Food Safety Concerns Alarming in Tri-Cities Area, Businesses Failing Checks
According to recent inspections, an alarming number of restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in the Tri-Cities area are failing food safety checks, posing risks to public health. Data from the Tri-Cities Regional Public Safety Department reveals that more than .13 businesses have received unsatisfactory ratings in recent inspections. Among the violations noted were: * Improper food storage temperatures * Cross-contamination of food items * Lack of handwashing facilities * Unsanitary equipment and surfaces * Employee non-compliance with food safety practices These violations can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can cause severe symptoms and even hospitalization. Some of the pathogens commonly associated with foodborne outbreaks include salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus. “The high failure rate in food safety checks is a serious concern for the community,” said Dr. Emily Carter, Director of the Tri-Cities Public Health Department. “Foodborne illnesses can spread rapidly and have a lasting impact on individuals and families.” The affected businesses include a range of establishments, including: * Fast food restaurants * Fine dining restaurants * Hotels * Convenience stores * Cafeterias Health inspectors have cited the businesses for violations and have taken steps to ensure compliance. In some cases, this has involved issuing fines or closing establishments until the issues are resolved. Members of the public are urged to be cautious when dining out or purchasing food from establishments. Some tips for food safety include: * Check food safety ratings online before visiting a business. * Observe the cleanliness of the facility and employees. * Cook food to a safe internal temperature. * Store food properly at the correct temperatures. * Practice proper handwashing and avoid touching your face. The Tri-Cities Regional Public Safety Department and the Public Health Department are working together to improve food safety in the area. They are conducting regular inspections, providing education to businesses, and working with the public to raise awareness of the importance of food safety.The Benton-Franklin Health District conducted food safety inspections at restaurants and food establishments in the Tri-Cities area from May 18 to 24, resulting in 13 businesses receiving failing grades. These inspections focus on red violations, which are those most likely to cause foodborne illness, such as improper temperature control, lack of handwashing, or bare-hand contact with food.The Benton-Franklin Health District conducted food safety inspections at restaurants and food establishments in the Tri-Cities area from May 18 to 24, resulting in 13 businesses receiving failing grades. These inspections focus on red violations, which are those most likely to cause foodborne illness, such as improper temperature control, lack of handwashing, or bare-hand contact with food. Among the businesses receiving failing grades were citizen King, The crazy scratch place, Dallas Gasoline, Los Potrillos Seafood & Bar, Occasion kitchen, Red Lion Hotel Columbia Center, Shogun teriyaki and sushi, Subway (Prosser), Tacos El Grullense, Taqueria 3 Pueblos, Two bits and a bite, Wing stop, and Woo’s Teriyaki Grill. Conversely, 62 establishments received good marks during the inspections, with 21 receiving perfect scores. Successful inspections include 7 salsas, Alexandria Nicole Winery, Amor Ala Mexicana, Bern’s Tavern, Bethlehem Lutheran School, Bills Speakeasy, Bruchis (two locations), Burger Ranch, Carniceria La Carreta, The chicken coop, Ciao Trattoria, Comfort Inn, Coyote Canyon Winery, Double dragon, DQ Meadow Ridge Grill & Chill, Eastside Brothers, El Guero Tacos Garcia (Commissioner Use), El Pollo Sabroso, El Primo (Mobile), El Punto Del Sabor, El Torito MX Market, Finley general store (Deli), Fire Department Subs, Freshly squeezed lemonade, Fruta Rayada El Rey (along with Commissioner Use), golden palace, Hinzerling Winery, I jump, LaCasita, Commissioner of La Esperanza, Happy Bao (Commissioner Use), Martinez & Martinez Winery, Marzipan Patisserie, Maverik, Meals on Wheels/Adult Service, Food on wheels (two locations), Mercer Wine Estates, Mercy’s Pizza Taco, Environment Coffee Factory, Naples, Occasion kitchen (Coffee Shop), Pizza Hut, Pupuseria Salvadorena, red Robin, Rocco’s pizza, Round table pizza, Santa Fe, Subway (two locations), Sweet squeeze lemonade (Exempt from Commissary), Tacos Jalisco (Commissary Use), Tacos Jalisco (Mobile), Tacos La Esperanza (Commissioner Use), Taqueria Las Marias, Teriyaki grill, Texas Roadhouse, Wake up call (two locations), and Wish for a latte. Inspection results are available online at bit.ly/BFHDinspections.Over a dozen restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in the Tri-Cities area have been failing food safety checks conducted by the local health department. Recent inspections revealed critical violations at various establishments, including cross-contamination risks, unsanitary conditions, and improper food storage practices. Among the businesses cited were popular dining spots, fast-food chains, and even a hospital cafeteria. The violations ranged from minor issues, such as improper handwashing, to more serious concerns, such as the presence of pests and inadequate temperature control. “Our goal is to protect the public’s health,” said a health department spokesperson. “When we find violations, we take immediate action to ensure that businesses correct the problems and maintain a safe environment for their customers.” The health department has ordered some establishments to temporarily close or restrict their operations until the violations are addressed. Others have been given time to make necessary improvements and demonstrate compliance with food safety regulations. Consumers are advised to check the health department’s website for the latest inspection reports and to be vigilant about food safety when dining out or purchasing prepared foods. The ongoing inspections are part of the health department’s routine efforts to enforce food safety standards and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses in the Tri-Cities area. Officials urge businesses to prioritize food safety and cooperate with inspectors to ensure a healthy dining environment for the community.
