperature monitoring, no certified food manager present in the facility during the inspection, handsink located by the walk in cooler being used for draining the banana peppers.

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

Last inspection: Oct. 19

Violations: A food employee was observed cleaning their hands in the 3 compartment sink; facility is serving mussels and clams but has not been maintaining their shell stock tags for 90 days as required; raw and/or undercooked foods are provided on the menu, menu board, table tent or brochure without proper disclosure: burgers, carne asada, shrimp and steak dish, steak, seafood soup, steak fajitas, combo fajitas, shrimp ceviche; 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 food items at the pupusa station; no test kit located in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solutions being used, the bleach solution; facility is using fresh clams and mussels but is not putting the date the shell stock was last sold or served on the shell stock tags; 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 cabbage with carrots, beef stew, shredded chicken for tamales and ground beef in the True 2 Drupright cooler.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 16

Violations: Due to improper operation of the hot water, mechanical warewashing machine, the thermolabel did not turn black, and the thermal plate did not register at 160F, indicating that food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils are not being adequately sanitized; food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: tilapia (124F, 125F) and stuffed shrimp (120F, 119F) in the Metro C5 hot holding cabinet; 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: prepared pork ribs in the sliding glass cooler, prepared chicken wings in the prep top cooler and chicken dumplings in the Migali under counter cooler; hand soap was not provided at the hand-washing sink located by the 3 compartment sink; refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: the 3 Dr Leader prep top cooler atthe sushi station (45F); food employee was observed eating in an area where they may contaminate food, clean equipment, utensils or other items needing protection,near a prep table in the kitchen; live pests (insects) present in the paper towel dispenser located at the hand washing sink near the cook line; high temperature sanitizing dish machine was not functioning properly enough to register at the necessary temperature to sanitize the utensils; no covers to the feminine napkin refuse containers in the ladies room stalls; sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at the handwashing sink used by food employees, located in the women’s restroom; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple containers of salt, sugar, MSG,cooking wine, sesame oil, garlic at the cook line, and multiple bottles of sauces at the hibachi station; interior of the ice machine is not being cleaned as required: observed an accumulation of dirt and mold on the interior surfaces.

Popeyes: 7832 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Oct. 6

Violations: Paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sink, located in the restroom, sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands was not provided at the hand-washing sink, located in the restroom used by food employees.

Pema's: 8430 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Oct. 6

Violations: Hand soap was not provided at the hand-washing sink, located in the kitchen by the ice machine, paper towels were not provided at the handwashing sink, located at the hand sink in the kitchen by the ice machine, mold and dirt on the interior of the ice machine in the kitchen.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 15

Violations: Food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: choppedlettuce (46F) and curtido (48F) in the 3 Dr prep top cooler, cheese and chicharron (pork) filling (45F, 46F) and tomato sauce (44F) in the walk in cooler; interior of the ice machine has an accumulation of dirt and mold; smoking paraphernalia and equipment for hookah in non-smoking areas, which was the kitchen area by the freezer.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 29

Violations: Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours ofpreparation and was not observed to be date marked: multiple containers of beef soup and pork soup in the walk in cooler; ood establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple bottles of mustard, chili sauce and oilat the cook line without name; nonfood-contact surface of the following equipment is not corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent, and/or smooth: the shelves below the steam tableare rusting and being covered in foil.

Wing Zone: 8634 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Nov. 17

Violations: Food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: shredded cheese (51F), sliced tomatoes (48F, 49F) in the 3 Dr under counter cooler; 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 prepared raw chicken in the walk in cooler and marinara sauce in the glass cooler; no certified food manager present in the facility at the beginning of the inspection; person in charge failed to explain the correct procedures for cleaning and sanitizing utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment at the 3 compartment sink; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: containers of powdered sugar, salt and pepper at the cook line, and containers of flour on the shelves near the walk in cooler; refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: the Beverage Air 3 Dr under countercooler (50F).

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

Last inspection: Nov. 22

Violations: Food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: fried rice 45F, spaghetti noodles 44F, spinach 45F, in the True 3 Dr upright cooler; efrigerated, 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: pots of cow foot soup, peanut butter soup in the walk-in cooler, and containers of fried rice, spaghetti noodles and spinach in the True 3 Dr cooler; food employee was observed eating in the kitchen by the stove, where they may contaminate food, clean equipment, utensils or other itemsneeding protection.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 29

Violations: Food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: tripe in panon side of grill; food employee was observed cleaning their hands in the 3 compartment sink; refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours ofpreparation and was not observed to be date marked: multiple containers of beef tongue, beef soup, beans, and pork in walk in cooler; food employee was observed drinking directly from a bottled beverage in the kitchen area, where they may contaminate food, clean equipment,utensils or other items needing protection.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 30

Violations: 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 cooked steak, rice, beans, refried beans, and cooked tongue in the walk in cooler; no certified food manager present at the beginning of the inspection; paper towels were not provided at the hand-washing sink, located by the dish machine; dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as: the ice scoop was stored inside of the ice, with the handle below the level ofthe ice, at the bar; unwrapped or uncovered food in the following location where the food is subject to contamination: multiple containers of rice, beans, flour and sugar in the storage area without the covers; nonfood-contact surface of the following equipment is not corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent, and/or smooth: the shelving units, located under the prep area tables, are rusted and being covered with cardboard and foil; sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at the handwashing sink, used by food employees, located in the women’s bathroom; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple large containers of flour and sugar inthe storage area, and containers of pepper oils and dressings at the cook line; two food service employees were observed eating food and drinking from coffee cups in the kitchen area, where they may contaminate food, clean equipment, utensils or other items needing protection.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 29

Violations: Hand soap was not provided at the hand-washing sink, located in the back by the pot sink; 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: raw battered chicken, fried chicken, raw shelled eggs on the cart, noodles, cabbage and bean sprouts at the wok station; 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 sweet and sour chicken and pork in the walk in cooler, orange chicken, shrimp egg rolls and teriyaki beef in the drink display cooler; paper towels were not provided at the handwashing sink, located in the back by the pot sink; dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: the rice scooper was being held in a container of water that registeredat 72F; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple large tubs of flour and sugar throughout the kitchen prep area, containers of oils and sauces at the cook line without common names labeled; food thawing using an improper method: large bucket of raw shrimp thawing in water on top of sink counter, and bag of frozen raw beef thawing directly on the sink counter.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 28

Violations: There is no test kit located in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solution for quaternary ammonia; 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 spam musubi at the prep top cooler; 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: caviar sauce, multiple containers of macaroni salad, and sauces in the walk in cooler; wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter, located at the prep top cooler; food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: multiple bottles of oils and sauces at the cookline; facility, including the floors, equipment and walls have an accumulation of food debris, grease and dirt.

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

Last inspection: Nov. 1

Violations: Food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: cream inSureShot machine (44F); SureShot machine was not keeping the cream at a temperature of 41F or below.