Before You Tailgate or Dine Out, Check This Week’s Health Inspections

Several establishments earn clean reports while two diners face higher violation counts

Health inspectors made 26 visits across the region this past week, checking everything from neighborhood coffee shops to national fast-food chains.

Ten establishments came through with perfect reports and zero violations, including Mi Patron, Skeller–Randolph College, Athletic Training Table, Express Lane #16, Owens Market, Frankly Delicious Dogs, Daybreak Coffee, Al Pastor #2, and Amelon Early Learning Center.

Several others received only minor citations—one violation each—among them The Academy Music Hall, Marigold, Chelstiy’s Steak & Seafood in Altavista, Taco Bell in Altavista, Cocina Familiar on Forest Road, and La Cocina de las Catrachitas on Timberlake Road.

The mid-range group included Scoops in Altavista (3 violations), Kentucky Fried Chicken in Bedford (4), Hardee’s in Madison Heights (5), Lynchburg General Hospital East (5), MJ’s Grill & Bar in Bedford (5), and Country Cooking by Irene on Main Street (5). White Hart Café (6) and Antojitos Elizabeth on Timberlake Road (8) also had notable findings.

At the other end of the spectrum, two restaurants stood out for their higher violation counts: Pho Saigon Kitchen on Timberlake Road with 9 violations, and Dale’s Diner in Montvale with 12.

Dale’s Diner: 12 Violations in Montvale Inspection

Dale’s Diner, located at 11076 W. Lynchburg Salem Turnpike in Montvale, received 12 violations during its routine inspection on August 29. While the restaurant remains permitted to operate, inspectors identified several areas needing immediate and long-term attention.

Among the issues:

• Food safety oversight — The diner currently has no staff member with an active certified food protection manager certificate, a key requirement for food service operations.
• Employee health policy — Staff were relying on a verbal-only health policy; inspectors provided and reviewed the official VDH health policy for adoption.
• Contamination risks — Raw meat was found stored above ready-to-eat foods in both the kitchen fridge and walk-in cooler, a direct cross-contamination concern.
• Ice machine hygiene — Inspectors observed a buildup of residue inside the ice machine and dust accumulation on its door.
• Expired foods — Containers of beets and mixed greens dated from mid-August remained in the walk-in cooler beyond safe limits and were discarded on site.
• Sanitation lapses — Quat sanitizer test strips were not available, leaving cleaning solutions unmonitored, and several squirt bottles lacked proper labeling until corrected.
• Facility maintenance — Equipment repairs are needed on fridge gaskets and handles, while the mop sink was being used for storage rather than cleaning. Exposed studs and unsealed toilet bases in restrooms also require attention.

Despite these findings, inspectors did note that hot and cold food temperatures were being held safely, and dishwashing operations were meeting sanitization standards. Corrective actions were discussed, with deadlines ranging from 10 to 90 days depending on the severity of the violation.

Pho Saigon Kitchen: 9 Violations Observed at Timberlake Road Inspection

Pho Saigon Kitchen & Asian Cuisine, located at 20722 Timberlake Road in Lynchburg, received 9 violations during a routine inspection on August 27. The restaurant remains permitted to operate but must address a range of food safety and facility concerns.

Key findings included:

• Improper food storage — Raw chicken was found stored above bean sprouts and beef in coolers, and raw seafood above shredded carrots, increasing cross-contamination risk.
• Temperature control issues — Rice in the warmer was holding at just 120ºF, below the required 135ºF, while bean sprouts in a prep cooler were at 61ºF instead of the safe 41ºF or below. Several refrigeration units were also struggling to maintain proper temperatures.
• Ice machine sanitation — Inspectors observed a black, mildew-like buildup inside the ice machine.
• Rodent evidence — Three dead mice were found on sticky traps in the dry storage area, requiring immediate removal and disinfection.
• Improper wiping cloth storage — Wet cloths were left on prep surfaces rather than in sanitizer solution between uses.
• Facility maintenance issues — Missing floor tiles, pooled water under the prep sink, and wall damage in dry storage all require repair.

The inspection did confirm that a certified food protection manager was on staff, with ServSafe certification valid through 2027, and that cooked food such as shrimp was reaching safe internal temperatures. Corrective actions were discussed, and repairs and sanitization steps were ordered.

Antojitos Elizabeth: 8 Violations on Timberlake Road

Antojitos Elizabeth, a mobile food unit operating at 7701 Timberlake Road in Lynchburg, was cited for 8 violations during an inspection on August 28. While permitted to continue operating, inspectors flagged a series of sanitation and equipment issues that will require prompt correction.

Key findings included:

• Handwashing access — The truck’s hand sink was blocked by stored utensils, limiting staff access.
• Soiled utensils — Knives and other cooking tools were found dirty and improperly stored between equipment.
• Improper food labeling — Salsa and stewed vegetables lacked date markings, raising concerns over freshness and safe storage.
• Unsanitary practices — Rags were found stuffed into hood vents to catch grease runoff from a malfunctioning exhaust system, and wiping cloths were not stored in sanitizer between use.
• Improper utensils — Staff were using styrofoam and plastic cups to scoop salsa instead of handled ladles, creating contamination risks.
• Testing and sanitation gaps — No chemical test strips were available to check sanitizer strength in the three-compartment sink.
• Overall cleanliness — Inspectors described the unit as “heavily soiled” with grease, debris, and trash, calling for a full deep clean.
• Ventilation problems — The hood system was not functioning correctly and had been makeshift repaired, with exposed wiring noted.

On the positive side, food temperatures were observed in safe ranges, including chicken and rice holding well above the required hot-holding thresholds, and the unit’s cold storage equipment was maintaining safe refrigeration. The manager corrected several violations on site and agreed to implement cleaning and compliance measures.

Food Establishment Health Inspections Aug 27-29