Springfield hospital cafeteria cited for unsafe storage, food temp troubles

Storing raw shell eggs over ready-to-eat food and coolers not keeping food cold enough earned a Springfield hospital cafeteria a re-inspection, according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department's most recent inspections.

During a March 13 routine inspection, investigators found that Mercy Hospital's cafeteria, 1235 E. Cherokee St., was storing croissants under raw eggs, that an open-air cooler was keeping chicken and tuna salad at 45 and 44 degrees respectively, and that sandwiches in a salad buffet cooler ranged from 44 to 50 degrees. The raw eggs were moved to a bottom shelf where they could not contaminate ready-to-eat food, and the foods at unsafe temperatures were thrown out. The Missouri Food Code requires that refrigerated potentially hazardous foods be kept at 41 degrees or below to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Food inspections take place one to three times a year, depending on the type of food served, the population served, difficulty of food preparation and past history. Restaurants preparing food from raw ingredients are inspected more often "than convenience stores that serve only non-potentially hazardous foods, such as popcorn and soda," according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

Issues found during inspection fall into either priority or non-priority violations. Priority violations impact the safety of the food, such as cross contamination between raw and ready-to-eat food, improper food temperature and poor personal hygiene and employee health. Multiple priority violations can lead to an establishment being shut down. Non-priority violations alone do not directly affect food safety, such as dirty floors, sticky tabletops or outside trash cans not being covered.

Here are more of the food inspections from this past week:

Last week:Greene County food inspections find employee handling fried chicken with bare hands

Andy's Frozen Custard, 3147 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. Re-inspection – Result: active. Reinspection conducted. All prior violations have been corrected. No violations noted at time of inspection.

Atrium Bakery, Cox South, 3801 S. National Ave., Springfield. March 9 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted at time of inspection.

Beef-a-Roo, 1411 W. Kearney St., Springfield. March 14 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed whipped cream that requires refrigeration was at room temperature by the soft-serve machine. Education given and product voluntarily discarded. One non-priority violation: Observed employee drinks stored properly but without a lid and straw or lid and handle. Education given.

Braum's Ice Cream No. 284, 2617 W. Republic Road, Springfield. March 14 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: 1. Observed ice cream scoop stored in standing water, dipper well faucet was not running. Ice cream scoop removed and placed in dish room immediately. New scoops placed in unit and faucet turned on. Corrected on-site. 2. Observed vent hood frame and filters have heavy grease build-up and the area around and under the grill also has build-up of debris or grease. Increase cleaning frequency to prevent build-up.

Brown Derby No. 12 Deli, 2023 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. March 15 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Three priority violations: Observed can opener was not clean, which was corrected on-site; observed cutting boards deeply scored; observed open-air cheese cooler holding temperatures over 41 degrees Fahrenheit, education given. One non-priority violation: Observed hand-washing sink in cheese preparation area being used to wash dishes, education was given.

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Cafe Cusco, 234 E. Commercial St., Springfield. March 13 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Two priority violations: Observed potentially hazardous foods in upright cooler not being kept at or below 41 degrees, and food items were voluntarily discarded; observed house-made sauces, which are potentially hazardous foods, not being held at or below 41 degrees and voluntarily discarded the sauces. Three non-priority violations: Observed air and cooler vents, area surrounding hood vent and walls in mop area were dirty; observed open containers of sauces cooling on top of open trash can; observed sticker residue on food containers.

Cafe Cusco, 234 E. Commercial St., Springfield. March 15 re-inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of re-inspection.

Captain D's No. 3545, 2964 S. National Ave., Springfield. March 13 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: 1. Observed multiple potentially hazardous food items not at or below 41 degrees. Directions on proper ice-bath technique were given. Items voluntarily placed on time control. 2. Observed stainless steel pans and ice scoop were dirty. One non-priority violation: Observed multiple lights in food preparation areas and walk-in coolers/freezers were unshielded.

Chik-Fil-A, 3700 S. Glenstone Outer Road, Springfield. March 10 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed soft serve, a potentially hazardous food, not being held at or below 41 degrees. No non-priority violations.

Colton's Steak House, 2020 E. Independence St., Springfield. March 9 routine inspection – Result: active. 3 vat sink had one compartment that was draining slowly. We discussed need to install back flow preventers where hose is attached to spray down the floor. One priority violation: Observed potato soup in hot well holding at 110 degrees. Promptly discarded and unit adjusted up by staff. Two non-priority violations: Observed facility did not have quaternary ammonia test strips for checking sanitizer at bar sink; observed paper towel dispenser in meat-cutting area was not working, so staff replaced battery and it was operational before exit.

Denny's, 4760 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. March 13 re-inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of re-inspection.

Doggy Style, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. March 10 re-inspection – Result: active. Priority violation was corrected prior to re-inspection. Prep cooler temped under 41 degrees during re-inspection. No violations cited at time of re-inspection.

El Paraiso Mexican Kitchen, 305 E. Chestnut St., Strafford. March 13 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed beverages being stored on the floor behind the bar counter.

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El Venero, 500 S. Miller Road, Willard. March 14 re-inspection – Result: active. The following items still need resolved: 1. Cold water faucet is still turned off at three-vat sink due to a leak. According to staff it is scheduled to be repaired later today. 2. Handle to walk-in refrigerator was not clean. Staff began cleaning it as I made the re-inspection. 3. The floor-wall juncture is badly damaged in areas and needs repaired. No violations cited at time of inspection.

Fat Cat Pizza, 204 S. State Highway 125, Strafford. March 9 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Three non-priority violations: Observed accumulation of mold on ceiling vent near a food prep area; observed canned jalapenos stored directly on the floor and box of to-go service plates stored on the floor; observed employees without proper hair or beard restraints.

Fazoli's, 2055 E. Independence St., Springfield. March 14 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed at time of inspection.

Flat Creek Bar and Grill, 772 E. US Highway 60 East, Republic. March 14 re-inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Coolers still not working and warming oven still not working. Placed on a risk control plan for reduced-oxygen packaging food without a HACCP plan. No violations cited at time of inspection.

George's Steak House, 339 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. March 13 routine inspection – Result: active. Three priority violations: Observed can opener not found clean, which was corrected on-site; observed food bins containing sticker residue and grease build-up, education given; observed dented cans, education given. Two non-priority violations: Observed walls, ceilings and floors were dirty; observed shelving and storage bins were dirty.

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Glendalough Conference Kitchen at Doubletree, 2431 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. March 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of inspection.

Gracie's, 2431 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. March 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of inspection.

Hinode Japanese Steakhouse, 4301 S. National Ave., Springfield. March 14 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Six priority violations: 1. Observed numerous employee drinks located in food preparation area in ways that make food susceptible to contamination. Education given. 2. Observed large batches of hazardous foods in walk-in cooler not being held at or below 41 degrees. Items voluntarily discarded. 3. Observed potentially hazardous foods in server salad station not being held at or below 41 degrees. Items placed on time control. 4. Observed ice machine, ice scoop and ice scoop holder were dirty. Maintenance called and arrived during inspection. Corrected on-site. 5. Observed multiple dishes ready for use were stored dirty. Corrected on-site. 6. Observed employees not washing hands before putting on gloves to prepare ready-to-eat salads. Education given. Four non-priority violations: 1. Observed ceilings, fans, floors and storage bins were dirty. 2. Observed microwaves and trays were dirty. 3. Observed lights in food preparation area was unshielded. 4. Observed time control procedures/times not being properly recorded for multiple items placed on time control. Education given.

Imo's Pizza, 636 W. Republic Road, Springfield. March 14 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed meatballs holding in steam unit at 112 to 115 degrees. Approximately six meatballs were voluntarily discarded. Repeat violation. Corrected on-site. Education provided on checking temperature every two hours and adding water to pan to help hold meatballs above 135 as required. No non-priority violations.

It's Greek To Me, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. March 10 re-inspection – Result: active. All violations had been corrected prior to re-inspection. Prep cooler temped below 41 degrees during re-inspection. Gyro meat was being held at 154 degrees in the warmer after being sliced. Hand sink was only being used for hand washing.

J & L Foods, 2944 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. March 16 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed shredded cheese in container on counter stored at 66 degrees. Corrected by placing on time control, cheese is used for breakfast only. Owner agrees to place on ice bath in the future. Corrected on-site. No non-priority violations.

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Kad-E-Korner Store and Diner, LLC, 2633 E. Shelby Road, Springfield. March 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed drinks being stored on the floor in the dry storage room and walk-in cooler.

Karai Ramen and Hand Roll, 640 W. Republic Road, Springfield. March 14 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Three priority violations: 1. Observed employee not washing hands after wiping single-use gloves on wet wiping cloth stored on sushi cutting board; employee did not wash hands after discarding personal food item stored in cooler. Corrected, person in charge had employees wash hands immediately and agrees to retrain employees on hand washing. 2. Observed employee not washing hands for 20 seconds. Corrected on-site, education provided. Person in charge agrees to retain employees on hand washing. 3. Observed pork holding on grill at 111 to 126 degrees. Corrected on-site by reheating to over 165 degrees. Education provided. Two non-priority violations: 1. Observed non-food contact surfaces of equipment such as coolers and sides of fryers, grill, etc., have build-up of food debris or grease. Clean more frequently. 2. Observed gap at bottom of back kitchen door. Door should be tight fitting to prevent pest entry.

Kum & Go No. 1460, 1313 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield. March 10 routine inspection – Result: active. Four priority violations: 1. Observed pizza in display case was unmarked for time as control. Pizza display case was marked with correct time discard date based on prep time. Education provided, corrected on-site. 2. Observed ice bucket was not stored inverted. Bucket contained visible debris. Education provided, corrected on-site. 3. Observed chemicals stored directly over top of single-service items in back of store. Education provided, corrected on-site. 4. Observed eight pop-top cans of Frito bean dip dented. Voluntarily pulled off shelves to receive credit/discard. Education provided, corrected on-site. No non-priority violations.

Kum & Go No. 562, 3449 W. Kearney St., Springfield. March 15 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed tornados on roller grill were at 102 to 122 degrees and had been on for over four hours, according to staff. Tornados were discarded by staff. Two non-priority violations: Observed the dish sprayer does not shut off; observed the floor under and around the ice machine, as well as some areas of the floor in the walk-in refrigerator were not clean.

McDonald's, 528 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. March 10 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of inspection.

McDonald's 2321, 2220 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. March 14 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed daylight shining in through bottom right corner of back exterior door.

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Mercy Springfield Cafeteria, 1235 E. Cherokee St., Springfield. March 13 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Three priority violations: 1. Observed raw shell eggs stored over croissants in a cooler. Raw shell eggs were moved to a different location stored below ready-to-eat foods. Corrected on-site. 2. Observed potentially hazardous foods not being held at or below 41 degrees in open-air cooler, such as chicken salad at 45 degrees and tuna salad at 44 degrees. Items voluntarily discarded. 3. Observed potentially hazardous foods not being held at or below 41 degrees in the salad buffet area, such as sandwiches being held at 44 to 50 degrees. Items were voluntarily discarded. No non-priority violations.

Missouri Mike's BBQ, 2833 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. March 13 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: Observed caulking around three-vat sink in poor repair; observed stacks of disposable cups sitting on the front counter without protective sleeves or cup dispenser to protect rims.

Ozarks Events, 2915 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. March 14 re-inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of inspection.

Ozarks Events, 2915 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. March 13 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of inspection.

Papi's Cocina & Cantina, 808 S. Illinois Ave., Republic. March 14 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Three priority violations: Observed corn on the cob hot held on stove top at 89 degrees, which was discarded; observed several spray bottles of cleaners not labeled; observed whipped topping held at 53 degrees in bar reach-in cooler, which was discarded. One non-priority violation: Observed no test kit for sanitizer.

Pizza Hut, 806 E. US Highway 60 East, Republic. March 14 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Discussed fixing paper towel dispenser at back hand sink. One priority violation: Observed foods held at temperatures over 41 degrees in prep cooler. No non-priority violations.

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Popeye's No. 780 - HZ Ops Holdings, Inc., 3195 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. March 9 complaint. One priority violation: Observed employee on duty unable to demonstrate knowledge of safe cooking temperatures for chicken. One non-priority violation: Inspector observed a child through drive-thru window. Corrected on-site, when inspector was allowed to enter kitchen, the child was no longer inside kitchen. Lobby was closed upon arrival, and the inspector had to tap on drive-thru window.

Popeye's No. 780 - HZ Ops Holdings, Inc., 3195 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. March 10 compliance check No.1 – Result: In compliance. No violations noted at time of inspection.

Popeye's No. 780 - HZ Ops Holdings, Inc., 3195 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. March 13 compliance check No. 2 – Result: out of compliance. One priority violation: Observed stacks of dirty pans on clean dish rack. Repeat violation - this store is on a risk control plan for dirty food contact surfaces. District manager arrived on-site and all pans were washed, rinsed and sanitized. Corrected on-site. No non-priority violations.

Price Cutter No. 12 Deli, 712 W. Commercial St., Springfield. March 13 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: Observed employee working without a hair restraint on and education was given; observed drain on left side of the three-vat sink not working properly.

Price Cutter No. 12 Meat, 712 W. Commercial St., Springfield. March 13 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed sanitizer strips were expired. Education given.

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Price Cutter No. 52 Bakery, 2021 W. Republic Road, Springfield. March 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: 1. Observed no placard or label for bulk doughnuts on displays and no ingredient list available. Doughnuts are received from a local wholesaler. (Doughnuts that are packaged in boxes for sale must also have ingredient information.) 2. Observed frozen condensate to east of compressor in walk-in freezer approximately 3-feet wide and thick by approximately 8 feet long. The frozen condensate has reached the floor. Freezer should be in good repair.

Price Cutter No. 52 Deli, 2021 W. Republic Road, Springfield. March 15 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Two priority violations: 1. Observed areas of customer self-service buffet holding at 42 to 44 degrees. Spring mix holding at 45 degrees. Spring mix voluntarily discarded. Management called refrigeration repairman immediately, who arrived on-site during the inspection. Education provided on holding items below 41 degrees. 2. Observed deli slide cooler holding potentially hazardous foods at 45 degrees to 51 degrees. Approximately 50 partial chubs of turkey, ham and pickle loaf were voluntarily discarded. Education provided on cold holding below 41 degrees and keeping written temperature log. No non-priority violations.

Primrose Perk, 3801 S. National Ave., Springfield. March 9 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

Sequiota School, 3414 S. Mentor Ave., Springfield. March 9 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed several dented cans. Education given and corrected on-site. No non-priority violations.

Strafford Travel Center, 325 E. Evergreen St., Strafford. March 14 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed during inspection.

Sugarfire Smokehouse, 1730 E. Republic Road, Springfield. March 9 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: Observed potentially hazardous foods in prep table containing sides not being held at or below 41 degrees, which were voluntarily discarded; observed multiple dented cans, which were voluntarily segregated and removed from use. One non-priority violation: Observed employee not wearing proper hair restraint in food preparation area.

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Teriyaki House, 1128 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. March 15 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed no sanitizer in dish machine. One non-priority violation: Observed insufficient hot water pressure in hand sink at front area.

Texas Roadhouse, 255 E. Monastery St., Springfield. March 15 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Four priority violation: Observed cooler on prep line not holding potentially hazardous foods at or below 41 degrees; observed plates, silverware and other items for immediate use by customers were dirty; observed can opener was dirty; observed numerous food containers and knives in food preparation areas were dirty. Six non-priority violations: Observed hallway floor near walk-in cooler, under area ice machine, area surrounding dish machine and near potato ovens/roll preparation had standing water; observed no testing strips for lactic acid sanitizer on site; observed fans in food prep area, walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer were not clean; observed hand sink being used to rinse and/or fill pitchers; observed multiple broken and/or sagging ceiling tiles in food preparation area; observed men's and women's bathrooms were not clean.

That Lebanese Place Restaurant, 338 E. Commercial St., Springfield. March 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Three non-priority violations: 1. Observed significant dust build-up on sneeze guards. Trim/coving missing on wall near ice machine in back kitchen. Plumbing repairs in bathrooms left hole in wall by toilets. Cabinets in front not clean. Education provided. 2. Observed sacks of potatoes stored directly on the ground. Education provided. 3. Observed no paper towels in men's bathroom. Education provided.

The Big Biscuit, 2920 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. March 13 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted at time of inspection.

The Roost Bar & Grill No. 2, 4216 S. Cox Ave., Springfield. March 9 re-inspection – Result: active. Items corrected; hood vent filters and hood is clean; hot water available in party room restroom. No violations cited at time of inspection.

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The Wok on Scenic, 4153 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield. March 13 re-inspection – Result: active. Priority items corrected: backflow prevention device is now on mop faucet; employees are washing hands when needed; raw animal products are stored correctly in reach-in cooler and cabbage is stored correctly in top of prep cooler holding below 41 degrees as required. No violations cited at time of inspection.

Umi Japanese Restaurant Inc., 3046 S. Kimbrough Ave., Springfield. March 9 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed dish machine not properly chemically sanitizing due to chlorine solution being too weak. A re-inspection will be performed.

Waffle House No. 1431, 436 N. West Bypass, Springfield. March 14 routine inspection – Result: active. The stopped up drain was cleared by staff prior to completion of inspection. Three priority violations: 1. Observed diced tomatoes on prep line at 48 degrees. Promptly discarded by staff. 2. Observed pan of gravy on steam table at 120 degrees, since the pan was bent and not sitting in water properly. Promptly discarded by staff. 3. Observed dirty knife on magnetic knife strip near sink. This was promptly removed and placed in dish machine to be cleaned. Four non-priority violations: Observed the west end of the dish line had an inch or so of wastewater standing on it; observed outside of three-vat sink, some carts, exterior of some equipment was dirty; observed the floor under the three-vat, in walk-in refrigerator and around ice machines were not clean; observed inside of ice machine and one refrigerator was not clean.

Walmart Supercenter No. 2221 Bakery, 2021 E. Independence St., Springfield. March 14 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted at time of inspection.

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Walmart Supercenter No. 2221 Deli, 2021 E. Independence St., Springfield. March 14 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed unapproved employee drink being stored on clean utensil storage shelf. Drink removed and education provided. No non-priority violations.

Wendy's No. 06, 1272 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. March 9 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed ladle stored unclean on clean storage shelf in kitchen. Ladle pulled from service to be properly cleaned. No non-priority violations.

Zaxby's, 540 W. El Camino Alto Drive, Springfield. March 9 re-inspection – Result: active. Priority items corrected: both low boy cooler and front prep cooler do not have any PHFs in unit, parts are on order. Item moved to core violation. Paper towels are located at all had sinks, food contact surfaces have been cleaned and sanitized and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and vent hood have been cleaned. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed front-of-house prep cooler and low boy cooler not holding below 41 degrees. No potentially hazardous foods are being held in units at this time so violation moved to core item.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.