Absence of soap, towels in handwashing sinks among latest restaurant health violations
El Paso health inspectors cited two restaurants for 33 health violations from Jan. 26-Feb. 1. The violations ranged from no soap and towels in the kitchen to employees not wearing proper hair restraints when handling food.
A score of 70 or above is passing. A score of 60 or below will initiate the closure of the establishment.
An inspection conducted on any given day may not represent the establishment's overall, long-term conditions. Restaurants that fail inspections are given an opportunity to address the violations for reinspection.
During this reporting period, inspectors visited more than 100 restaurants along with other food-serving facilities in retail stores, daycares and schools. Over 70 restaurants received an "A" rating. See the restaurants that inspectors graded "A" at the end of this article.
More: Dave's Hot Chicken is good, crunchy, but spicy hot? Here's how it went.
El Paso restaurants cited for violations
Red Lantern location
Mariscos Culiacan location
15 violations, Red Lantern at 1841 N Zaragoza Road
The following inspection was conducted on Jan. 30, and the restaurant was given a 67 inspection score.
Three violations not listed involved temperature for food safety, food temperature control and proper use of utensils.
Compromised lemons found in crate inside walk-in refrigerator; all compromised food must be discarded.
Residue accumulation observed on internal upper surfaces of main ice bin machine; must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized within 72 hours; food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.
Significantly dented hermetically sealed food container found on dry storage shelving in main kitchen area; all significantly dented and damaged containers pose health risks and must be removed.
Unlabeled plastic chemical spray bottles found adjacent to prepackaged sugar packets must be properly labeled and adequately stocked.
Opened prepackaged Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods, prepped TCS foods, and prepped Ready-to-Eat (RTE) foods stored in refrigeration for more than 24 hours require proper labeling and date markings.
Chemical test strips for specific sanitizer used within a three-compartment sink must be readily available and accessible within one week.
Hand wash sink station adjacent to three-compartment sink area inadequately stocked; all hand wash sink stations must be adequately stocked with disposable hand paper towels and hand wash soap for immediate use by employees.
Proper hair restraints required for employees working with exposed foods; employees cannot wear watches or bracelets when working with exposed foods.
Bulk food containers, including cylindrical plastic food containers (squeeze bottles), if not easily recognizable, must be labeled with contents.
All non-food contact surfaces of equipment must be maintained clean, including internal and external surfaces of refrigerators, freezers, stove area, kitchen countertop surfaces, walk-in refrigerator, walk-in freezer, shelving within walk-in refrigerator and freezer, etc.
Thorough cleaning of flooring, underneath and around equipment, within main kitchen area, ware washing, and dry storage areas needed; physical facilities of establishment must be maintained clean.
Ceiling tile within men's restroom area with surface perforations and crevices observed; ceiling tiles exposed to moisture must be smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable.
Note: The restaurant was reinspected on Jan. 30 and received an 86 inspection score.
18 violations, Mariscos Culiacan 10113 North Loop Drive
The following inspection was conducted on Jan. 30, and the restaurant was given a 63 inspection score.
Green, red, and guacamole in front held with ice at 50-53F; must be 41F or less; placed in refrigerator.
Date mark all cooked ready-to-eat foods held refrigerated over 24 hours with a discard date not to exceed seven days; none on salsa, guacamole or cooked sushi.
Keep ice scoop handle outside ice; observed inside ice touching it.
Keep food in refrigerator covered to protect; observed uncovered raw food over ready-to-eat.
Clean microwave, counters, prep tables, cutting boards, and microwave; observed old food particles; food contacts must be clean to sight and touch.
No soap and towels in handsink in kitchen; therefore, food handler in kitchen unable to wash.
Must repair severe leak in three-compartment sink faucet; observed rusted and leaking; plumbing systems must be in good repair by Feb, 10.
Must provide food handler's certification for all staff; missing for one employee; must send proof by Jan. 31.
Must provide proof of source/harvesters tag for fresh oysters; unable to provide proof at this time; must keep for 90 days after box is finished; must send proof to inspector.
Provide thermometer to upright refrigerator in front waitress station where cakes and salsa are kept by Jan. 31.
Must pay for permit before 5 PM; expired; issued cease operations notice.
Provide soap and towels to handsink in back.
Repair non-working mop sink in back exterior area; observed clogged and non-running drain; must repair by Feb. 1 as must have adequate location and exclusive sink for mop water and disposal of liquid waste.
Food handlers must drink from covered cups and keep in designated areas; observed 2 cups of uncovered coffee in workstations; food handlers' personal drinks.
Keep wiping cloths in sanitizer between uses; observed damp cloths throughout kitchen.
Clean floors, walls, and ceilings throughout observed dirty; non-food contacts must also be clean.
Provide trash can with lid to ladies restroom by Jan. 31.
Hot water throughout 123F; refrigerators and freezer 0-40F x 3; fish stew cooked to 180F; sushi fried to 170F; cold condiments on refrigerator 40F; salsas in ice 53F (violation); hot salsas on hot hold at 140-150F.
Note: The restaurant was reinspected on Jan. 30 and received an 83 inspection score.
Grade A El Paso restaurants
100 01/31/2024 Dollar General Store #12907 11100 Sean Haggerty Drive
100 01/29/2024 City Of El Paso - Chihuahuita 417 Charles Road
100 01/31/2024 City Of El Paso - Rae Gilmore 8501 Diana Drive
100 01/29/2024 Canutillo Elementary Cafeteria 651 Canutillo Ave.
100 01/29/2024 Camino A La Salud 4922 Hondo Pass Drive
100 01/30/2024 Franklin Lady Cougars Basketball Bo 900 N Resler Drive
100 01/30/2024 Franklin 9th Grade Center 825 Redd Road
100 01/30/2024 Franklin High School 900 N Resler Drive
100 01/30/2024 El Carousel Convenience Store 3450 Anapra Road
100 01/30/2024 Franklin High School Wresling Boost 900 Resler Drive
100 01/31/2024 Walgreens #3236 800 N Zaragosa Road
100 01/31/2024 Cabela's Wholesale 6450 Desert Blvd. N
100 01/31/2024 Vida Activa Nutricion 7240 Doniphan Drive
100 01/31/2024 Bikini Joes 3390 Rich Beem Blvd.
99 01/30/2024 McDonalds 9451 Alameda Ave.
99 01/31/2024 Hotel Paso Del Norte - El Mirador 101 El Paso St.
99 01/31/2024 Hotel Paso Del Norte - Employee Cafeteria 101 El Paso St.
98 01/30/2024 Legacy Ballroom 12601 R. C. Poe Road
98 01/30/2024 Franklin High School Volleyball & B 900 Resler Drive
98 01/30/2024 McDonalds Wal-mart 9441 Alameda Ave.
98 01/31/2024 Whataburger 1300 Airway Blvd.
98 01/29/2024 Nuestra Nostalgia Sweets And Snacks 504 San Antonio Ave.
98 01/31/2024 Hotel Paso Del Norte - Dome Bar 101 El Paso St.
97 01/29/2024 Alderete Middle School Cafeteria 801 Talbot St.
97 01/29/2024 Whataburger #1085 12302 Montana Ave.
97 01/26/2024 Circle K Store #481 10616 Mccombs St.
97 01/31/2024 Burger King #17896 9050 Dyer St.
97 01/29/2024 Peter Piper Pizza 12592 Rojas Drive
97 01/30/2024 Rex Ball 3027 Alameda Ave.
96 01/31/2024 Ardovino's Pizza 11100 Sean Haggerty Drive
96 01/30/2024 Taco Bell #19215 91 S. Americas Ave.
96 01/29/2024 The Health Spot 4717 Hondo Pass Drive
96 01/29/2024 Oasis Water Park 13501 Jason Crandall Drive
96 01/31/2024 95 South Southern Cuisine 1830 George Dieter Drive
95 01/30/2024 Tony's Barbacoa 12370 Edgemere Blvd.
95 01/26/2024 Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers 1887 Zaragoza Road
95 01/31/2024 Habitat Boba Tea Express 6101 Gateway West Blvd.
95 01/30/2024 SMG El Paso Convention Center 1 Civic Center Plaza
95 01/31/2024 Yogoberry 6101 Gateway West Blvd.
95 01/30/2024 Franklin High School Football Booster 900 Resler Drive
95 01/31/2024 Hotel Paso Del Norte- 1700 Steakhouse 101 El Paso St.
95 01/31/2024 Hotel Paso Del Norte- Banquet Kitchen 101 El Paso St.
95 01/31/2024 Hotel Paso Del Norte Sabor 101 El Paso St.
95 01/31/2024 Dulce Coffee Shop 101 El Paso St.
95 01/29/2024 Peter Piper Pizza #625 3080 N Zaragoza Road
94 01/31/2024 Premiere Cinemas 6101 Gateway West Blvd.
94 01/30/2024 Domino's Pizza 11400 Sean Haggerty Drive
94 01/31/2024 Subway #29284 3117 Saul Kleinfeld Drive
94 01/30/2024 Roadway 6200 Edgemere St.
94 01/30/2024 Residence Inn El Paso 6355 Gateway West Blvd.
94 01/29/2024 China House Restaurant 420 Redd Road
94 01/30/2024 Dunkin Donuts 11191 Sean Haggerty Drive
94 01/31/2024 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers 6450 N Desert Blvd.
93 01/31/2024 Cradles & Crayons 11100 Sean Haggerty Drive
93 01/30/2024 Subway No.27538 9417 Alameda Ave Ste A
93 01/30/2024 SMG El Paso Convention & Performing 1 Civic Center Plaza
93 01/30/2024 Ray's Kitchen And Bar 4907 Crossroads Drive
92 01/31/2024 Bonny's Cafe 8920 Gateway East Blvd.
92 01/31/2024 Walmart #3136 13900 Horizon Blvd.
92 01/31/2024 Xtreme Pizza, Wings, & Things #2 800 Zaragoza Road
92 01/26/2024 Walmart Supercenter #2612 1850 N Zaragoza Road
92 01/31/2024 Vivir Excelente 6761 Doniphan Drive
92 01/31/2024 Matteo's Ep West 6450 Desert Blvd.
92 01/26/2024 787 Coffee 5038 Alameda Ave.
91 01/31/2024 Love's Travel Stop #214 1300 Horizon Blvd.
91 01/31/2024 Bad Luck Bar 10101 North Loop Drive
90 01/31/2024 Circle K #2741257 1239 N Zaragoza Road
90 01/30/2024 Solstice Senior Living At Rio Norte 1941 Saul Kleinfeld Drive
90 01/30/2024 Tacos Chinampa 3343 Saul Kleinfeld Drive
90 01/31/2024 Sumo Sushi 1344 Zaragoza Road
90 01/31/2024 Jackies Always Fresh 1030 N Zaragoza Road
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso County restaurants that had health violations in inspections
