Restaurant inspections: Hooters, assistant living facility, pre

Feb 22, 2024

Jul. 20—ABC Preschool's food service and food handling operations had to cease after a food inspector found rotten pears, dead roaches, mice droppings and no soap available at the kitchen hand wash station. Hooter's on NM-528 was closed for live roach activity, but passed a follow-up inspection. Roach activity also closed the Blake's restaurant on Montgomery. Evidence of a rodent infestation closed Tender Heart. Vara was closed for a rodent infestation, and the inspection substantiated a complaint of exposed fiberglass that could contaminate food and turned up a rum/chai mix that was 150 days past its expiration date. Taqueria El Dorado was downgraded for violations including bare-hand contact with food, chemical storage, and produce stored on top of raw meats. Eat My Thai Cuisine was downgraded with violations including curry mix being stored below the safe hold holding temperature. Nomad's BBQ is back in the green this week. GREEN Palo Duro Senior Citizen's Center, 5221 Palo Duro NE (July 14) First United Methodist, 314 Lead SW (July 12) Smith's, 6001 Lomas NE (July 10) Smith's, 5850 Eubank NE (July 14) Ydi Centro de Amor, 309 Stover SW (July 14) KFC, 7010 Central SE (July 17) Sonic, 6420 Central SW (July 17) Hooter's, 1708 NM-528 NW (July 11) St. Mary's School Kitchen, 224 Seventh Street NW (July 12) La Luz Early Childhood, 1301 Britt (July 14) Blake's Lotaburger, 2301 Carlisle NE (July 12) Uptown Sports Grill, 6601 Uptown NE (July 10) Walgreen's, 5850 Eubank NE (July 14) Little Anita's Express, 6131 Fourth Street NW (July 10) My Little Sunshine's Daycare, 476 57th Street NW (July 13) Oasis Market, 4001 Carlisle NE (July 10) Nomad's BBQ, 3851 Rio Grande NW (July 17) McDonald's, 1120 Indian School NW (July 13) Twister's, 5201 Gibson SE (July 17) Chili's Grill and Bar, 1700 Miles SE (July 10) Buffalo Wild Wings, 1700 Towne Center SE (July 10) Mayberry Senior Services, 5528 Eubank NE (July 14) SeniorCare, 1813 Kriss NE (July 17) Starbucks, 4101 Coors NW (July 17) Laguna Burger, 2400 12th Street NW (July 13) Wienerschnitzel, 1440 Gibson SE (July 10) Defined Fitness, 8020 Central SW (July 12) Burger King, 5101 Gibson SE (July 17) Chik-Fil-A, 4001 Coors NW (July 17) NM Early Learning Academy, 5528 Eubank NE (July 14) Starbucks, 1314 Gibson SE (July 10) Happy Accidents, 3225 Central NE (July 12) El Dorado Bakery, 640 Coors NW (July 17) F&H Markets, 119 San Pasquale SW (July 10) New Mexico's Best Coffee, 1601 Fourth Street NW (July 12) Dollar General, 2001 Second Street NE (July 17) Ouid Cannabis, 8508 Central SE (July 12) Greenleaf Organics Inc., 4014 Central SE (July 12) Red Gorilla Greens, 1100 Fourth Street NW (July 11) Everest Cannabis Co, 4201 Central NW (July 10) Madcrema, 1108 Broadway NE (July 11) Mom's Café, 505 Marquette NW (July 11) Byte, 317 Central NW (July 13) Bear Canyon Honey Co., 5701 Gibson SE (July 14) RED Hooter's, 1708 NM-528 NW (July 10) Result: Immediate closure; passed follow-up inspection. Observed live roach activity in the kitchen wash area behind three compartment sink, and dishwasher side behind the RPC wall. Live roaches hallway to the dining area. Observed gaps at rear entry door. Observed improper cleaning method or inadequate cleaning frequency of non-food contact surfaces. Observed debris and soil build behind equipment and shelving. Observed RPC below the left side of the dish machine loose and a black like soil build up behind the RPC. Observed several quarter to 1-inch holes around the following areas: washing areas, prep areas, hallways. Observed several cove base damaged, loose or missing. Due to the health hazard of live roach activity in the kitchen wash area, three compartment sink, dishwasher side behind the RPC, live roaches hallway to the dining area, facility is closed effective July 10. Blake's Lotaburger, 3806 Montgomery NE (July 17) Result: Immediate closure Facility had two priority violations and four priority foundation violations and an evidence of ongoing roach infestation, resulting in immediate closure. Person in charge failed to ensure that employees follow necessary procedures to properly prevent contamination and protect consumers and staff from an imminent health hazard. Observed quat sanitizer in bucket testing at 0 pp. At the time of inspection. Person in charge corrected violation by remaking sanitizer bucket testing at 200 ppm during inspection. Observed multiple food items in reach in prep cooler temping above 41 degrees, such as chopped roasted green chile 57 degrees, sliced pickles 65.5 degrees, mayonnaise 56 degrees, and hot dogs 55.5 degrees. Observed no ambient air thermometers inside the reach in coolers. Observed gaps along the bottoms of back door leading to the outside. Observed outside door to the drive through partially ajar. Observed significant live roaches in kitchen area, such as under three compartment sink with live roaches going in and out of gaps of tile at floor drain and gaps into the wall behind the fryers, and behind ice machine. Observed dead roaches throughout facility in dry storage and kitchen. Observed debris build up in shelving for dry goods and single use articles in the dry storage area. Observed significant debris build up inside and outside of fryers and flat tops, including gas lines. Observed significant debris on the beverage in a box station, including the boxes covered in dripped soda syrup concentrate. Observed significant debris build up in floor drain underneath beverage dispensing station. Observed ice well in multiple spots dripping water into cabinets below. Observed no covered trash receptacles in the women's restrooms. Observed numerous holes, gaps, areas where wall materials were not fully attached, or unfastened with access points in and out of the walls. These were throughout the facility, in areas such as in kitchen and utility room at electrical/plumbing/gas fixtures and gas lines such as behind the fryer, in the kitchen where metal corner molding was no longer attached, in the kitchen by drive through where FRP material had come unattached from wall, at the corner of walk in cooler with unsealed condensation tube, in the dry storage next to an electrical outlet in storage shelving, gaps along the outside of cabinets in server area, and at electrical outlets by the hood system. Observed gaps along bottom of the wall and floor junctures with openings unsealed on the top and the bottom of the coving strips. Observed debris build up on the floors and walls at the fryers and flat top areas, and on the floors next to grease repository in dry storage with dead roach in grease. Observed ventilation system above cooking area next to drive through window with debris build up. Evidence was observed to substantiate complaint of live roaches in facility. ABC Preschool, 801 98th Street SW (July 13) Result: Immediate closure Observed designated person in charge fail to demonstrate knowledge of food safety requirements and the requirements of the 2009 FDA food code by having violations of priority items, by not being a certified food protection manager and not responding correctly to questions as they relate to the specific food operation. Observed four bagged pears dated June 24 that were rotten. Observed food contact surfaces such as interiors of refrigerators, ovens, can opener, prep tables and steam table with excessive soil build up. Observed person in charge was not able to answer inspector's inquiries on making chlorine sanitizer. Observed person in charge and employees were not aware of the six food borne illnesses or their symptoms. Observed ham lunch meat to be expired, dated June 16, and gallon of expired milk dated July 6. Observed four containers of dry cereal out of the original containers not labeled with the common name and dates. Observed mice droppings at multiple areas, such as dry storage area, in between refrigerators and hallway to restrooms. Observed several dead roaches in the bathroom hallway by kitchen, janitor room and kitchen storage area by refrigerator. Observed no test strips to test sanitizer concentration. Observed excessive debris and soil build up in the following areas: storage cabinets, refrigerator storage shelving, utensil storage containers. Observed a leak in PVC u bend underneath the three compartment sink. Leak is causing water build up in the area around the three compartment sink. Observed ceiling tiles and air vents with excessive soil and debris build up. Effective immediately, ABC Preschool, located at 801 98th Street SW is closed and its food permit is suspended due to cockroach and rodent infestation of the facility. ABC Preschool permit is suspended effective immediately and all food-service or food processing operations shall immediately cease. Observed no hand soap cleaner available at the hand wash station for food handlers to properly wash their hands in the kitchen. Observed no hand wash signage at the kitchen hand wash sink to remind employees to wash their hands. No hand towels for employees to dry their hands at the kitchen hand wash station. Tender Heart, 4308 Tulane NE (July 10) Result: Immediate closure; failed follow up inspection Facility had four priority violations and two priority foundation violations. Facility also had evidence of ongoing rodent infestation resulting in the immediate closure. Person in charge failed to ensure that employees follow necessary procedures to properly prevent contamination and protect consumers and staff from an imminent health hazard. Facility owners instructed person in charge to not sign any documents. CHPD left Notice of Permit Suspension and Immediate Closure, and all supporting documents, including five day notice for past due to annual fee, and Inspection Report on kitchen island. Observed uncovered containers of ice, prepared orange juice, and other juice in pitchers in the reach in freezer and cooler. Observed rodent droppings inside cabinets and drawers with food contact surfaces such as equipment, and utensils. Observed quat sanitizer in bucket testing above 400ppm. Observed gap with hole leading into facility at the bottom of door frame at side door. Observed grate on the exterior of the house in front of window at the three-compartment sink with gaps leading inside the facility. Observed hole at the base of side door leading to the outside. Observed rodent droppings present inside drawers in contact with plastic spoons, forks and knives, throughout cabinets with cooking equipment such as pots, pans, skillets, waffle iron, griddles, under the sink with chemicals, behind reach in fridge, and dry goods storage pantry. Observed multiple wiping cloths stored on counters at the time of inspection. Observed no covered trash receptacles in the all-gendered restrooms at the time of inspection. Observed holes or gaps into the wall located in the pantry, laundry room, and throughout cabinets. Observed employee belongings stored on top of chest freezer and food service counter tops. Evidence of rodent infestation through rodent droppings present inside drawers in contact with plastic spoons, forks and knives, in the cabinets with cooking equipment such as pots, pans, skillets, waffle iron, griddles, behind reach in fridge, and dry goods storage pantry. Person in charge was issued a notice of closure and suspension and has five business days (July 18) to cease rodent infestation and to remedy the infestation such as by sealing any entry points, cleaning the facility to remove harborage, and performing pest control actions such as closing other entry points, and setting rodent traps. Facility will purchase food for residents from outside permitted facilities. Observed hand washing sink with sanitizer bucket stored in the sink basin. Tender Heart (July 13) Result: Not in compliance Observed rodent droppings inside cabinets with food contact surfaces such as equipment, and utensils. Observed rodent droppings present inside drawers in contact with plastic spoons, forks and knives, throughout cabinets with cooking equipment such as pots, pans, skillets, waffle iron, griddles, under the sink with chemicals, behind reach in fridge, and dry goods storage pantry. Instructed person in charge to follow CDC guidelines on how to safely clean rodent droppings, urine and nesting material provided. Facility stated they vacuumed the droppings the previous time, reminded person in charge to not vacuum or sweep droppings and urine to prevent aerosolization of contaminants. Facility hired licensed pest control services to help treat facility. Observed gap around plumbing line under three compartment sink, gap at the base of cabinet under three compartment sink, large hole into wall at base of cabinet to the right at three compartment sink, multiple holes into the wall in utility room, hole into the wall in dry good storage area at electrical/plumbing line. Facility will not be allowed to re-open due to ongoing evidence of rodent infestation. Observed hand washing sink with sanitizer bucket stored in the sink basin. Taqueria El Dorado, 1402 Broadway SE (July 14) Result: Downgrade Observed person in charge was not knowledgeable or responsible due to multiple priority violations such as bare hand contact with food, chemical storage, produce stored on top of raw meats, TCS food items stored at room temperature resulting in a downgrade of the facility. Observed ready to eat produce such as lettuce stored on top of raw ground beef inside reach in refrigerator in far back of facility. Observed no sanitizer available. Observed once sanitizer was mixed one chlorine sanitizer was too low to test and one was too high of concentration to test. Observed slicer and blender with substantial food debris build up. Observed person in charge was not knowledgeable of food borne illness and facility did not have any information posted in kitchen to inform employees of reportable food borne illnesses and symptoms. Observed cut potatoes, green chile, lettuce and chopped cucumber with no date marking. Observed chemical sprays such as oven fryer cleaner stored next to bay leaves on shelving inside kitchen on far right of kitchen. Observed three dead cockroaches behind reach in freezer in far back of facility. Observed reach in freezer to the right when entering kitchen with substantial amount of ice frost debris build up. Observed employee preparing food in kitchen with bracelets on. Observed used wiping cloths stored in kitchen prep tables in front and back of facility. Observed employee eating inside kitchen and improper beverages stored inside kitchen on prep table. Observed torn gaskets on reach in refrigerator and cold holding make table the left side of the kitchen. Observed restroom door was unable to self close. Observed flooring in bac of facility under ice machine missing tiles with standing water. Observed hood filters with substantial grease debris build up. Observed employee preparing avocados with bare hands, bare hands were touching read to eat avocado. Observed no paper towels available at hand washing station in hallway leading to back of facility. Vara (mobile food unit, food processor and bar), 315 Alameda NE (July 12) Result: Immediate closure Observed quat sanitizer in bucket testing at 0 ppm. Observed exceeding seven day shelf life at the time of inspection product labeled "chic filet" (June 8, 27 days past seven day shelf life), unknown sauce (June 8, 28 days past seven day shelf life), and rum/chai caramel (February 7, approximately 150 days past seven day shelf life). Observed gaps along the bottom of garage doors leading to the outside at the time of inspection. Observed door frame around back door with gaps around the bottom of the door frame allowing for opening into establishment. Observed multiple instances where doors were left ajar to the outside of facility. Person in charge would close doors, however, throughout the inspection the doors would be reopened and left partially ajar. Observed significant rodent droppings and nesting material in areas such as behind support pillar nearest door to the outside, with nesting material, and along the wall with the garage doors. Observed numerous dead insects throughout the facility including centipedes, Junebugs, roaches. Observed gaps/holes along the outside of the building into the wall at seams, plumbing lines, electrical lines ventilation tubing, dryer vents and areas where stucco had come off exposing opening. Observed premises around the outside area with significant amount of overgrowth of weeds/plants with pools of water, and excess storage. Observed multiple areas of the ceiling with fiberglass insulation exposed, dangling and unattached above dining room, cooking area, bar, and storage areas. Observed numerous holes, gaps, areas where wall materials were not fully attached, or unfastened with access points in and out of the walls. Facility utilized corrugated metal siding as wall material. However, during inspection, numerous points of gaps and unsealed areas were observed with bottoms, connection points, and tops unsealed. These were throughout the facility, in areas such as in kitchen, storage, bar, dining room. Observed gaps along bottom of wall and floor junctures with openings unsealed. Noted significant rodent droppings in areas such as behind support pillar nearest door to the outside, with nesting material, and along the wall with the garage doors. Person in charge was issued a notice of closure and suspension and has five business days (July 20) to clean evidence of rodent infestation and to ensure that no rodents are present, and to remedy the infestation such as by sealing any entry points, cleaning the facility to remove harborage, and performing pest control services. Evidence was observed to substantiate complaint of exposed fiberglass which could contaminate food, or food contact surfaces. Observed vacuum sealed bag of cooked pork belly. Person in charge voluntarily discarded it during inspection. Instructed person in charge that a food establishment that packages potentially hazardous food (time/temperature control for safety food) using a reduced oxygen packaging method shall have a HACCP plan that contains the information specified under ¶ 8-201.14(d). Observed debris build up on the inside of ice machine along ceiling and ice shoot. Observed multiple food handling employees with bracelets, rings and watches on. Observed employee drink (reusable water bottle with flip top lid) stored on three compartment sink. Noted significant rodent droppings in areas such as under wine barrels in dining room, behind ice machine, by dry goods storage, at the wall behind low boy coolers, and throughout the storage area at pallets. Eat My Thai Cuisine, 5303 Gibson SE (July 12) Result: Downgrade Observed multiple priority violations. Person in charge is not knowledgeable in food safety due to multiple priority violations. Instructed person in charge required food safety course for facility due to low score of 141 on inspection report. Observed bean thread noodles stored in walk in refrigerator uncovered and unprotected. Observed raw eggs stored above produce items inside walk in refrigerator. Observed original food container label still on food storage containers in dish rack. Observed three curry mix at 104 degrees, 118 degrees and 143 degrees stored at hot holding crock pots next to walk in refrigerator entrance. All hot holding must be hot held at 135 degrees or above. Observed person in charge was not aware of food borne illnesses and did not have information posted to notify employes of food borne illnesses. Observed multiple food items such as prepped vegetables, cooked noodles, and chili mixes stored inside walk in refrigerator with no date marking or label. Observed cooked noodles and bean sprouts stored at room temperature. Observed sanitizer bucket stored inside walk in refrigerator with unidentified food sauce. Observed chemical spray bottle stored on bus cart next to soda machine in back of facility. Observed chlorine sanitizer bucket stored on the floor inside kitchen. Observed reach in freezer right side of entrance of walk-in refrigerator with substantial ice frost debris. Observed used wiping cloths stored on make station prep table on line and salad prep station. Observed single use food containers with no handle used to scoop dry ingredients such as rice and sugar. Observed duct tape used to mount ice scoop next to ice machine. Observed ripped gaskets on cold holding make table in front of large woks inside kitchen. Observed used mop stored in mop sink. Observed substantial gaps in hood vent filters inside hood vent. Observed debris build up on AC vents and surrounding ceiling tiles and light covers. Observed employee using cell phone and touching cloths then continued to work without washing hands prior. Observed employee preparing salads with bare hands inside kitchen. Observed employee dipping finger in sauce then tasting food item. Observed no hand washing signage available at hand washing station. Observed no paper towels available at hand washing station. These are summaries of Albuquerque Environmental Health restaurant inspections. For more information, or to view a searchable database of city restaurant inspections, visit the Environmental Health's inspection results page here. For questions or concerns, please contact interim business editor John Leacock at [email protected]