Sandwiches stored in a bathroom and a rat problem: Latest Stanislaus County inspections
A refrigerator with frozen sandwiches was found in the bathroom of a local coffee stand. A complaint of rats was made at a downtown Modesto restaurant, which was verified by the health department during the latest round of inspections in mid April.
The majority of the 2,400 permitted food service establishments in the county receive two unannounced routine food safety inspections per year, according to the Department of Environmental Resources. The website says inspection reports are scanned weekly.
Food trucks that operate under a Stanislaus County Health Department permit are also inspected by the county, though those are scheduled and done at the department’s office.
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Of the 56 restaurant inspection reports sent to The Modesto Bee on Friday, six were not updated on the site as of Friday morning.
If an inspection listed below needs clarification, business owners can email Modesto Bee reporter Dominique Williams at dwilliams@modbee.com.
A rat problem and major violations at restaurants
Violations were found during routine inspections of the following Stanislaus County food facilities during the week of April 14-21. Only the dates of violations are listed.
The details of the reports do not indicate whether a restaurant passed or failed inspection. Corrective actions may have been made by the business by the time of publication.
The reports are linked. For updates on individual restaurants, search the DER website.
A complaint was made to the health department that a large rodent was present in the dining area of Churchkey, at 910 12th Street in Modesto, and the complaint was verified. Inspectors did not observe the rat, but did find numerous traps as well as rodent feces. The front-of-house manager told inspectors they are aware of the problem and have two pest control companies servicing the facility. An elimination plan is to be made and provided to the department by May 6, and a reinspection will be made for progress on May 13.
Modesto Cafe, 3121 Yosemite Blvd. Suite C-4 in Modesto, had six violations on April 15 — one of them major. Inspectors observed food grime accumulation in a floor area below refrigeration equipment. Hood filters had grease accumulation and the interior surfaces of the two preparation refrigerators had food stain buildup.
The chlorine reading in the dishwasher was 25 ppms lower than what’s required by California code. A valid food handler certification and a food safety certification were lacking.
Five of the six violations were noted as corrected during a reinspection on April 15, and two more violations were observed.
Westley Supermarket, 8629 Highway 33 in Westley, had four violations on April 17. The paper towel dispenser was missing in the men’s bathroom. There was a hole in the ceiling in the store room and unlabeled product in plastic containers. Inspectors observed improper methods of warewashing.
John’s Incredible Pizza Co., 2225 Plaza Parkway in Modesto, had four violations on April 17 — two of them major. The cold holding units with salad bar items were noted at 43 degrees and the cold holding unit with pasta condiments was turned off (must be 41 degrees or lower). There was damaged flooring below the hand sink in the employee restroom exposing a not easily cleanable surface. There was insufficient lighting in the pizza prep area.
El Asadero Taco Shop, 150 W. Monte Vista Ave. in Turlock, had six violations on April 18 — one of them major. Inspectors observed the tomato-based salsas in a refrigerator between 45 and 48 degrees (must be 41 degrees or lower). The ice machine has a broken lid that fell off when opened. The walk-in refrigerator fan covers were soiled with dust and debris. A stack of food containers was stored directly on the floor and a refrigerator lacked a self-standing thermometer.
El Michoacano Meat, 1114 Herndon Road in Modesto, had three violations during an inspection on April 19 that resulted from a complaint. The complaint made to the department said the facility was dirty and had a foul odor. The complaint was verified. Broken glass and a puddle of liquid were found between two freezers. The food safety manager certificate was not available and the sanitizer concentration was noted at less than what’s required by code.
Other food facilities with three or more, or major, violations at the time of their inspections include:
Cost Less Foods, 888 N, Yosemite Ave., Oakdale
Food and drinks stored in bathrooms and other violations
Bottoms Up Espresso, 4120 Dale Road Suite E-1 in Modesto, had two violations on April 16. A refrigerator with frozen sandwiches was located in the bathroom. Refrigerated milk was noted at 47 degrees (must be 41 degrees or lower). All violations were noted as corrected during a reinspection on April 30.
Rocket, 4120 Dale Road in Modesto, had one violation on April 16. Drink bottles and cans were stored in the bathroom.
According to Stanislaus County, other food facilities that had one to two violations, none of them major, are:
Bob’s Coffee Shop, 6900 Hughson Ave., Hughson
Olive Garden, 2749 Countryside Drive, Turlock
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 901 N. Carpenter Road #40, Modesto
No violations for some Stanislaus County restaurants
These food facilities had no violations, according to the county:
Costco Wholesale, 2955 Tegner Road, Turlock (construction)
Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, Vintage Faire Mall
Dutch Bros Coffee, 3737 McHenry Ave., Modesto
Little Caesars Pizza, 2100 Standiford Ave. Suite A-1, Modesto
Mango Crazy, 2830 Geer Road, Turlock
