From Aug. 27 through Sept. 2, Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District inspectors found gnats, mold in an ice machine and other health violations at restaurants.
Out of more than 20 businesses inspected, seven scored below a 95, and six received perfect scores. During the seven days, Taqueria la Tapatia No. 3 on Ayers Street scored the lowest with a 90.
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. 27 through Sept. 2:
Aug. 27
Five businesses were inspected. The following scored a 95 or higher:
- Divina Dulzura Bakery: 4817 Saratoga Blvd. (100)
- Dunkin': 4102 S. Staples St. (97)
- Pizza Hut: 3821 S. Staples St. (100)
- PokiYaki: 3823 S. Staples St. (98)
- Tapology Texas Pub: 4334 S. Staples St. (100)
Aug. 28
Two businesses were inspected. The following scored a 95 or higher:
- Mia Mia's Pizzeria: 2806 Santa Fe St. (96)
The following scored below a 95:
- Island Bakery: 200 W. Ave. G in Port Aransas (93)
- Inspectors found raw eggs stored above bread, toxic chemicals not labeled and dirty areas.
- Island Bakery was last inspected in January and received a 96.
Aug. 31
Two businesses were inspected. The following scored below a 95:
- Herrejon's Bakery: 3829 Crosstown Expressway (93)
- Inspectors found toxic chemicals not labeled, food not labeled, dirty air conditioning vents, vent hose above tortilla machine needing replacement, dirty walk-in cooler fans, dirty floors near sinks, gnats and dirty baker racks.
- Herrejon's Bakery was last inspected in June and received a 97.
- Subway: 14225 S. Padre Island Drive (91)
- Inspectors found toxic chemicals not labeled, no certified food manager present, mold in ice machine, ice buildup in walk-in freezer and an employee wearing a watch while preparing food.
- Subway was last inspected in February and received a 98.
Sept. 1
Five businesses were inspected. The following scored a 95 or higher:
- Burger Beach HideAway: 6109 McArdle Road (99)
- Domino's Pizza: 3812 S. Staples St. (97)
- Subway: 4128 S. Staples St. (99)
- Wendy's: 4123 S. Staples St. (98)
The following scored below a 95:
- Taqueria la Tapatia No. 3: 4521 Ayers St. (90)
- Inspectors found ice scoopers and buckets stored inside ice machine, flour container not closed, personal drinks stored on food, toxic chemicals not labeled, a dirty reach-in freezer, dirty fans in kitchen, dirty light lenses and employees using bowls as scoopers.
- Taqueria la Tapatia was last inspected in June and received a 91.
Sept. 2
Nine businesses were inspected. The following scored a 95 or higher:
- Bill Miller Bar-B-Q: 7102 S. Padre Island Drive (99)
- Ginger Cafe & Grill: 7009 S. Staples St. (98)
- Hi Ho Drive Inn: 3945 Baldwin Blvd. (100)
- King Seafood: 3315 Baldwin Blvd. (100)
- Moody's Quality Meats: 6486 Holly Road (100)
- Taqueria los Mariachis No. 3: 600 US-77 in Bishop (97)
The following scored below a 95:
- El Nuevo San Blas: 3122 Baldwin Blvd. (93)
- Inspectors found food not covered, food not dated, food not labeled, broken knives and knives stored between prep food station and refrigerator.
- El Nuevo San Blas was last inspected in March and received an 85.
- Panjo's Pizza: 1320 Airline Road (93)
- Inspectors found toxic chemicals not labeled, dirty food-contact surfaces, dirty vents in coolers, dirty air conditioning vents and gnats.
- Panjo's Pizza was last inspected in February and received a 97.
- Taqueria Jalisco No. 11: 535 US-77 in Bishop (94)
- Inspectors found raw meat not separated from ready-to-eat food, food not dated, food not labeled, employees not wearing hairnets and personal drinks without lids.
- Taqueria Jalisco was last inspected in February and received a 91.
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. 27 to Sept. 2
