Restaurants & Bars

Dead Mouse Found Under Kitchen Refrigerator: Restaurant Inspections

An inspector with the Arlington County Public Health Department reported finding a dead mouse under a refrigerator at one restaurant.

An inspector with the Arlington County Public Health Department reported finding a dead mouse under a refrigerator at one restaurant in the county.
An inspector with the Arlington County Public Health Department reported finding a dead mouse under a refrigerator at one restaurant in the county. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County Public Health Department inspectors visited 34 food establishments between July 12-16 and found 12 that had no health code violations.

At one restaurant, a health department inspector reported finding a dead mouse under a kitchen refrigerator. Employees were told to eliminate pests from the facility, including picking up the dead mouse with gloved hands and double bag it before disposing it.

More information about what types of violations ACPHD inspectors reports can be found at the bottom of this story.

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Here are the inspections that were conducted July 9-11 as reported by Arlington County Public Health:


Charga On The Pike

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3203 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Carry Out | Pre-Opening
July 16, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

Nighthawk Pizza

1201 S Joyce St Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 16, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Observed foods in prep table cooler and in cold drawers were holding above 41F. (Chicken wings 52F, grilled vegetables 46F) Corrective Actions: Cold foods must be held at 41F or below. Per chef, items were moved into unit less than 2 hours prior, foods were moved to walk in cooler during inspection.
  • Observed that spray bottles did not have the name of contents on the bottle. Corrective Actions: Ensure that spray bottles are labeled with the contents.

DCA - El Centro D.F. (INACTIVE)

WNA-Terminal B/C-Center Pier Space# BC21 Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Business Closed

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 16, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Observed grilled chicken (122F), hamburgers (117F) and rice (112F) in "Alto-Sham" 1-dr HH unit at improper got holding temperature. The foods were reheated to 165F and above during the inspection. Corrective Actions: Rapidly reheat the food to 165°F and maintain at 135°F or above through the hot holding period.
  • Observed sour cream (48F) and guacamole (48F) in "Continental" 2-dr prep ref. (right) at improper cold holding temperature. Corrective Actions: Relocate food to a refrigeration unit that is capable of maintaining food storage at 41°F or below.

Bright Horizons at National Landing

3550 S Clark St Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Child Care Food Service | Risk Factor
July 16, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

GalleryCafe & Catering

1005 N Glebe Rd #150 Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
July 16, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

Punch Bowl Social

4238 Wilson Blvd Suite 1180 Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 16, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • No paper towels were provided at the handsink near the warewashing area. PIC provided paper towels during the inspection (Corrected).
  • The following equipment was observed soiled with grime and debris: 1) the interior of the microwave oven 2) the nozzles on the soda guns on the main floor bar 3) the interior of the bulk ice machine. PIC instructed an employee to clean and sanitize the equipment (Corrected).

Bartaco

4238 Wilson Blvd #120 Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 16, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

Kabob Garden

933 N Quincy St Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 16, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Mango lassi's, yogurt drinks & containers of hummus at 60 F inside the 1-dr "Drink It Up" "True" refrigerator. Cut lettuce and cut tomatoes found at 45-52 F inside the front counter cold pan unit. Corrective Actions: These items in the refrigerator were relocated to the the walk-in refrigerator which is holding foods at 40 F. Don't store "Time/Temperature Control for Safety" foods in this "True" refrigerator unless repaired to hold them at or below 41 F. The foods at the front counter were covered with lids and/or exchanged with deeper pans to keep at or below 41 F.

Roots & Vines

5852 N Washington Blvd Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
July 16, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Dead mouse observed under the kitchen refrigerator. Corrective Actions: Eliminate pests from the facility. Remove with gloved hands, double bag and discard. Clean & sanitize floor.
  • Floor and shelves not kept clean. Corrective Actions: Maintain these surfaces clean.
  • Some damaged floor tiles in the food/drink prep areas. Some gaps in-between the baseboards and flooring throughout the facility that shall be eliminated. Corrective Actions: Repair or replace the damaged floor tiles. Seal-up gaps in-between the baseboards and flooring.

McDonald's Restaurant

5009 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 16, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

AHRA Cafe & Sandwich Bar

1100 Wilson Blvd 6603 Arlington, VA 22209
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
July 16, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Observed that knives stored on knife rack were still soiled with food debris. Corrective Actions: Ensure that food utensils are fully cleaned and sanitizing before storing. Knives moved to 3 compartment sink to be washed.
  • Observed potatoes cooling in walk in cooler at 78F. Staff stated that potatoes were cooked this morning at around 9:00am. Corrective Actions: TCS foods must be cooled to 70F within 2 hours of cooking, and the entire cooling process may not take more than 6 hours. Items discarded.
  • Observed that squeeze bottles were not labeled to indicate the contents. Corrective Actions: In use spray bottles or containers must be labeled with the contents. Instructed staff to label the contents.
  • Observed that containers were tightly stacked after washing, and were not able to air dry. Corrective Actions: Items must be allowed to drain and air-dry before being stacked or stored to allow evaporation of chemical sanitizer and moisture that may encourage microbial growth.
  • During inspection observed that cardboard was used to line cabinets and shelving, and floors. Observed that cardboard is dirty and mildewing due to water or food residues. Corrective Actions: Remove cardboard. Establishment may use materials that are smooth and easily cleanable.
  • Observed that the caulking sealing the sinks to the wall is peeling. Corrective Actions: Seal the unit to adjoining equipment or walls since it is exposed to spillage or seepage.

Overlee Community Snack Stand

6030 Langston Blvd Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
July 16, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

Crystal Bowl

2800 Crystal Dr #100 Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 16, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • During inspection observed staff member wash knife without sanitizing. 3 compartment sink was not set up. Corrective Actions: Utensils must be sanitized after use.
  • Observed that rice was left on countertop. Temperature reached 70F. Rice was taken out of freezer about 1.5 hours prior to inspection. Corrective Actions: Hold TS foods at 41F or below. and move foods back to cooler when not in use

DCA - Reservoir Restaurant AB238

WNA-Terminal A (Space AB238) Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 16, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Plastic take out containers observed improperly stored in front handsink basin. Corrective Actions: Handsinks are to be used for handwashing only (containers removed by person in charge).
  • High temperature dish-machine at bar observed not reaching proper sanitizer temperature of 160*F on surface when tested with dish-temp device. Corrective Actions: Person in charge will place work order and use main kitchen dish-machine until unit is serviced.

Sunrise at Bluemont Park

5910 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted

Health Care Food Facility | Risk Factor
July 16, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Observed the sanitizer at the 3-compartment sink measuring greater than the acceptable range. The sanitizer is going to be mixed with water to meet the acceptable range until it can be repaired. Corrective Actions: Ensure the sanitizer is tested regularly.

Upton Hill Pools Snack Bar

6060 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22205
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
July 16, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

Peri-Peri Original Kallisto Steak House

2333 S Eads St Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Observed a food employee failed to wash hands and change gloves after working with raw chicken. Corrective Actions: Train and instruct food employees to wash their hands after touching raw animal foods and changing gloves.
  • Observed a potato slicer stored in the kitchen handwashing sink and front handsink was blocked with a 3-drawers unit. Corrective Actions: A hand washing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Remove the slicer and relocate the 3-drawers unit.
  • Fried chicken was not cooked to 165F or above. The chicken was cooked to 200F. Corrective Actions: Cook the chicken and other poultry products to165F or above.
  • Observed sliced tomatoes (47F), pico de gallo (47F) and steak (57F) at improper cold holding temperature in the "Avantico" 3-dr prep ref. Corrective Actions: Relocate time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food to a refrigeration unit that is capable of maintaining food storage at 41°F or below.

Bethel Cafe

3045A Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Observed dehydration of meats without a HACCP plan. A special process will be applied for. Corrective Actions: The facility decided to keep the product below 41F and date marked.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

2231 Crystal Dr 11th Flr Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • No handwashing soap provided at warewashing/prep area handwashing sink. Corrective Actions: Provide hand soap at each hand sink to allow employees to properly wash their hands.
  • Observed lobster meat (58F), shredded cheddar (48F) and crumbled blue cheese (67F) on ice at improper cold holding temperature. Corrective Actions: Discard the food and ensure that potentially hazardous foods for cold holding are maintained at 41°F or below to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Mrs. Chen's Kitchen

3101 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Cashier hand sink found without paper towels. Corrective Actions: Provide paper towels at all hand sinks.
  • Case of eggs stored above cut carrots in the walk-in refrigerator. Corrective Actions: Eggs relocated below the produce in the walk-in refrigerator.
  • Cutting boards and can opener blade not kept clean to sight. Corrective Actions: Wash, rinse, sanitize; resurface or replace if needed.
  • Observed unlabeled spray bottles in the kitchen. Corrective Actions: Label spray bottles with chemical name stored in them.
  • Flies observed inside the facility; found back door kept open, keep closed. Corrective Actions: Eliminate pests from the facility.

Sfoglina Rosslyn

1100 Wilson Blvd 625 Arlington, VA 22209
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

Peking Pavillion

2912 N Sycamore St Arlington, VA 22207
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Working chemical spray bottles, in the warewashing area, were observed unlabeled. Discussed proper labeling procedures with the PIC (Corrected).

Sushi 2 Go

901 N Stuart St #117 Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Handwashing sink was observed blocked by a large roll of plastic wrap. PIC stored the plastic wrap properly during the inspection (Corrected).

Panera Bread # 1685

1700 N Moore St, Suite # 110 Arlington, VA 22209
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Hand sink on main prep line observed blocked. Corrective Actions: Ensure that access to all hand sink a free and clear.

Starbucks Coffee # 7389

901 N Stuart St Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • An accumulation of fruit flies was observed around front service area. Corrective Actions: Maintain facility free of pests.
  • Front line cabinetry is in disrepair. Corrective Actions: Maintain equipment in proper repair.
  • The cold water handle is in disrepair in the left restroom. Corrective Actions: Maintain plumbing fixtures in proper repair.

Gharer Khabar

5157 Langston Blvd Arlington, VA 22207
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Out of paper towels at downstairs hand sink. Corrective Actions: Provide paper towels at all hand sinks.
  • Dish machine found not sanitizing; sanitizer bottle exchanged with new one. Corrective Actions: Test and maintain chlorine sanitizer at dish machine between 50-150 ppm.
  • Flies observed in the facility. Corrective Actions: Eliminate flies from the facility.
  • Observed aluminum foil trays being reused for storage. Corrective Actions: Aluminum foil trays are for single-use.
  • Facility walls & floors aren't kept clean nor in good repair. Corrective Actions: Repair and maintain walls & floors smooth and clean.

McDonald's #5037

3013 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Observed the quaternary ammonium sanitizer stronger than 400ppm. The sanitizer was adjusted during the inspection. Corrective Actions: Ensure the sanitizer is being tested and measures between 200-400ppm.

Sofia Pupuseria

3610 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Observed the interior of the bulk ice machine soiled. Corrective Actions: Ensure the ice machine is kept free of grime and debris.

Children's International School

4347 Arlington Blvd Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Child Care Food Service | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

Pan American Bakery

4113 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Couple of fruit cocktail cans found dented on their side seams. Corrective Actions: Labeled not to use; redeem for credit and discard.
  • Baked potatoes found in the steamtable at 100 F. Corrective Actions: Reheated above 165 F and maintained above 135 F.
  • Desserts with dairy at 50 F inside the bakery display case at 50 F. Walk-in refrigerator holding foods at 44 F. "Traulsen" 2-door refrigerator at 43 F. Corrective Actions: Adjust/repair units to cool and cold hold foods at or below 41 F. Photos of repairs were submitted on 7/17/24.
  • Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizer solution found too strong above 200 ppm. Corrective Actions: Use test papers and adjust level to be 50-150 ppm. Container was emptied and refilled with water and tested at 100 ppm.

DCA - Chick-fil-A

WNA-Nat'l Hall #C2-5727 Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Front counter hand sink is not draining properly. Corrective Actions: Maintain hand sinks in proper working condition.
  • A severely dented can of mandarin oranges was observed in reach in refrigerator at salad prep area. Discarded. Corrective Actions: Ensure integrity of packaging of foods stored for use is maintained.

Chipotle Mexican Grill #0106

2231 Crystal Dr #100 Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 15, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen #2673

5007 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Risk Factor
July 12, 2024

  • No Violations Reported

Endo Sushi

3000 Washington Blvd Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
July 12, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • Observed sushi area handsink used to rinse utensils, towels and defrost frozen foods. Corrective Actions: Discontinue use of handwashing sinks for purposes other than handwashing. Handwashing sinks are for handwashing only.
  • Observed raw-shelled eggs stored over an open pitcher of soup. Corrective Actions: Do not store any raw-animal foods over ready-to-eat foods.
  • Time is not marked on sushi rice for which 4 hours used as TPHC. Corrective Actions: If time only, rather than time in conjunction with temperature control, up to a maximum of 4 hours, is used as the public health control: The food shall be marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control.

Tasty Chicken Box and Lamb Restaurant

2716 Washington Blvd Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Risk Factor
July 12, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

  • The handwashing sink in the basement has been removed. Put the handwashing sink back and do not prepare any foods in the basement until the sink is installed. Corrective Actions: Install the handwashing sink in the basement.
  • Observed utensils stored in the kitchen handwashing sink. Corrective Actions: A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
  • Observed raw chicken stored over uncooked vegetables and some other RTE-foods in the "Avantico" 2-dr cookline u/c ref. Corrective Actions: Do not store raw chicken or any raw animal foods over ready-to-eat foods.

What Violations Do ACPHD Inspectors Report?

In Virginia, all food service locations are supposed to be inspected at least once per year. Facilities with higher risk factors may be inspected as often as four times per year, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Violations at restaurants typically focus on factors that can contribute to food contamination. The local health department can also perform a re-inspection to ensure that possible violations have been corrected. Sometimes, the follow-up inspection only considers the most important "priority" violations.

For every observed violation, the inspector provides a specific corrective action that can be completed to rectify the violation. Sometimes these are simple, and violations can be corrected during the course of the inspection. Depending on the results of the inspection, the health department can pursue several actions.

They can issue a permit for the restaurant to continue serving food, they can schedule a follow-up inspection to determine if violations have been rectified, or they can temporarily shut down an establishment until certain issues are solved.

The Virginia Department of Health only recommends restaurants have their permits suspended when "the continued operation of the food service presents a substantial and imminent threat to the public health."

More Health Code Violations:


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