From Aug. 13 through Aug. 19, Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District inspectors found toxic chemicals stored near food, a dirty soda gun at a restaurant's bar area and other health violations at restaurants.
Out of more than 20 businesses inspected, four scored below a 95, and 10 received perfect scores. During the seven days, London Bar & Grill on FM 43 scored the lowest with an 89.
The health district describes a food establishment as a place that sells or serves food to the public. These establishments, which can include bars, hotels, apartments, schools and food trucks, must get an annual permit and be inspected by the health district.
Inspections are based on a demerit system
in accordance with the Texas Department of State Health Services. The inspection report checks for 47 different violations.
Here's how businesses scored from Aug. 13 through Aug. 19:
Aug. 13
Eight businesses were inspected. The following scored a 95 or higher:
- Church's Texas Chicken: 3502 Leopard St. (99)
- El Gavilan Pollero: 2815 Ruth St. (99)
- The Hot Chicken Spot: 3964 Baldwin Blvd. (100)
- Jack in the Box: 10602 IH-37 (100)
- Long John Silver's: 4831 S. Staples St. (97)
- Saucy Mama's: 4117 S. Staples St. (95)
- Xpress Burgers: 10446 IH-37 (100)
The following scored below a 95:
- Hermanos Solis Restaurant No. 3: 5409 Leopard St. (93)
- Inspectors found no paper towels or soap at handwashing sink, dirty flour and sugar bins, lids needing to be replaced, food not dated, food not labeled and dirty surfaces.
- Hermanos Solis was last inspected in February and received an 88.
Aug. 14
Four businesses were inspected. The following scored a 95 or higher:
- Peter Piper Pizza: 6193 Saratoga Blvd. (95)
- Sno Ball Too: 7114 Saratoga Blvd. (100)
- Yummy Tummy Cheesecakes: 4820 Kostoryz Road (100)
The following scored below a 95:
- Taqueria Mi Ranchito: 6116 Ayers St. (92)
- Inspectors found food not covered, food not dated, food not labeled, dirty coolers and dirty pitchers in sugar and salt bins.
- Taqueria Mi Ranchito was last inspected in June and received a 93.
Aug. 17
Eight businesses were inspected. The following scored a 95 or higher:
- Banda's: 2751 S. Port Ave. (97)
- Coffee Waves: 5738 S. Staples St. (100)
- Corpus Christi Nutrition: 3819 S. Staples St. (100)
- Dairy Queen: 5919 McArdle Road (97)
- Sandi's Diner: 3801 S. Staples St. (100)
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe: 7514 S. Padre Island Drive (98)
- Whataburger: 7702 S. Padre Island Drive (99)
The following scored below a 95:
- Casa Margaritas Mexican Grill & Bar: 13941 Northwest Blvd. (93)
- Inspectors found toxic chemicals stored near food, toxic chemicals unlabeled, ice scooper stored improperly, cups used as ladles, wet towels not stored in sanitizer solution when not in use and personal drinks stored improperly.
- Casa Margaritas was last inspected in March and received a 96.
Aug. 18
Three businesses were inspected. The following scored a 95 or higher:
- Acapulco Bar & Grill: 6602 Saratoga Blvd. (98)
- CC Donuts: 4006 Weber Road (97)
- Hemispheres Cafe: 2101 Airline Road inside the Corpus Christi Athletic Club (97)
Aug. 19
Six businesses were inspected. The following scored a 95 or higher:
- Burger King: 1124 Waldron Road (96)
- Chick-fil-A: 9601 S. Padre Island Drive (100)
- Coffee Waves: 1290 FM 43 (98)
- Subway: 2743 Airline Road (96)
- The Vine Juice Company: 5702 S. Staples St. (100)
The following scored below a 95:
- London Bar & Grill: 1290 FM 43 (89)
- Inspectors found no certified food manager present, dirty soda gun at bar, dirty ice machine, dirty meat bin cooler under grill, food not labeled, missing vent cover in men's restroom, ceiling tile needing replacement due to water damage in men's restroom, dust in air conditioning vents in lobby, restroom doors not self-closing, juice buildup in margarita machine drip pan and knives stored between equipment.
- London Bar & Grill was last inspected in February and received a 94.
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Nueces County restaurant inspections for Aug. 13 to Aug. 19
