From Perfect Scores to 16 Violations: This Week’s Food Establishment Inspections

Health inspectors conducted 32 reviews across the Greater Lynchburg area during the week of August 19–25, with results showing a mix of encouraging compliance and areas for concern. Seven establishments achieved perfect inspections with zero violations, a positive sign compared to earlier weeks. However, a spike in higher-end violations was also recorded, led by La Carreta in Madison Heights with 16 violations and Mi Patron in Bedford with 12. Several dining spots in Moneta, Bedford, and Lynchburg logged mid-range violations.

Perfect Inspections

Seven establishments achieved perfect inspections with zero violations:

16 Violations: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant

(Madison Heights)

Inspection Date: August 20, 2025

Health inspectors found a series of critical and repeat violations at La Carreta Mexican Restaurant #2, 131 Lakeview Drive, Madison Heights, the week’s highest count at 16.

Key Issues Observed:

• Employee hygiene & handwashing: Workers were seen touching faces with gloved hands without changing gloves or washing hands.
• Food storage concerns: Raw chicken stored above lemons and limes; raw beef placed above queso dip.
• Sanitation problems: Food debris found in hand sink, buildup in ice machine, mildew-like residue on drink nozzles, and grime in multiple areas including bulk bins, chip containers, and fryer stations.
• Improper dishwashing: Pots and pans washed and rinsed but not sanitized; dish machine initially dispensing 0 PPM sanitizer before correction.
• Temperature control failures: Multiple items in prep units above the safe 41°F threshold, including guacamole (52°F), pico de gallo (52°F), corn salsa (54°F), and shredded lettuce (49°F).
• Labeling and tracking gaps: No date-marking system in use, unlabeled bulk containers, and spray bottles without identification.
• Facility maintenance: Wet wiping cloths left scattered, wet pans stacked, mop sink draining onto the floor, and non-food contact surfaces unclean.

Corrective Actions Taken:
Managers and staff were instructed to implement immediate fixes, including adjusting food storage, properly sanitizing equipment, correcting dish machine sanitizer levels, labeling containers, and improving temperature control in prep units.

Additional Notes: Inspectors also cited the need for better handling of single-service containers, restroom facilities, and the removal of cardboard shelf liners in coolers.

12 Violations: Mi Patron (Bedford)

Inspection Date: August 21, 2025

Inspectors cited Mi Patron, 1128 E. Lynchburg Salem Turnpike in Bedford, for 12 violations during a routine inspection.

Key Issues Found:

• No employee health policy or cleanup procedure in place (corrected during visit with VDH-provided policies).
• Handwashing oversight: Men’s restroom lacked a required “Employees Must Wash Hands” sign.
• Cross-contamination risks: A grill cook handled raw beef and shrimp without changing gloves or washing hands.
• Sanitation issues: Mildew-like residue found in the ice machine; pans stacked wet; knife improperly stored in a wall crack.
• Temperature control failures: Diced tomatoes (49°F) and black beans (46°F) held above the safe 41°F threshold; corrective steps included discarding tomatoes and closing prep unit lids to cool items.
• Labeling gaps: Unlabeled squirt bottles (cleaners) and food containers (sugar, salt) were identified and corrected.
• Facility maintenance concerns: Missing wall tiles and lack of a lidded trash can in the ladies’ restroom, both to be addressed within 90 days.

Corrective Actions Taken:
Most issues were addressed on site, with immediate disposal of unsafe food items, labeling corrections, and cleaning of the ice machine. Long-term fixes for signage and facility maintenance were promised within 90 days.

9 Violations: Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria (Moneta)

Inspection Date: August 25, 2025

Inspectors reported nine violations at Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria, 16547 Moneta Road, Moneta during a routine inspection.

Key Issues Found:

• Missing policies & procedures: No employee health policy or cleanup plan for vomit/diarrheal events (VDH provided materials; to be implemented within 15 days).
• Handwashing oversight: Kitchen hand sink lacked soap.
• Sanitation concerns: Pizza dough mixer contained dried dough and flour buildup; ice machine showed mildew-like residue.
• Labeling gaps: Multiple spray bottles with cleaners unlabeled; several food containers and squirt bottles lacked labels for contents.
• Improper time control: Raw sliced potatoes used for chips were held without a required written time-control procedure.
• Facility maintenance: Vent above kitchen grill missing a cover; repair expected within 90 days.

Corrective Actions Taken:
The mixer was cleaned during inspection, containers and bottles were labeled, and VDH-provided policies were adopted. Managers committed to addressing missing signage, hand sink supplies, and maintenance issues within the required timeframes.

August 19-25 Central Virginia Health Inspections