Lubbock’s Weekly Food Inspection Roundup: Safety First
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – This week, health inspectors made the rounds at over 60 food establishments, ensuring that cleanliness and safety protocols are upheld for the benefit of our community. As the culinary scene in Lubbock thrives, it’s vital to spotlight both the high performers and those needing some improvement.
Top Performers: Setting the Standard
While many establishments passed the inspection with flying colors, a few stood out as exemplary models of food safety practices:
- Dion’s at 6410 82nd
- Dutch Bros Coffee at 1711 Marsh Sharp Freeway
- Whataburger at 6414 82nd
- Vega’s Mobile Unit (Food Truck)
These establishments demonstrated exemplary hygiene, ensuring a safe dining experience for all patrons.
Low Performers: Areas Needing Attention
Unfortunately, not all restaurants were as fortunate. Here are some that received a less than stellar report card this week.
Rise N Shine Donuts – 8001 Quaker (18 Violations)
The highlight—and not in a good way—was Rise N Shine Donuts, which had a total of 18 violations. Notable concerns include:
- Milk Temperature: A container was left out at 72°F, well above the safe threshold of 41°F.
- Cross-Contamination Risks: Employees failed to wash hands between tasks, and a knife was carelessly left touching a box of gloves.
- Unsanitary Conditions: Accumulations of grease and food debris were observed on various surfaces, including the oven and sinks.
Aranda’s Taqueria – 4001 34th St. (19 Violations)
Aranda’s Taqueria was another establishment that raised eyebrows, clocking in 19 violations. Key violations included:
- Improper Food Storage: Chicken and cooked beef were stored above safe temperatures and needed refrigeration.
- Cross-Contamination Hazards: Items were found in hand sinks, which should only be used for handwashing.
Manipulating food service safely is crucial, and the repeated violations indicate a pressing need for training.
Texas Trail at Stripes – 5802 98th St. (20 Violations)
Texas Trail, located inside the Stripes, had the highest number of violations, totaling 20. Significant infractions included:
- Unsafe Food Handling: Raw ingredients were found improperly stored; for instance, raw chorizo and chicken were above liquid eggs.
- Lack of Hygiene Practices: Employees were observed handling personal items while wearing gloves intended for food service.
These oversights pose a serious threat to public health and indicate a lack of basic food safety knowledge.
Clean Sweep Amidst Oversights
Despite the disappointing findings, it’s encouraging to note that most violations were corrected on-site during inspections. This demonstrates a willingness from the establishments to improve and adhere to safety standards.
Conclusion: Dining with Confidence
As we savor the diverse culinary offerings in Lubbock, it’s crucial to remain informed about the state of food safety in our community. Always choose establishments that prioritize hygiene and adhere to safety protocols. The few highlighted low performers today serve as reminders that continual vigilance is essential to keeping our dining experiences safe and enjoyable.
Stay tuned for next week’s inspection insights, and remember: safe dining is happy dining! For more information on food safety, visit the FDA guidelines or your local health department’s website.
