During the week of August 31, 2023, the Jefferson County Health Department conducted inspections of 19 food establishments, with scores varying from 62 to 100. These inspections aimed to ensure food safety and public health, with the inspections being unannounced to provide a true representation of each establishment’s conditions. The scores were based on various observed violations, with particular emphasis on those that could lead to foodborne illness.
Overview of Inspection Scores
The Health Department’s scoring system starts at 100, with deductions for different types of violations:
- Priority Violations (6 points deducted): These are the most concerning violations as they directly contribute to foodborne illness risk.
- Priority Foundation Violations (3 points deducted): These violations do not directly result in foodborne illness but can enable priority violations.
- Core Violations (1 point deducted): These pertain to general sanitation and good retail practices.
- Repeat Violations (2 points deducted): These are applied to any type of violation that occurs again.
Dan Kane, the environmental supervisor for the department, emphasized that while there is no predefined good or bad score range, it’s essential to consider the types of violations when interpreting the scores. A fewer number of serious priority violations is more critical than a larger number of less severe core violations.
Highlights from Inspections
Several establishments received notable scores or had significant violations during the week:
7 Brew Coffee, Festus – No score was given due to being categorized as low priority, meaning it does not prepare food.
American Legion Post Kitchen, Festus – Scored 88 with issues including improper refrigeration and plumbing gaps.
Big River Pizza Co., Cedar Hill – Scored 93, cited for issues such as exposed lighting and dirty equipment.
Casa Charro, Crystal City – Scored 72. This establishment had multiple serious violations, such as lack of certified managers and unsafe food storage temperatures.
Denny’s, Arnold – Scored remarkably low at 62. The facility voluntarily closed during inspection due to numerous violations, including improperly stored food and unsanitary conditions. A reinspection is scheduled for after September 17.
Domino’s, Hillsboro – Scored highly at 99 but was flagged for a soiled vent, indicating attention to detail needed in cleanliness.
Express Mart, Hillsboro – Scored 93; it had several maintenance issues, like excessive mold growth in coolers and dirty drink dispenser nozzles.
- Radeackar’s AG Market Meat/Deli, Cedar Hill – Scored 98, but noted minor violations related to cleanliness that needed addressing.
Reinspections
The Health Department often returns to establishments that need correction for serious violations. This proactive approach allows food establishments a chance to rectify issues before the health impact escalates. For example, Denny’s and several other facilities that scored poorly are due for reinspections, and it will be interesting to see how effectively they implement the necessary changes.
Public Health Concerns
The results of these inspections underline the importance of food safety protocols in public health. High-risk violations can lead to severe consequences, including foodborne illnesses that affect numerous patrons. The potential links between food handling practices and health risks cannot be overstated. Therefore, adherence to established guidelines by food establishments is crucial.
Moreover, Jefferson County’s focus on unannounced inspections serves as a reminder that public health initiatives require consistent and genuine efforts from food service operators. Proactive compliance can prevent a range of issues, reinforcing the establishment’s commitment to safety.
Accessibility of Inspection Reports
For transparency and public awareness, updates on health inspections are readily accessible. Community members can view inspection results at the Jefferson County Health Department’s website, where they can track the most recent inspections and review scores. This accessibility empowers consumers to make informed decisions about where they dine or purchase food.
Conclusion
The inspections performed during the week of August 31 offer a snapshot of food safety practices within Jefferson County’s food establishments. While some facilities have successfully maintained high standards, others have shown a pressing need for improvement. The Health Department’s systematic approach not only ensures compliance with health codes but also fosters a safer dining environment for the community.
Community members, food service operators, and health advocates should continue to support and promote food safety initiatives to minimize health risks and enhance the overall quality of food service in the region. Regular inspections and transparent reporting create a culture of accountability that is essential for safeguarding public health. The focus should remain on improving compliance through education and prompt remediation of identified violations.
