Leesburg Restaurant Inspections: Pho Bar, Anthony's Italian

LEESBURG, VA — Several restaurants around Leesburg and western Loudoun County recorded violations during recent inspections from the health department. Inspectors conducted the most recent restaurant visits between Nov. 29 and Dec. 5.

COVID-19 restrictions around the state have disappeared, so health inspectors have returned to conduct most restaurant inspections in person. However, some visits, such as those for training purposes, can be conducted virtually.

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.

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.

Here are the most recent restaurant inspections in the Leesburg area, according to the Loudoun County Health Department.

• The Local Cut, 101 Maple Ave Unit A Purcellville, VA 20132
  • Date inspected: Nov. 29
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed ice and beverage straws in the hand washing sink by the kitchen dish machine. Hand washing sinks are to be used for hand washing only. No dumping of beverages are to be done in the hand washing sink.
    • Observed heavy whipping cream (63F), half & half (58F), cut tomatoes (50F, 48F), shredded cheese (50F) and shredded cheese (49F) in an ice bath not cold holding at proper temperature. Cold hold time/temperature control for safety foods at 41F or below.
• Daughter Thai, 19 E Broad Way Lovettsville, VA 20180
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 29
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed floors under cooking equipment at the hood vent in need of cleaning. Ensure facility is cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent build-up.
    • Observed sides of stove and fryers with built-up grease. Sides of equipment are in need of cleaning. Ensure non-food contact surfaces of equipment are cleaned at a frequency to prevent build-up.
    • Observed rice scoop stored improperly in water at 92F. If utilizing warm water to store in use utensils, ensure water is maintained at 135F or above.
    • Observed several whole ducks thawing improperly in the 3 compartment sink in stagnant water. Also observed chicken skewers thawing improperly on the counter in the kitchen. Time/temperature control for safety food shall be thawed using one of the following methods: 1) under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F or less, 2) completely submerged under running water at a water temperature of 70°F or below with a sufficient velocity to agitate and float off loose particles of food as long as held for period of time at a temperature of 41°F or less, or 3) as part of a cooking process if the food is cooked as specified by Law or thawed in a microwave oven and immediately transferred to a conventional cooking process.
• Pho Bar, 19385 Promenade Dr Leesburg, VA 20176
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 29
  • Total violations: 10
    • Person in charge appears to be knowledgeable in food safety practices, but the implementation of food safety controls within the establishment wasn't observed during the inspection including duties #7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
    • This food establishment does not have written procedures for cleaning up vomiting or diarrheal events that happen in the facility. Procedures address actions for employees to take to minimize the spread of contamination and exposure of staff, customers and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter.
    • Two handwash sink basins were observed obstructed by equipment and the rear handwash sink closest to the dish machine was observed obstructed by stacked containers of large buckets. Handwash sinks are required to be accessible for staff to use.
    • Food debris observed on the juicer from the morning. A cutting board (station) was found below the paper towel dispenser; staff may inadvertently contaminate the cutting board with dripping wet hands to obtain a paper towel. Food contact surfaces are required to be cleaned any time during the operation when contamination may occur. Surfaces are required to be cleaned throughout the day at least every 4 hours.
    • Observed non-continuous cooking of grilled chicken. The chicken was pulled off the grill with an internal temperature of 140F and the person in charge stated the chicken would be fully cooked in the future when ordered by a customer. This establishment does not have prior approval from the health department for this type of cooking process. No written procedures for continuous cooking are available on site.
    • Observed tapioca pearls inside the reach in cooler with an internal temperature of 74F for approximately 2.5 hours. Tapioca pearls are required to cool to 70F within a two-hour period and within a total of 6 hours to 41F or below to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
    • Slices of cooked chicken (46F internal temperature) were found improperly cold holding (stacked) in the top far right prep cooler for approximately 2 hours. Cut cabbage was found stacked 48F internally for approximately 2 hours inside the top prep cooler closest to the hand sink. Cooked chicken and cut cabbage is required to be cold held at 41F or below to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
    • On the menu, eggs are served sunny side up and customers may order beef undercooked. This establishment is missing the consumer advisory statement. The consumer advisory statement informs the consumer of increased risks associated with consuming these undercooked foods.
    • Raw shrimp was found improperly thawing (65F internal temperature) in a container of water at room temperature for approximately 3 hours. Shrimp may be thawed using running water and for a period of time that does not allow the thawed shrimp portions to be above 41F for more than 4 hours to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
    • Bowls of raw chicken, raw pork and a bag of onions (inside a cardboard box) were found stored on the floor. Food is required to be stored a minimum of 6 inches off the floor to prevent contamination.
• Pattie Party, LLC, 1602 Village Market Blvd Leesburg, VA 20175
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 29
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed a cleaned juice machine on the white plastic with dried juice residue, and knives in a knife hold with food residue. Food contact surfaces should be cleaned to sight and touch.
    • Observed onions in a plastic container store on the floor. Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: 1. In a clean, dry location; 2. Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and 3. At least 6 inches above the floor.
• Good Bites, 1602 Village Market Blvd SE Leesburg, VA 20175
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 29
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed marinara with a date of 11/19 and tomato paste with a date mark of 10/31 the date of inspection 11/29. Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety foods should not be kept past 7day date mark and prep day is day 1.
• First Watch Restaurant #04658, 603 Potomac Station Dr. Leesburg, VA 20176
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 29
  • Total violations: 2
    • Observed Dishwasher with gloves taking out clean dishes from the dishwasher machine with soiled gloves. Person in charge (PIC) spoke with employee to take off soiled gloves and wash hands prior to taking out clean dishes.
    • Observed time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods (cracked pasteurized eggs, whipped butter and blanched potatoes) held under time control not marked with the time taken out of temperature control to indicate the time that any leftover need to be discarded. EHS reviewed the time control written procedures on file. It states the employee are to write down time stamps or enter electronically through their iPad. PIC indicated this practice is not being done. PIC will start marking TCS food with a time stamp.
• Arby's, 605 Potomac Station Drive NE Leesburg, VA 20176
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 30
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed no posted hand washing sign in the women's restroom. A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands shall be provided at all handwashing sinks used by food employees and shall be clearly visible to food employees. Person in charge found a new sign and posted it in the women's restroom.
• Moe's Southwest Grill #282, 667 Potomac Station Dr , Leesburg
  
  • Date inspected: Nov. 30
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed two pans of diced chicken (129°F) in warmer. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food shall be maintained at 135°F (57°C) or above to prevent growth of harmful bacteria. Employee reheated the two pans of chicken (181°F) to temperatures of 165°F or above and place it in hot holding unit at proper temperature.
• Anthony's Italian & Mediterranean, 620 West Main Street Purcellville, VA 20132
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 1
  • Total violations: 7
    • At time of inspection when EHS initially entered the kitchen, employee was observed cutting tomatoes with single use disposable gloves. EHS returned to the kitchen and observed employee cutting tomatoes with their bare hands. food employees shall not contact exposed, ready-to-eat food with their bare hands and shall use suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single-use gloves, or dispensing equipment.
    • Observed hand washing sink by walk in cooler to not have a hand drying provision. Paper towel dispenser was observed empty. Ensure hand washing sinks are supplied at all times.
    • Observed plates stored with clean plates with food residue. Plates were observed not clean to sight. Ensure wares are properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
    • Observed tray of conveyor on the pizza oven in need of cleaning. Tray observed with leftover built-up food residue. Also observed sides of fryer in need of cleaning. Built-up grease observed on sides. Ensure non-food contact surfaces are cleaned at proper frequency.
    • Observed harborage conditions at outside trash area. Several unused equipment that appears broken (1 door fridge, prep unit).
    • Observed floors throughout the facility in need of cleaning. Ensure facility is cleaned at a frequency to prevent build-up.
    • Observed several floor tiles in the kitchen broken and in need of repair. Ensure floors are maintained in good condition, nonabsorbent, smooth and easily cleanable.
• Mama Lucci's, 302 Industrial Ct Se Unit I Leesburg, VA 20175
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 1
  • Total violations: 2
    • Raw beef stored above romaine lettuce. Food shall be protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods like poultry, beef, pork, seafood, and eggs ready-to-eat foods, washed produce. Raw meat was removed from reach in refrigerator and prepped for service. Corrected at inspection.
    • Marinara sauce in double reach in cooling with lid on. To ensure proper cooling, cool said item partially covered or without lid until cooling reaches 41F. Person in charge removed lid until cooling is achieved. Corrected at inspection.
• Taco Town (Chefscape Leesburg), 1602 Village Market Blvd Leesburg, VA 20175
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 1
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed improper storage of raw shell eggs over ready to chorizo and asada on speed rack in walk in cooler. Raw proteins should be stored in a way to minimize cross contamination.
• Taco Town, 1602 Village Market Blvd Leesburg, VA 20175
  
  • Note: Mobile Food Unit
  • Total violations: 1
    • Observed no water pressure at hand sink and 3 compartment sink. Water under pressure shall be provided to all fixtures, equipment, and nonfood equipment that are required to use water.
• Pauleen's, 1602 Village Market Blvd SE Leesburg, VA 20175
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 4
  • Total violations: 4
    • Observed no verifiable documents that not all food employees have been trained on the signs, symptoms, and exposures of foodborne illness and who to report to.
    • Observed cooked sausage 73F on top shelf at improper cold holding temperature. Person in charge stated sausage had been out for less than an hour. Foods should held at 41F or below.
    • Observed grilled red pepper and onions 121 F in a pan on the counter in the cooling process without temperature control. Food shall be cooled: 1. Within two hours, from 135°F to 70°F ; and 2. Within a total of six hours from 135°F to 41°F or less.
    • Observed the food thermometer the lowest temperature was 70F. There should be a thermometer that can take cold holding temperature.
• Chicken Rico, 506 B E Market St Leesburg, VA 20176
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 5
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed employee washing 2 pitchers in the prep sink and place the pitches to dry with the clean wares. Pitchers were not sanitized. Ensure food contact surfaces are washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
    • Observed horchata cold holding at improper temperature in drink dispenser. Horchata observed at 80F. Cold hold time/temperature control for safety foods at 41F or below.
    • Observed food stored on the ground in the walk in refrigerator and the walk in freezer. To prevent potential contamination, ensure food is stored at least 6 inches off the ground.
    • Observed hood vent in need of cleaning. Hood vent observed with heavy residue accumulation. Ensure nonfood contact surfaces are cleaned at proper frequency.
    • Observed no covered receptacle in the women's restroom.
• Altitude Trampoline Park, 1604 Village Market Blvd SE #110 Leesburg, VA 20175
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 5
  • Total violations: 5
    • No handwashing signage available at restroom handwash sinks. All handwash sinks are required to have handwashing signage for food employees.
    • The opened, ready-to-eat (RTE) commercially processed hot dogs located inside the reach in were observed without a date mark. Ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food that is commercially processed and held for more than 24 hours after it is opened must be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded. The day that the package is opened counts as Day 1. Food shall be held at 41°F or less for no more than 7 days.
    • Three spray bottles containing unknown substances were found in the chemical storage area and observed without labels. Toxic substances taken from bulk materials are required to be labeled with the common name.
    • Single service utensils were found stored uncovered. Single service utensils are required to be stored covered to prevent contamination.
    • No test strips were available at the three-compartment sink to accurately measure the concentration of sanitizer. Test strips or other measuring devices are required to accurately measure the concentration of sanitizing solutions.
• Paisano's Pizza, 23-25 Catoctin Circle NE Leesburg, VA 20175
  
  • Date inspected: Dec. 5
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed kitchen hand washing sinks to have no warm water. Person in Charge turned on warm water valve beneath basin of sink. Once valve was turned on, hand washing sinks were supplied with warm water. A handwashing sink shall be equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 100°F (38°C) through a mixing valve or combination faucet.
    • When tested initially, mechanical chemical dish machine was observed at 200 PPM chlorine. EHS ran the dish machine a second time. Dish machine was then observed at 25 PPM chlorine. EHS ran the dish machine a third and fourth time and dish machine was observed at 0 PPM chlorine. Ensure wares are properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized. Ensure sanitizer is at proper concentration according to the manufacturer's specifications.
    • Observed several damp wiping cloths throughout the kitchen stored on counter surfaces. Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be held between uses in a sanitizer solution at proper concentration.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• Tropical Cafe Smoothie
• Lovettsville Game Protective Association
• Subway #23258
• Deli South
• Manhattan Pizza
• The Salt Pot Kitchen
• Farm Belly Inc
• Loudoun Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
• Subway #12832
• Anita's New Mexico Style Mexican Food