Benton County Restaurant Inspections in Northwest Arkansas

In a bustling food scene, maintaining cleanliness and safety is crucial. Benton County, in Northwest Arkansas, has seen its fair share of restaurant inspections, revealing both compliance and areas for improvement.

Critical Violations: Immediate Attention Required

Restaurant inspections often uncover critical issues that can lead to foodborne illnesses. For instance, Braum’s Ice Cream on 1101 W. Walnut St., Rogers, had a critical violation related to the kitchen hand sink lacking proper signage. This is a sign that despite its otherwise clean operation, there was a lapse in ensuring hygiene practices[1].

Noncritical Violations: A Step Towards Compliance

While noncritical violations typically relate to maintenance and cleanliness rather than immediate health risks, they are still significant. At Braum’s Ice Cream, cardboard boxes of food items were stored directly on the floor of the walk-in freezer and dry storage area. This practice can lead to rodent infestations and contamination if not properly secured[1]. Additionally, employees wearing wrist watches and jewelry without proper coverings can introduce contaminants into the food preparation process.

Lack of Certified Food Managers

Many restaurants in Benton County have faced scrutiny for lacking certified food managers. La Loteria Snacks of NWA on 714 W. Centerton Blvd., Centerton, was noted for not having documentation of a certified food protection manager. This oversight indicates a potential gap in knowledge about proper food handling practices. The absence of such certification can lead to inefficient risk management within the establishment[1].

Specific Cases of Concern

– Pho Thanh Restaurant, located at 1204 S. Walton Blvd., Bentonville, had critical violations including a container of eggs stored on top of ready-to-eat foods in a prep table and missing date marking on items in the refrigerator and prep table. This indicates a lack of proper segregation of raw from ready-to-eat foods and poor inventory management[1].
– Pinoylicious, found at 1902 S. Eighth St., Rogers, faced critical violations with its chili garlic sauce at 48 degrees in the refrigerator. This is well above the recommended storage temperature for unsafe food consumption[1].
– Taqueria Real Jacona in Bentonville had a significant noncritical violation related to the absence of hand wash signage at the kitchen hand sink and personal employee items located throughout prep areas. Additionally, the facility’s permit was expired[4].

Everything Check: Compliance Status

Inspectors also look for compliance with regulatory requirements such as posting permits and maintaining correct documentation. For instance, Kum & Go 408 on 2811 E. Central Ave., Bentonville, had multiple unsecured employee beverages throughout prep and storage areas. This violation shows that proper storage practices for employee drinks need improvement to maintain hygiene standards[1].

Restaurants Without Major Concerns

Despite the focus on compliance, some establishments have made it through inspections without major concerns. Hype Coffee at 1111 S. Walton Blvd., Bentonville, and His House at 4911 Pleasant Grove Road, Rogers, among others, have been noted for maintaining high standards during inspections in July 2022[1].

Importance of Food Safety

Given the alarming statistics related to foodborne illnesses—76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths annually in the United States—it becomes clear why ensuring safe food is an important public health priority. The Arkansas Department of Health’s efforts to adopt uniform national food safety standards through its adoption of the FDA Food Code aim to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in maintaining food safety across the state[5].

By addressing these critical and noncritical violations, restaurants in Benton County can ensure a safer dining experience for their customers. Regular inspections provide a snapshot of an establishment’s practices, offering opportunities for education and improvement to prevent repeat violations and maintain overall compliance with health standards.