Sacramento County health inspectors recently closed a specialty grocery store after finding live cockroaches on the premises. Additionally, three local restaurants and a gas station received yellow placards due to safety violations such as a grimy ice machine, food debris, and employees failing to wash their hands. A yellow placard indicates two or more major violations, which are typically rectified during the inspection. A red placard, on the other hand, signals an “imminent danger to public health and safety” and results in the suspension of the health permit until violations are addressed, possibly including major vermin contamination. In contrast, a green placard signifies that a restaurant has passed the inspection, with the majority of establishments in Sacramento County successfully passing their inspections.
The Sacramento County Health Department conducts approximately 14,000 inspections annually, with 97% of all restaurants passing their inspections. About 1% of inspections result in a closure of the establishment. Inspectors did not shut down any restaurants during the most recent inspection period. The health inspection reports from April 11 through Wednesday revealed violations at various establishments, including a market with live adult German cockroaches and several restaurants with violations ranging from inadequate handwashing practices to food held at improper temperatures.
One of the establishments, El Quetzal Market on Fruitridge Road in Sacramento, was closed temporarily due to the presence of live cockroaches. The market was found to have three live adult German cockroaches on the premises, triggering a closure as they worked to address the issue. Restaurants such as Blue Rice Cafe, Pita R Us, and Noble Vegetarian were also cited for violations such as employees not washing hands properly, food debris, and improper food storage temperatures. Each establishment received a yellow placard indicating the need for corrective action.
Shell gas station on Mack Road in Sacramento was cited for violations including improper handwashing practices and inadequate restroom facilities. After a reinspection, the gas station received a green placard indicating compliance with health and safety standards. Noble Vegetarian, known for its vegetarian cuisine, had violations related to food storage and holding temperatures, as well as improper employee beverage storage. The restaurant also rectified the violations and received a green placard upon reinspection.
Overall, the Sacramento County health inspection process aims to ensure the safety and cleanliness of food establishments in the area. Inspectors work to identify and address violations promptly to protect public health and safety. While closures due to violations are relatively uncommon, the inspections serve as a crucial mechanism for maintaining standards in the food industry. Businesses found in violation of health codes are given the opportunity to correct issues and reestablish compliance in order to continue operating safely and serving the community. The health inspection reports provide transparency for consumers and encourage businesses to maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety.
