Benton County Restaurant Inspections: Maintaining Food Safety Standards
Benton County, known for its vibrant food scene, takes food safety and sanitation seriously. Regular inspections ensure that restaurants and mobile units protect customers from foodborne illnesses and maintain high standards of cleanliness. These inspections not only address critical health risks but also evaluate facilities for general sanitation and operational controls.
Recent inspections have uncovered varied violations across different establishments.
Prioritized Violations
- Raw foods stored above ready-to-eat foods, like meat and eggs.
- Lack of proper handwashing by employees handling food.
- Poor temperature control for hot and cold foods.
Operational Control and Sanitation Issues
- Grease and food residue buildup on shelves and floors.
- Missing chlorine test strips and inadequate cleaning supplies.
- Floors in need of thorough cleaning.
Facilities and Equipment Concerns
- Insufficient lighting in food preparation areas.
- Ice buildup in freezers and inadequate thermometer use.
- Cardboard used as liners under food items.
Certification and Training
- Lack of certified food protection managers on staff.
- Inadequate permit displays and expired permits.
Shortcomings in Cleanup and Disposal
- Dead insects and rodents found in facilities.
- Floors and surfaces in disrepair.
- Proper waste disposal not implemented.
