Pests shut down some Coronado Mall food spots
Apr. 12—Uninvited guests bugged some visitors at several food establishments at Coronado Center.
A complaint about roaches was sent to the city's Environmental Health Department, leading to the immediate closure of five eateries at the shopping mall in Uptown Albuquerque.
"The inspections this week found evidence of insect and rodent infestation which resulted in an immediate closure of five restaurants," a city spokeswoman said in an email on Friday. "Department staff are working closely with the facility to address the infestation and are on standby to reinspect to ensure public health and safety before reopening can occur."
Sbarro Italian Eatery, Keva Juice, The Cheesecake Factory, Panda Express and Chispitas were all immediately closed after the inspection. Panda Express and Chispitas have passed re-inspections and reopened. The inspections were done on Tuesday with the exception of The Cheesecake Factory's, which was done on Thursday.
Food inspectors found an accumulation of dead roaches on the floor near a beverage cooler at Sbarro Italian Eatery. Some equipment concerns also noted improperly installed water lines, soda dispensing lines and electrical lines, according to the inspection report.
Inspectors observed a significant number of live roaches behind equipment and inside storage areas at Keva Juice. Fruit flies also were found throughout the food line and on fruit and drains, according to the inspection report.
The person in charge at Keva Juice was issued a notice of closure and suspension and has until Monday to remedy the infestation.
A buildup of soil residues were found on food contact surfaces, and extreme buildup and debris were located on the kitchen area flooring at Keva Juice.
There was evidence of a rodent infestation throughout the bar area and bar server line at The Cheesecake Factory, according to the inspection report. Investigators also observed where dead roaches were allowed to accumulate in an area between the kitchen and server station where food dishes were picked up for service for guests. Significant rodent droppings also were found in that area, according to the inspection report.
Employees in the kitchen, bar area and server line weren't wearing proper hair restraints while preparing food and beverages and handling open containers of food. Hair can be both a direct and indirect vehicle of contamination.
Employees were found to be wearing rings, bracelets and watches while preparing food and beverages. Jewelry may act as a reservoir of pathogenic organisms transmissible through food, according to the report.
The person in charge at The Cheesecake Factory was issued a notice of closure and suspension and has five business days, until next Thursday, to remedy the infestation.
