CHARLOTTE – When county health inspectors visit local restaurants, they document problems that need to be corrected to meet standards set by Michigan food regulations and laws.
The most serious problems are considered priority violations that pose potential health risks and should be addressed immediately. Priority foundation violations do not pose immediate health risks but should be addressed in a timely manner. Consequently, follow-up inspections and reports can be generated.
In most cases, violations are corrected and this information is not an indication that violations are an ongoing problem at any facility.
Here are the most serious violations found in Eaton County restaurants and eateries in July:
Two priority violations and two priority foundation violations were identified in:
rally640 Lansing Road, Charlotte
A prep room was in poor condition. Lettuce, tomatoes and tartar sauce were at 47 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit, above the standard of 41 degrees or below for those foods. “At the time of inspection, it was determined that the facility’s ice machine did not have an air gap. A soap dispenser in the sink was not working properly and there were expired quat test strips.”
One priority violation and three priority principle violations were found in:
Charlotte VFW Post695 Lansing Road, Charlotte
A cooler contained a jar of homemade salsa. “If homemade food is brought in, it must be used for personal use only and labeled as such.” There were no paper towels in a sink. In a freezer were several bags of sliced ham and some “pasta bake” that had been vacuum packed for long-term storage. “The ham was from a recent event earlier in the week, and the pasta bake had a date of December 2023.” But “this facility is not approved for vacuum packing food.” A follow-up inspection was scheduled. Chlorine and quat test strips were expired in 2023.
Shebek210 S. Main St., Bellevue
Vanilla extract was found in jars. “Food prepared in a private home may not be used or offered for human consumption in a food establishment.” Paper towels were missing from a handwashing sink, which has been corrected. The inspector noted that the method used to make cold brew was problematic, and a food thermometer could not be found.
A violation of priority and a violation of the priority bases were found in:
Arms & Embers Grill219 N. Bridge St., Grand Ledge
A temperature of 49 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit was observed in a prep cooler, several degrees above the standard of 41 degrees or below. A hand basin was used as a sink for drainage.
Cottage Inn Pizza5405 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing
The facility was storing potentially hazardous food at 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, above the standard of 5 degrees Celsius or below. There were several dented cans in the facility. “Food packaging must be in good condition and protect the integrity of the contents so that the food is not adulterated or contaminated.”
A priority violation was found in:
Michigan State Police Headquarters7150 Harris Drive, Dimondale
Re-inspection, July 9: “This plant did not repair the pre-cooler while waiting for replacement parts to arrive. The plant is currently using ice baths until the pre-cooler is repaired. Another re-inspection will occur within 10 days.”
Riverside Cafe420 E. Capital Ave., Bellevue
The facility stored eggs at about 15 degrees above the egg standard of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Tim Hortons728 S. Waverly Road, Lansing
Tomatoes, cheese slices, lettuce, sausage, yogurt and guacamole were at about 12°C, at least 10°C above the standard value of 5°C or below for such foods. The items were moved from a cold storage room to a walk-in cold room and the situation was considered resolved.
Three violations of the priority criteria were identified in:
Sugarberry5451 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing
A cup was kept in a hand basin, suggesting that it was used for purposes other than washing hands. There was no hand soap in the men’s restroom. There were no probe thermometers.
Two violations of the priority criteria were identified in:
Taboo698 S. Waverly Road, Lansing
Follow-up, July 9: The facility provided a new probe thermometer and updated test strips. Problems resolved.
A violation of the overriding principles was found in:
Big John Steak & Onion4021 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing
At the facility, Dichlorvos pesticide strips were placed under a soda machine. These strips are considered a “restricted use pesticide,” which is harmful to humans if placed in an area where they can inhale fumes. They were disposed of in the trash outside and the situation was considered corrected.
Grand Ledge Country Club5811 St. Joseph Hwy., Grand Ledge
Test strips were expired.
Olive Garden8440 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing
There were no paper towels at the bar sink. This was corrected during the inspection.
#10 of 27 places to eat in Pancho936 Elmwood Road, Lansing
Follow-up, July 16: “This establishment provided the consumer advisory service with an overview and reminder for all menus and sent pictures to the health department as evidence.” Corrected.
Subway1680 Packard Hwy., Charlotte
There was no soap in one of the hand basins. This has been fixed.
Contact editor Susan Vela at [email protected] or 248-873-7044. Follow her on Twitter @susanvela.
