Lenoir County restaurant inspections for March 5 through March 14

The following restaurant inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Department:

Murray's BBQ and Seafood

123 East Washington Street, La Grange

Score: 96.5

Inspection date: 3/5/19

Observations:

Some stainless pans and plates were visibly dirty;

Some food temperatures were 42-45F - shall be at or below 41F;

Seafood and pot roast in reach-in were not date marked;

Wet wiping cloth was laying on counter - shall be in sanitizer;

Bottom of reach-in cooler and flap in ice machine needs additional cleaning;

Golden China Buffet

4147 West Vernon Avenue, Kinston

Score: 93

Inspection date: 3/8/19

Observations:

Stainless pans were visibly dirty;

Some cold holding temperatures were 42-45F - shall be 41F or lower;

Food bins were not labeled;

Wet/dirty wiping cloths were laying on drainboards/prep tables;

Dishes were stacked wet;

Gasket on back of reach-in door is tearing and walk-in freezer door is in disrepair;

Bottom of refrigeration units, shelving, can opener, and equipment need additional cleaning;

Some cracked/broken tiles in closet under three-compartmet sink;

Hood needs additional cleaning;

Rockin' Robins Gourmet Grill

1844 Spiritual Drive, Kinston

Score: 98

Inspection date: 3/8/19

Observations:

Children in unit although it appears steps are taken to prevent contamination of food, utensils, etc;

Soap dispenser not working properly;

Food handler not wearing hair restraint;

Food handler wearing jewelry that is not approved;

Single-service strays are stored in a manner to possibly receive contamination;

Floors of cabinets have crumbs, etc;

Wet wiping cloth in weak solution of sanitizer;

Taqueria El Merendero

708 South Front Street, Pink Hill

Score: 99

Inspection date: 3/13/19

Observations:

Sanitizer in wiping cloth bucket was not strong enough;

In-use utensils stored in dish beside steam well - shall be stored in the food with handles up;

Ensure that dishes are rinsed thoroughly after washing, before sanitizing;

Taco Bell

1808 West Vernon Avenue, Kinston

Score: 97

Inspection date: 3/14/19

Observations:

Hand sink beside prep sink did not have any hand soap;

Couple of plastic pans and one scoop had grease build-up on them;

Some sauce cups on line were above 45F - shall be 41F;

Inside of warmers, freezers, refrigeration units, shelving and ceiling vent above prep line needs additional cleaning;

Toilet and hand sink in men's room needs additional cleaning;

Grease trap lid was open - keep closed;

Floors and some walls need additional cleaning;

Lovick's

320 North Herritage Street, Kinston

Score: 93.5

Inspection date: 3/9/19

Observations:

Cart was blocking hand sink beside three-compartment sink;

Smoked sausage, dough burgers and fresh sausage were less than 135F - shall be at or above 135F;

Eggs, dough burger mix and chili were above 45F - shall be 41F or lower;

Employees were prepping food without wearing hats or hair nets;

Outsides of equipment, top of dish machine, bottom of prep unit and reach-in refrigerator, carts and shelving need additional cleaning;

Smith's Cafe

2424 U.S. 258 North, Kinston

Score: 96.5

Inspection date: 3/13/19

Observations:

No certified food protection manager present;

Some plates were visibly dirty;

Employee prepping food without hat or beard guard;

Wet wiping cloths laying on prep tables;