Central Virginia Food Inspections:

Mid-December Reports Show Mostly Low Violations, One Notable Outlier

Routine inspections dominate the Dec. 11-15 schedule as follow-up activity continues across the region

The Central Virginia Health District has released its latest food establishment inspection reports covering inspections conducted between December 11 and December 15, 2025. The reporting period included a heavy concentration of routine inspections, along with a significant number of follow-up visits and two non-routine inspections.

Overall, most establishments performed well, with many recording low violation totals. Eight establishments earned zero, one or two violations during routine inspections, reflecting generally strong compliance with state food safety standards. However, a small number of establishments posted higher violation counts and will have continued monitoring.

Perfect Scores (0 Violations)

Two establishments recorded zero violations during routine inspections:

• Blackwater Coffee Trailer – 2913 Carter St (Routine | Dec. 15)
• Rack Em Up Sports – Bedford (Routine | Dec. 15)

Low Violation Totals (1–2 Violations)

Several establishments recorded minimal violations, most of which are typically corrected on site without the need for additional follow-up.

1 Violation

• Kentucky Fried Chicken – Madison Heights (Routine | Dec. 11)
• The Bean Barn – Madison Heights (Routine | Dec. 12)
• The Shack – Moneta (Routine | Dec. 15)
• The Olive Garden – 4038 Wards Road (Routine | Dec. 15)

2 Violations

• Komma Tea – 3405 Candlers Mountain Road (Routine | Dec. 11)
• 7 Day Quick Mart – 102 Paulette Circle (Routine | Dec. 12)
• Vito’s Pizza Take Out – Vinton (Routine | Dec. 15)

Moderate Violation Totals

A number of routine inspections resulted in moderate violation counts, often involving procedural, equipment, or documentation-related issues.

3 Violations

• Philippine Delight – 1219 Main Street (Routine | Dec. 11)
• Templeton’s Market – 4928 Richmond Highway (Routine | Dec. 12)
• Woodhaven Nursing Home – Montvale (Routine | Dec. 15)

4 Violations

• The Amherst Corner – Amherst (Routine | Dec. 15)

5 Violations

• Taco Bell #39776 – 3270 Old Forest Road (Routine | Dec. 12)

High Violation Routine Inspection

Harbor Inn Seafood
3220 Old Forest Road | Routine Inspection | Dec. 12, 2025
11 Violations

Harbor Inn Seafood recorded the highest violation total among routine inspections during this reporting period. Inspectors documented a range of issues involving employee health policies, food handling practices, cooking temperatures, sanitation procedures, and facility maintenance. Several violations were corrected during the inspection, while others require procedural changes and follow-up oversight.

Key Harbor Inn Violations Noted

Employee Health & Handwashing

• Management did not have a written or verifiable employee health policy in place. Inspectors instructed management to adopt the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) employee health policy and train all staff within 10 days.
• A required handwashing reminder sign was missing at the server-area hand sink. Management stated the sign will be posted within 90 days.

Food Handling & Cross-Contamination

• Raw hamburger was observed stored above raw fish in a mini walk-in cooler near the cook line, creating a cross-contamination risk. The cooler was reorganized during the inspection.
• Stored utensils were observed beneath a paper towel dispenser at a server hand sink, posing a contamination risk. Utensils were relocated.

Cooking Temperatures

• A clam cake removed from the fryer measured 92°F, well below the required minimum cooking temperature of 145°F for 15 seconds for fish products. Manufacturer instructions required a final temperature of 165°F.
• The undercooked product was discarded, and a new batch was cooked to appropriate temperatures during the inspection.

Chemical & Sanitization Practices

• Multiple spray bottles containing light pink liquid were stored throughout the facility without labels. All bottles were labeled during the inspection.
• Wiping cloths were observed stored on top of a refrigerator instead of in sanitizer solution. Management stated procedures will be corrected moving forward.

Personal Cleanliness

• Multiple employees were observed without required hair or beard restraints. Management indicated staff will be brought into compliance within 90 days.

Plumbing & Facility Conditions

• Two spray hoses were connected to faucets without backflow prevention devices. Management stated hoses will be disconnected when not in use and that a backflow prevention system will be installed as soon as possible.
• Flooring throughout the facility showed significant pitting, allowing debris accumulation. Management indicated repairs or replacement will be addressed as resources allow.

Shellfish Identification & Recordkeeping

• Molluscan shellfish tags were retained, but the last date sold was not marked on oyster shell lids. Proper date marking is required for illness tracking. Management stated procedures will be corrected.

Food Temperatures (Selected)

Inspectors recorded the following temperatures during the inspection:

• Stuffed clams (first batch): 92°F (discarded)
• Stuffed clams (second batch): 166°F
• Fish from fryer: 203°F
• Clam chowder (hot holding): 174°F
• Collard greens (hot holding): 206°F
• Green beans (hot holding): 152°F
• Cole slaw (walk-in cooler): 40°F
• Sliced tomatoes (prep table): 38°F

Equipment Temperatures

• Walk-in refrigerator: 40°F
• Walk-in freezer: 11°F
• Mini walk-in cooler: 36°F
• Server refrigerators: 39–40°F
• Small prep table: 41°F

Additional Notes

Inspectors discussed proper consumer advisory labeling, emphasizing that only undercooked foods must be identified on menus. Staff were also advised to remove unused equipment or return it to proper working condition and to ensure freezers are defrosted when necessary.

Harbor Inn Summary

The inspection identified a mix of procedural lapses, temperature control issues, and facility maintenance concerns, rather than a single systemic failure. While several violations were corrected during the inspection, inspectors emphasized the need for improved managerial oversight, documented employee health policies, and consistent food safety practices to ensure continued compliance.

Follow-Up Inspections Conducted

Several establishments underwent follow-up inspections to verify correction of previously cited violations:

• Vito’s Pizza, Grill & Bar – Amherst (Dec. 11)
• Spring Oak – Bedford (Dec. 11)
• Days Inn – Altavista (Dec. 12)
• East Express Inc. – 18013 Forest Road (Dec. 12)
• Taqueria “Latradional” – 18243 Forest Road (Dec. 12)
• Kelley’s Food/Gas – Evington (Dec. 12)
• Mission House Coffee – 3405 Candlers Mountain Road (Dec. 12)
• Runk & Pratt of Forest – 208 Gristmill Drive (Dec. 15)
• El Cazador #2 – Bedford (Dec. 15)
• Dunkin’ Donuts – 3309 Old Forest Road (Dec. 15)
• Wendy’s – Bedford (Dec. 15)

Follow-up inspections are typically conducted to confirm that previously cited violations have been properly addressed.

Other Inspection Types

Other (Non-Routine)

• The Bedford Columns – Bedford (Dec. 10)
• Bedford Social Club – Bedford (Dec. 10)

Summary

Mid-December inspections across Central Virginia showed generally solid food safety compliance, with the majority of routine inspections resulting in low violation totals. While one establishment recorded a notably higher count, most facilities demonstrated adherence to required standards, and follow-up inspections continue to ensure corrective actions are completed where needed.