Food for Thought: One low performer and 7 on top this week

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Improper food temperatures and dirty equipment landed a Lubbock eatery on this week’s low performer list with 17 health violations, while seven local businesses earned top scores.

Panda Express at 6311 82nd St. had 17 violations.

• Precooked brisket was above the safe cold temperature of 41 degrees. It was being held in a reach-in cooler that didn’t work. The person in charge said they knew it wasn’t working and a work order had been placed.
• The ice scoop was stored in a container of water with debris in it.
• The soda nozzles at the drive-thru were dirty.
• A vegetable dicer was dirty.
• There were no paper towels in the men’s restroom.
• Cutting boards were not in good repair.
• Food handler certificates were available but most were expired or no longer employed.
• The inspector notes that, due to the number and nature of the violations and repeated violations, food safety knowledge was not demonstrated.

(Core)

• White, wet-wiping towels are stored by the wok, and one yellow towel is stored on canned foods and over service sauces.
• Clean, clear plastic containers are stored with the food contact surface touching a stainless steel surface that is visibly soiled.
• Bulk bin containers are visibly soiled on the outer bin surfaces.
• The ice bin lid, at the drive-thru soda station, is visibly soiled on both top and bottom surfaces.
• Floors throughout the prep area are visibly soiled and have an accumulation of debris.
• A mop not in current use is stored inside soiled water in the mop bucket.
• No Handwashing signs are posted in the restrooms. Employees and customers use the same facilities.

The report shows most of the violations were corrected at the time of the inspection.

The facility was charged a $175 re-inspection fee for their repeat violations.

Now, for the good news. Here’s a look at this week’s Top Performers:

• 7Brew at 7403 Milwaukee
• McPherson Cellars at 1615 Texas Ave.
• Sonic Drive-in at 10109 Slide Rd.
• The Spins Vinyl at 1947 19th
• Tropical Smoothie Cafe at 2422 19th
• Two Docs Brewing Company at 502 Texas Ave.
• Whataburger at 8226 University