San Antonio health inspectors awarded dozens of perfect scores during restaurant inspections in August, but several establishments received failing or near-failing marks after inspectors documented food safety and sanitation violations.
Among the problems cited were a fly infestation and an ice machine coated with what inspectors described as a “black mold-like residue.”
The San Antonio Express-News reviewed inspection reports for restaurants that scored below an “A” grade, or 90 points. Here are the establishments that received scores of 75 or lower.
One of the lowest scores in August went to Panda Brothers, 9107 Marbach Rd. During an Aug. 4 inspection, a city health inspector documented at least 11 violations requiring corrective action.
Among the violations were what the report described as “a large number of flies in the establishment,” a metal paperclip inside a container of cut bell peppers, and hand-washing sinks being used for dumping and storage.
During the Aug. 4 inspection, inspectors also cited the restaurant for storing food at improper temperatures and storing raw chicken above cooked rice. The inspection report states an employee handled raw meat while wearing gloves, used a cellphone and then returned to using cooking utensils without changing gloves. Panda Brothers received a score of 75.
Restaurant representatives told the Express-News the violations were corrected during a follow-up inspection by city health officials.
Alamo Biscuit Company & Panaderia, 849 E. Commerce St., received a score of 75 during an Aug. 20 inspection after a city health inspector documented several food temperature and storage violations.
According to the inspection report, large containers of pancake and egg mix were stored at improper temperatures on crates in front of the grills.
Inspectors also found raw shrimp and raw sausage patties stored next to each other in a drawer cooler on the cook line, and the prep-line drawer cooler was not keeping food at the required temperature.
Inspectors also cited the downtown restaurant for several sanitation violations, including broken plumbing at a hand-washing sink, what the report described as a “black mold-like residue” on the interior and exterior of the ice machine, and soiled gaskets and dirty exterior surfaces on cold-holding units.
Representatives for Alamo Biscuit Company & Panaderia told the Express-News the violations were corrected and that the restaurant has since undergone a follow-up inspection by city health officials.