Thurston County's food inspection scores for June 3 reveal a mixed bag of results, with some establishments shining and others falling short. The Teriyaki Spot, a local favorite, scored a respectable 108 points, but a closer look at the inspection report reveals a lack of active managerial control and critical food safety violations. Employees were found to be washing their hands for less than 20 seconds, a potential recipe for disaster. Additionally, TCS foods were improperly stored and cooled, posing a significant risk of foodborne illness. Despite these issues, the establishment was approved to reopen after a reinspection, highlighting the importance of swift corrective action.
In contrast, Rica Cocina, a new food establishment, received 65 red points and 15 blue points. The inspection report highlights a range of issues, from blocked hand wash stations and improper date marking of TCS foods to sour cream containers being used for cold holding. The lack of a written vomit and diarrhea plan is also concerning, as it demonstrates a failure to prioritize food safety. These violations could have serious consequences for public health.
Gold Standard, a food service establishment, scored 50 red points and 5 blue points. The inspection report reveals improper cooling of mac and cheese and cooked beets, with temperatures exceeding safe limits. The establishment also had an in-use sanitizer solution that was too weak, indicating a lack of proper sanitation practices. These violations underscore the importance of maintaining proper food temperatures and sanitation standards.
Boba and Beyond LLC, another food service establishment, received 40 red points and 7 blue points. The inspection report highlights a lack of knowledge among the person-in-charge regarding cold holding temperatures, handwashing, and vomit and diarrhea clean-up procedures. Additionally, an expired food worker card and the absence of a certified food protection manager were noted. These issues highlight the need for ongoing training and certification in food safety practices.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Subway, and Nisqually Bar and Grill also received citations for various violations, including improper food worker cards, cold holding temperatures, and sanitizer solutions that were too strong or weak. These establishments must take immediate action to correct these issues and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
On a positive note, some establishments received no violations, such as the Canteen at Amazon OLM1 Breakroom, The Lovely and Dapper Bakery, Union Mills Grocery, and Papa Murphy’s Take and Bake Pizza. These establishments demonstrate a strong commitment to food safety and should be commended for their efforts.
In conclusion, Thurston County's food inspection scores provide valuable insights into the state of food safety in the area. While some establishments are excelling, others are falling short, posing a risk to public health. It is crucial for food service establishments to prioritize food safety, implement corrective actions, and ensure compliance with regulations to protect the health and well-being of their customers.
