Thurston County's Food Inspection Report: A Deep Dive into the Teriyaki Spot and Beyond
In the bustling world of food service, ensuring safety and quality is paramount. Thurston County's Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) inspection reports provide a window into the behind-the-scenes efforts to maintain these standards. This article delves into the recent inspections, highlighting the Teriyaki Spot's performance and offering a comprehensive analysis of the findings.
The Teriyaki Spot: A Close Call
Yukio's Teriyaki, located at 3500 Pacific Ave. SE in Olympia, received a total of 100 red points and 8 blue points during the inspection on May 21. The establishment's challenges were multifaceted:
- Managerial Control: The person-in-charge was not adequately performing their duties, failing to maintain active managerial control. This is a critical aspect of food safety, as it ensures consistent adherence to regulations.
- Handwashing: Employees were not washing their hands for the recommended 20 seconds, and the hand sink was not properly turned off with a paper towel. Proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.
- Food Storage and Cooling: TCS (Potentially Hazardous) foods were stored and cooled improperly, with some exceeding the safe temperature threshold of 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Permit Compliance: The establishment lacked a certified food protection manager, a violation of their permit conditions.
- Thawing Practices: Frozen meat was thawed improperly, which can lead to bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses.
Despite these issues, a reinspection on May 22 resulted in the establishment's correction of violations and approval to reopen. This highlights the importance of swift action and the effectiveness of reinspection processes.
Rica Cocina: A New Establishment with Challenges
Rica Cocina, a new food establishment at 111 Columbia St. NW, faced several violations during its inspection on May 27:
- Handwashing and Sanitation: A hand wash station was blocked, and there was a lack of paper towels. Proper handwashing is crucial for food safety.
- Date Marking: TCS foods lacked proper date marking, which is essential for tracking freshness and ensuring safe consumption.
- Cold Holding: Meats and other TCS foods were improperly cold-held, with some exceeding the safe temperature range.
- Vomit and Diarrhea Plan: The establishment lacked a written plan for handling vomit and diarrhea incidents, a critical aspect of food safety and customer protection.
Gold Standard: Striving for Excellence
Gold Standard, located at 310 Capitol Way N., had a mixed inspection result on May 27:
- Improper Cooling: Mac and cheese were not cooled properly, and cooked beets were stored at room temperature, both of which can lead to foodborne illnesses.
- Sanitizer Solution: The in-use sanitizer solution was too weak, indicating a need for proper monitoring and replenishment.
Boba and Beyond LLC: Knowledge Gaps and Sanitation Issues
Boba and Beyond LLC, at 1401 Marvin Road NE, Suite 103, Lacey, faced challenges in various areas:
- Knowledge Deficit: The person-in-charge lacked knowledge of cold holding temperatures, handwashing, and vomit and diarrhea cleanup procedures.
- Food Worker Credentials: An expired food worker card and the absence of a certified food protection manager certificate were noted.
- Sanitation and Storage: Cold-held TCS foods were not maintained at the correct temperature, and some items were stored on the floor.
Chipotle Mexican Grill and Subway: Minor Violations
Chipotle Mexican Grill and Subway, both located in Lacey, had minor violations:
- Chipotle: Hot-held white rice was below the safe temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Subway (Galaxy Drive): Cold-held spinach was above the safe temperature.
- Subway (Martin Way): Issues with food worker cards and a vomit and diarrhea kit/plan were noted.
Nisqually Bar and Grill, Octapas, and Taylor Ray’s Cafe: Addressing Specific Concerns
Nisqually Bar and Grill, Octapas, and Taylor Ray’s Cafe had specific violations:
- Nisqually Bar and Grill: The in-use chlorine sanitizer solution was too strong.
- Octapas: Shell stock identification tags lacked necessary information.
- Taylor Ray’s Cafe: Raw whole shell eggs were stored above ready-to-eat foods, a violation of food safety guidelines.
Domino’s Pizza: Thermometer Accuracy
Domino’s Pizza, located at 10501 Creek St. SE in Yelm, was cited for not having an accurate thermometer.
Conclusion: A Call for Continuous Improvement
These inspection reports underscore the importance of continuous improvement in the food service industry. While some establishments excel, others face challenges that require immediate attention. Thurston County's PHSS is committed to ensuring food safety, and these inspections play a vital role in identifying areas for improvement.
As consumers, we should remain vigilant and aware of the inspection results. By supporting establishments that prioritize food safety and holding others accountable, we contribute to a healthier and safer food environment. This article serves as a reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility, and every establishment has a role to play in maintaining the highest standards.
In my opinion, these inspections provide valuable insights into the food service industry's inner workings. They highlight the importance of managerial control, employee training, and proper sanitation practices. By addressing these issues, establishments can not only improve their inspection scores but also enhance their overall customer experience and reputation.
