Moldy Sausage, Dirty Tabletops Prompt Health Inspections: Complaints

ROCKVILLE, MD —Inspectors with the Montgomery County Health and Human Services Department recently cited three Rockville restaurants for critical violations of the health code.

Violations, both critical and non-critical, included failing to keep food at the proper temperatures, kitchen staff not washing their hands properly, poorly stocked bathrooms, and suspected rat droppings observed at one of the locations.

In addition, two of the inspections were prompted by customer complaints, one concerned the cleanliness of the facility and the other involved mold being found on a food item that had been purchased at the offending store.

All Montgomery County licensed retail food establishments are inspected by the Licensure & Regulatory Services Program. Regular comprehensive inspections include evaluating an establishment's sanitation, maintenance and food service operations. These inspections include monitoring critical temperatures and food handling procedures.

All three restaurants that inspectors visited on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 were cited for critical violations of food safety requirements.

"A Critical Violation means a food safety requirement that requires immediate correction," according to the health and human services website. "Failure for immediate correction results in cessation of some or all food operations or closure of the facility until violation is able to be corrected."

Safeway #1668

A Montgomery County health inspector reported one critical violation during a Nov. 1 inspection of Safeway #1668 located at 5510 Norbeck Road in Rockville. The violation involved keeping spoilable food cold.

"Batter observed sitting out at room temperature in between use (raw chicken is introduced into the batter). Must properly cold hold in between use," the report said, adding that the critical violation was corrected.

The inspection was conducted in conjunction with a complaint investigation. A customer reported to HHS that plant-based sausage purchased from the store on Oct. 25 contained mold.

The inspector noted the following in their report:

1. Management was unaware of the complaint and has not received others relating to this matter.
2. No refrigeration problems were observed at the time of visit.
3. One package of plant based sausage was observed on the shelf with a sell by date of 10/28/23.
4. No signs of adulteration was observed at the time of my visit.
Please monitor and pull out dated/adulterated products from the sales floor.

In addition, the Safeway was on an increased pest control service, with service taking place at least four times a week.

The inspector also reported the following violations of good retail practices at the store:

• "Food manager does not posses a current Montgomery County food manager's card.
• "Suspected rodent droppings observed on the floor of the deli, near dry storage area.
• "Air gap not provided to drain line of the bakery's in-counter sink and floor drain of the deli.
• "Exposed particle wood observed on some of the Bakery's counters. Seal.
• "Gap observed in the wall behind the hand washing station in the Meat department. Seal.
• "Overhead non-potable water lines located above the produce prep tables. Cover/protect.
• "HACCP plan not available for review. - Must be available at times.
• "Ware washer in the Bakery does not meet the minimum temperatures for washing and sanitizing, per manufacture specs.
• "Raw/smoked fish stored above ready-to-eat items in the seafood department. Relocate."

Wendy's #6527

During a Nov. 1 inspection of the Wendy’s #6527 at 15807 Frederick Road, a county health inspector reported one critical violation and numerous violations of good retail practices.

The critical violation concerned the restaurant's hot holding temperature.

"Bacon observed being hot held at 98 degrees F at time of inspection," the report said. "Facility notified inspector that product had been prepared 15 minutes prior to inspection. Product reheated to 165 degrees F on site at time of inspection."

The inspection was prompted by a complaint from a customer, who reported that the condiment counter tops and tables at the restaurant were dirty. In addition, food handlers were not using gloves or proper hair restaurants. Also, the restroom door did not close properly and the restroom hand sinks were not properly stocked.

"Upon inspection tables and condiment counter top observed clean at time of inspection, food handlers were observed using proper hair restraints and gloves at time of inspection, restroom door observed to not properly close and not properly stocked at time of inspection," the report said.

The inspection report also included the following violations of good retail practices and the appropriate corrective actions:

• "Dish wash drain observed not provided with required airgap for black hose at time of inspection. Provide required airgap as needed.
• "Walk in freezer observed to have significant ice buildup at time of inspection. Repair as needed.
• "Restroom door observed not latching at time of inspection. Repair or replace as needed.
• "Restroom hand sink observed not stocked with paper towels at time of inspection. Provide as required."

"Single user restrooms observed not provided with gender inclusive signage as required per Montgomery County Bill 4-22. Provide required signage as needed. This is not listed as a violation at this time but facility has been informed of required compliance."

L&T Market DBA Great Wall Supermarket

On Nov. 2, a Health and Human Services inspector from Montgomery County visited the L&T Market DBA Great Wall Supermarket located at 700 Hungerford Drive. The inspector reported two critical violations involving the proper cleaning of hands and potable hot and cold running water.

"In seafood department: Hot water not provided at handwashing sink; only cold water provided for employees handling raw fish off. Employees must use hot water (100F / 37C) using cold water for handwashing," the inspector wrote, adding that this repeat violation was corrected during the inspection.

The visit was a follow-up to evaluate the sanitary conditions and a valid rat complaint reported in an Oct. 12 inspection.

"Facility's last service date occurred on 10/23/2023 from Home Paramount Pest Control Inc.," the inspector's report said. "Monthly services maintained once every 4 weeks, per invoices/records observed on site."

In addition, no live rodents were seen within grocery aisles at the time of the inspection.

"Garage Bay to warehouse was left open," the inspection report said. "Manager instructed to keep this area shut/closed after each delivery."

The inspector also noted two other repeat violations at the business:

• "Large hole in drywall behind loose baseboard is still unfixed, as noted in October report. Provide repair to drywall, hole and baseboard where damaged.
• "In meat department: Hand sink observed obstructed with two red crates stacked on top of basin. Keep sink clear and accessible for proper sanitation and hygiene, as required." This action was corrected during the inspection.

If L&T Market DBA Great Wall Supermarket fails to rectify all of these violations by the next re-inspection, which was scheduled for Nov. 12, could result in a partial facility closure and a $500 citation.

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