Finger-lickin’ good: Cracker Barrel red-tagged after employee licks finger, skips hand wash

These are summaries of Albuquerque Environmental Health restaurant inspections. For more information, or to view a searchable database of city restaurant inspections, visit cabq.gov/environmentalhealth/food-safety.

GREEN: Food establishment received a passing grade, demonstrating the skills to create a safe and sanitary food-service environment.

YELLOW: Food establishment can operate but must follow a plan to correct violations observed during inspection.

RED: Food establishment had major violations that presented an imminent hazard and required an immediate downgrade or closure.

June 23-27

GREEN

Albuquerque Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, 103 Hospital NE (June 25)

Brookdale Place, 300 Valencia SE (June 27)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, 8120 San Pedro NE (June 24)

Church’s Texas Chicken, 5112 4th NW (June 23)

Cookies, 1340 Broadway NE (June 26)

Firehouse Subs, 8050 Academy NE (June 26)

Fuji Japan, 10000 Coors Bypass NW (June 23)

Love and Care Child Development Center, 8302 Zuni SE (June 25)

Love Cannabis Dispensary, 1220 Eubank NE (June 24)

Plaza Feliz Child Development Center, 517 San Pablo SE (June 27)

YELLOW

Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn, 310 Rio Grande SW (June 27)

China Casa, 111 Coors NW (June 25)

Golden Crown Panaderia, 1103 Mountain NW (June 26)

Garduños at Hotel Albuquerque, 800 Rio Grande NW (June 27)

Taco Bell, 8651 Golf Course NW (June 25)

RED

Albuquerque Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, 103 Hospital NE (June 25)

Observed food employees not washing hands when required. Handwashing sink blocked or inaccessible. Debris buildup on interior intake and exhaust air ducts. Time/temperature control for safety food not held at correct temperature. One dead cockroach in dry storage area. Buildup of soil residues on nonfood contact surfaces. Observed food employee without proper hair restraints. Observed employee wearing unapproved jewelry while preparing food. Soiled mop not in use stored directly on floor. Debris buildup on floors throughout facility. Areas of facility in disrepair. Distressed products not separated from safe products for sale or service. Inadequate air gap at floor drain in kitchen. Faucet on mop sink and faucet next to ware washing machine not maintained or in good repair. Floor drains not maintained or in good repair. Drain pipe for three-compartment sink not maintained or in good repair. Wiping cloths stored on tables and cutting boards. Buildup of soil residues on food-contact surfaces.

Result: closure, re-inspection required; passed re-inspection

Church’s Texas Chicken, 5407 Central NW (June 26)

Deep fryer leaking on the floor. Inadequate water pressure at handwashing sinks. Insufficient hot water. Ten dead cockroaches present in traps throughout facility. Buildup of soil residues on nonfood contact surface. Debris and buildup on walk-in cooler floor. Areas of the facility in disrepair. Handwashing sink not maintained or in good repair. No testing kit or other device to measure the concentration of chemical sanitizing solution. Buildup of soil residues on food-contact surface. Ready-to-eat time and temperature controlled for safety food held beyond seven-day limit.

Result: unsatisfactory, re-inspection required

Cracker Barrel, 5700 Redlands NW (June 27)

Observed pooled eggs not being combined for an order or for batter. Food packaging not in good condition. Poisonous or toxic materials stored in a manner that could contaminate utensils. Observed food employee not washing hands when required, after licking finger and when switching tasks and putting on new gloves. Handwashing sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Buildup of grease and condensation on hood ventilation system. Doors to the outside not tight-fitting. Buildup of soil residues on nonfood contact surface. Observed food employee without proper hair restraints. Observed employee wearing unapproved jewelry while preparing food. Observed employee working with exposed food not wearing gloves. Inadequate air gap at ice machine and beverage station. Soy-base chemical stored above griddle. Person in charge unable to demonstrate Good Code knowledge. Foot items in cold-holding unit measuring above 41 degrees. Chemical solution not meeting parameters to adequately sanitize. Buildup of soil residues on food-contact surface.

Result: closure, re-inspection required; current status approved

Downtown Java Joe’s, 906 Park SW (June 23)

Container previously used to store poisonous or toxic materials not properly labeled or identified. Inadequate number of handwashing sinks. Insufficient hot water. Prep area floors not easily cleanable. Food temperature measuring devices not provided or readily accessible. No testing kit or other device to measure chemical sanitizing solution concentration. Food items in cold-holding unit measuring above 41 degrees. Chlorine sanitizing solution failing to meet parameters to adequately sanitize. Buildup of soil residues on food-contact surfaces.

Result: unsatisfactory, re-inspection required