French restaurant red-tagged after Hot Wheels spotted on prep table, dead butterfly on wall

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.

Aug. 16-22

GREEN

21st Century Public Academy, 4300 Cutler NE (Aug. 20)

528 Sushi & Asian Cuisine, 3120 San Mateo NE (Aug. 18)

Alitas LLC 6320 Zuni SE (Aug. 22)

Brekki Brekki, 8338 Comanche NE (Aug. 20)

Burger King, 17840 111 98th NW (Aug. 18)

Canna Express, 1416 Juan Tabo NE (Aug. 18)

Century Rio 24, 4901 Pan American Fwy NE (Aug. 21)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, 1714 6810 Menaul NE (Aug. 18)

Chocolate Dude, 3339 Central NE, E (Aug. 22)

Church’s Chicken, 2937 San Mateo NE (Aug. 22)

DK, 1517 Gibson SE (Aug. 21)

Don Choche, 1725 Broadway SE (Aug. 22)

Dirty Bourbon, 9800 Montgomery (Aug. 21)

Eat My Thai Cuisine, 5303 Gibson SE (Aug. 21)

El Torito Burritos, 305 Pennsylvania SE (Aug. 20)

Edna’s Gibson Mart, 5501 Gibson SE (Aug. 20)

Einstein Bros. Bagels, 8060 Academy NE, A (Aug. 22)

El Taco Stop, 1725 Broadway NW (Aug. 19)

East Ocean, 3601 Carlisle NE (Aug. 19)

Family Dollar, 6001 Lomas NE (Aug. 20)

Golden Corral, 2701 Coors NW (Aug. 21)

Happy Chickenzz, 9800 Montgomery NE (Aug. 21)

Happy Feet Child Care, 1133 Dakota SE (Aug. 20)

Hong Kong Buffet, 10100 Coors NW (Aug. 20)

Il Vicino, 11225 Montgomery NE (Aug. 18)

JBS Technologies, 3322 Columbia Dr NE (Aug. 21)

Joyas del Futuro, 128 Jackson NE (Aug. 21)

Los Poblanos Town and Ranch, 1318 4th NW (Aug. 20)

Little Caesars, 101 98th NW, 100 (Aug. 20)

Lunch Lady 505, 2610 Utah NE (Aug. 20)

Maverik, 650 Juan Tabo NE (Class C and 3) (Aug. 21)

McDonald’s, 150 98th NW (Aug. 18)

New Mexico Beef Jerky, 1425 4th NW (Aug. 21)

Paradise Liquors, 311 98th NW (Class 4) (Aug. 18)

Smith’s, 200 Tramway SE (Aug. 20)

Stripes Burrito Co., 801 Juan Tabo NE (Aug. 20)

Subway, 8000 Academy NE (Aug. 19)

Sushi Avenue, 200 Tramway SE (Aug. 20)

Tulipani Park Square, 6511 Americas Pkwy NE (Aug. 21)

Viv’s Sweet Shop, 1425 4th NW (Aug. 21)

Wendy’s, 2203 Wyoming NE (Aug. 19)

YELLOW

Century Rio 24, 4901 Pan American Fwy NE (Aug. 21)

Donut Mart, 3301 Coors NW (Aug. 20)

Eat My Thai Cuisine, 5303 Gibson SE (Aug. 21)

El Torito Burritos, 305 Pennsylvania SE (Aug. 20)

Hong Kong Buffet, 10100 Coors NW (Aug. 20)

Il Vicino, 11225 Montgomery NE (Aug. 18)

Maverik, 650 Juan Tabo NE (Class C) (Aug. 21)

Paradise Liquors, 311 98th NW (Class B) (Aug. 18)

The Melting Pot, 2201 Uptown Loop NE (Class C) (Aug. 21)

Tulipani Park Square, 6511 Americas Pkwy NE (Aug. 21)

Vamos con Gloria, 616 Lomas NW, B (Aug. 19)

RED

Chez Axel, 6209 Montgomery NE

Extreme food and grease buildup was observed on a toaster oven in the kitchen. An unlabeled working container, specifically a plastic spray bottle with chlorine sanitizer, was observed storing poisonous or toxic materials. One dead butterfly was observed on the wall above the three-compartment sink. Homemade goat cheese, a ready-to-eat, time and temperature-controlled for safety food, was observed in an upright cooler without any date marking. Hot Wheels toys were observed on the prep table at the server station, where food is prepared and served. A leaking handwash station faucet was observed, indicating it was not maintained in good repair. An inadequate air gap was observed at the floor drain near the handwash station. The food establishment was observed not to have a certified food protection manager on staff. Debris buildup was observed in the interior intake and exhaust air ducts, including the hood vent and HVAC vents. The hood ventilation system in the kitchen was observed collecting grease and condensation, leading to drips on the stove top burners. A Chef Boyardee Beefaroni metal can with a damaged lid was observed on a prep table storage shelf, indicating compromised food packaging. Unlabeled rice in a plastic container and vegetable oil in a plastic squeeze bottle were observed on a prep table storage shelf and a shelf above the stove top, lacking proper identification. No testing kit or device was observed to measure the concentration of chemical sanitizing solution. Inadequate lighting was observed throughout the kitchen and in an upright cooler due to missing and burned-out bulbs. The facility was observed operating with an expired permit.

Result: Closure (Aug. 20); re-inspection required (Aug. 20)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, 1714 6810 Menaul NE

The chlorine solution used to sanitize food contact surfaces in the ware wash machine had a concentration of zero PPM, failing to meet adequate sanitization parameters. Poisonous or toxic materials, specifically a spray bottle with Purell sanitizer, were stored on a prep table, posing a potential risk of contaminating utensils. The person in charge demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding foodborne disease prevention and the type of sanitizer utilized in the facility. A floor drain located under the food station in the front of the house was not maintained in good repair, as it was missing a strainer. Metal tongs were stored incorrectly in the flat top griddle food clean-out area, which had extreme food and grease buildup. Food employees were observed not to be in possession of valid food handler cards or documentation of approved food safety training. Food items, specifically cilantro and lime juice, were observed in a cold-holding unit at temperatures above 41 degrees. A handwashing sink located near the ware wash station was blocked by trash cans and cardboard, rendering it inaccessible for employee use. A food employee was observed not washing hands when required, specifically when switching tasks and donning new gloves.

Result: Closure (Aug. 20); re-inspection required (Aug. 20); passed follow-up inspection (Aug. 20)

Church’s Chicken, 2937 San Mateo NE

Food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans, including deep fryers, breading stations and hot holding equipment in the kitchen, were observed with encrusted grease deposits and soil residues on their interior and exterior, and inside reach-in coolers and freezers. Living and dead cockroaches were observed as pests in the facility, with no control methods in place, across the kitchen, backstock area, bathrooms and front counter area. The person in charge was unable to demonstrate knowledge of the five reportable foodborne illnesses and failed to maintain a safe facility. A PVC pipe under the mop sink and hot water dispenser by the soda machine was not maintained in good repair, as it was leaking and causing standing water to pool on the floor. An inadequate air gap was observed below the handwashing sink located next to the drive-through window. Food employees did not have valid food handler cards or documentation of approved food safety training. Holes or other gaps were observed in the exterior structure of the facility along windows, at the bottom of the structure and on exterior restaurant signage. Accumulated debris and buildup were observed on the floors throughout the kitchen, walk-in cooler, dishwashing areas, backstock area and on ceiling vent covers. Multiple areas within the facility, including the kitchen, dish pit, hot water heater area, along the drive-through window and underneath the point of sale counter, were observed to be in disrepair with multiple holes and gaps of various sizes that needed to be sealed.

Result: Closure (Aug. 19); re-inspection required (Aug. 19); passed follow-up inspection (Aug. 22)

Donut Mart, 3301 Coors NW

Chlorine solution used to sanitize food contact surfaces in the kitchen failed to meet adequate sanitization parameters. Equipment food-contact surfaces, including bowls for a standing mixer, knives, a steam wand, an ice machine, a prep table and mixing spoons for lattes, were observed soiled with food debris in the kitchen. Soiled wiping cloths used for cleaning and sanitizing were observed improperly stored, not in wiping cloth buckets between uses. Ready-to-eat, time and temperature-controlled for safety food, such as chile sauces, sliced cheeses, and cooked sausage, were observed in a reach-in cooler without any date marking indicators. A chopping block-style prep table in the kitchen was observed not maintained in good repair, being scored and in need of replacement or resurfacing. The person in charge was unable to provide records of training or certification for food employees. Bulk food storage containers for chopped peanuts, powdered ingredients, coconut flakes and Oreo pieces in the donut-making area were observed without proper labeling or identification. The facility did not provide a designated area for employees to eat, drink or use tobacco products. Employee personal care items were observed stored incorrectly, directly on food equipment. No approved method of hand drying was available at both kitchen handwashing stations. Buildup and debris were observed on the facility floors and floor drains. Nonfood contact surfaces in various locations, including reach-in coolers, equipment handles and the fryer area, were observed with soiled dried debris and accumulation. Base coving around the cook line and three-compartment sink was observed in disrepair, being damaged or missing.

Result: Unsatisfactory (Aug. 20); re-inspection required (Aug. 20); conditional approved (Aug. 20)

Eat My Thai Cuisine, 5303 Gibson SE

Food-contact surfaces of various kitchen equipment, including a dicer, peeler, knives and toaster oven, were soiled with food debris and rust. Raw chicken was improperly thawed in standing water in a prep sink. Soups and sauces were not held at safe hot temperatures. Soiled wiping cloths were stored improperly on prep tables and floors. Commercially prepared TCS foods like chopped garlic and frozen crab, as well as prepared TCS foods like chopped vegetables, fruits, cooked meats and soups, lacked date markings. The three-compartment sink faucet leaked, and the handwashing sink’s hot water knob was nonoperational. The food establishment did not have a certified food protection manager on staff. Food employees lacked valid food handler cards or approved training documentation. The hood ventilation system dripped grease onto stainless steel walls and stovetops. Unlabeled containers of salt, flour and other food ingredients were present. A prep table surface was damaged or improperly covered, and knives had tape on handles. The toilet room used by females lacked a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins. The kitchen and cashier areas contained unnecessary and nonfunctional items, creating clutter. Several TCS food items in a cold holding make table were above 41 degrees. No temperature measuring devices were properly placed or readily accessible in cold holding units. Employee personal belongings, like a cell phone, were stored near clean dishware and food. Handwashing cleanser was unavailable at the kitchen handwashing sink. Chlorine sanitizer solution measured zero PPM at 70 degrees during operations. Single-use plastic containers were used as scoops directly in food without handles, posing a contamination risk. Nonfood contact surfaces, including prep tables, stovetops and shelving, had substantial debris buildup. The establishment lacked temperature logs for TCS foods and calibration logs for temperature-measuring devices.

Result: Closure (Aug. 18); re-inspection required (Aug. 18); unsatisfactory (Aug. 20); re-inspection required (Aug. 20); conditional approved (Aug. 21); passed follow-up inspection (Aug. 21)

Taj Mahal, 1430 Carlisle NE

Food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment, specifically the stove top and interiors of reach-in coolers and freezers, were observed with buildup of soil residues and debris. Ready-to-eat TCS food, including pans of butter chicken, palak paneer and tandoori chicken in the walk-in cooler, was observed without any date marking indicators. The food establishment did not have a certified food protection manager on staff. Food employees did not have valid food handler cards or documentation of approved food safety training. The hood ventilation system in the kitchen cooking area inadequately collected grease and condensation, leading to drips onto the stove top. Food was not protected from contamination during storage in the walk-in cooler, with uncovered pans of raw shrimp, cooked chicken, fried vegetables, masala and raw tandoori chicken observed. The facility did not provide a designated area for employees to eat, drink, or use tobacco products. No food permit was posted at the facility. A food employee was observed not washing hands when required, specifically after eating, going outside, touching a door and hat, then preparing to chop chicken while still wearing gloves. Debris and buildup were observed on the walls, ceiling vent covers, and ceiling in the cooking area, dishwashing area, both back prep areas and the dining area. Nonfood contact surfaces, including the exteriors of reach-in coolers and freezers and their compressors, were observed with buildup of soil residues. The food establishment did not have temperature logs available for TCS foods during storage, thawing, and cooling.

Result: Unsatisfactory (Aug. 18); re-inspection required (Aug. 18)

The Melting Pot, 2201 Uptown Loop NE (Class C)

The quaternary ammonium compound solution for wiping cloths and in the three-compartment sink measured zero PPM. The ice machine and ice well in the kitchen had a black, slimy, mold-like substance. A floor drain near the ware wash station was in disrepair. An inadequate air gap was found at a floor drain under the soda dispensing unit. Observed food items in cold-holding unit measuring above 41 degrees. Observed an inadequate amount of lighting in upright cooler. Observed food employee not wash hands when required.

Result: Closure (Aug. 21); re-inspection required (Aug. 21); conditional approved (Aug. 21)

The Melting Pot, 2201 Uptown Loop NE (Class B)

The chlorine sanitizing solution in the bar area’s warewash machine measured zero ppm. The ice well in the bar area was observed with a black, slimy, mold-like substance. A floor drain in the bar area was in disrepair, as it was missing a strainer. The faucet on the three-compartment sink was leaking. An inadequate air gap was found at the floor drain under the warewash machine in the bar area. An under-counter cooler in the bar area had a temperature of 55 degrees, indicating insufficient cold holding capacity. A handwashing sink in the bar area was used for discarding consumer drinks.

Result: Unsatisfactory (Aug. 21); re-inspection required (Aug. 21)

Wendy’s, 2203 Wyoming NE

The PIC could not demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention. A floor drain near the soda machine was in disrepair. The hood ventilation system dripped grease and condensation onto equipment. HVAC vents were dirty with extreme dust in the food prep, ware wash, and dry food storage areas. Frozen chicken patties were stored uncovered in the walk-in freezer, exposing them to contamination. A handwashing sink near the frosty machine was used improperly, storing a black scrub pad. An employee wore unapproved jewelry (bracelets and wristwatches) while preparing ready-to-eat food. A food employee lacked proper hair restraints near the griddle and fryers. A food employee did not wash their hands when switching tasks. Nonfood contact surfaces near cooking equipment had extreme grease and food debris. The ice machine had a black and orange slimy substance. Ready-to-eat toast lacked date markings in the walk-in freezer.

Result: Closure (Aug. 18); re-inspection required (Aug. 18); unsatisfactory (Aug. 18); re-inspection required (Aug. 18); passed follow-up inspection (Aug. 19)