Greater Lynchburg Health Inspections See Spike in Violations

Led by Spring Oak and Bojangles

Central Virginia Food Establishment Inspections: Nov 3–7

The Central Virginia Health District has released its latest round of food establishment inspection reports for the week of November 3–7, 2025. Most establishments received positive marks for cleanliness, temperature control, and safe food handling, while a few recorded higher violations count requiring follow-up action.

This week included two unusually high totals — Bojangles in Forest (10 violations) and Spring Oak Bedford (20 violations). Spring Oak’s inspection represents the highest violation count recorded since this inspection reporting began and comes despite the facility having minimal violations in the three inspections prior. Bojangles in Forest recorded 10 violations, their highest violation total in three years. Some in the community have mentioned hearing that the department may be conducting tighter inspections, though this has not been confirmed.

Perfect Scores

No establishments earned a perfect zero-violation inspection this week.

Minor to Moderate Violations (2–5 violations)

Facilities with two to five violations showed mostly minor issues such as labeling errors, equipment cleanliness, or handwashing station supplies. All were corrected during inspection.

• Burley’s Market – 14074 Wards Rd (2 violations)
• Courthouse Café – Rustburg (2 violations)
• McDonald’s #6075 – Altavista (3 violations)
• Original Italian Pizza – Madison Heights (4 violations)
• Taco Bell #39775 – Madison Heights (4 violations)
• Ivy Hill Café – 1148 Ivy Hill Dr (5 violations)

Higher Violation Totals

Several establishments recorded higher violation counts of six or more, prompting further review and required corrective actions.

Bojangles – 14797 Forest Rd (10 violations)

Status: Permitted | Category: Fast Food | Date: November 5, 2025

Bojangles in Forest recorded 10 violations, their highest violation total in three years this year, with issues including handwashing lapses, damaged utensils, fly activity at the drive-thru, improper cloth storage, wet-stacked utensils, and uncovered or unprotected food-contact items.

Key Findings:

• Employee moved from dishwashing to food handling without washing hands.
• Rear handwashing sink lacked paper towels.
• Open boxes of magnisol and tallow created contamination risk.
• Drive-thru window left open, allowing flies to enter the kitchen.
• Wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer.
• Cracked and chipped utensils requiring replacement.
• Improper plumbing connection (Y-valve) compromising the vacuum breaker.
• Dumpster doors left open, attracting pests.
• Hot-holding display cabinet lacked protective light covers.

Most cold- and hot-holding temperatures were within acceptable ranges, though cut tomatoes and cut lettuce on the cold line measured 48°F, requiring corrective action.

Management began corrective measures during the inspection and was instructed on stricter sanitation practices.

Spring Oak Bedford, LLC – Bedford (20 violations)

Status: Permitted | Category: Long-Term Care Facility | Date: November 6, 2025**

Spring Oak Bedford posted 20 violations, the highest number observed since this report began and one of the highest recorded in the district in years. This was particularly notable because the facility had minimal violations in the previous three inspections.

Key Findings:

• Handwashing failures: Sinks used for trash and food debris; employee handled dirty dishes then clean without washing hands.
• Cross-contamination risks: Raw chitlins stored above vegetables; unlabeled foods; expired milk dated September 16 and September 30.
• Sanitation lapses:
  • Meat slicer with dried residue
  • Wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer
  • Deeply grooved cutting boards harboring bacteria
• Chemical hazards: Cleaners hung above a food-prep sink.
• Improper thawing: Sausage thawing in stagnant water.
• Facility integrity issues:
  • Broken window above three-compartment sink
  • Rust hole in vent hood above coffee station
  • Gapping exterior door
  • Broken dumpster lid
  • Dust-covered vents
• Dishware & utensil storage: Clean wares not stored inverted; unprotected single-use items.
• Missing backflow prevention: Hoses connected to faucets without backflow devices; lack of proper air gaps on multiple sinks.

Corrective windows ranged from immediate correction to 3–90 days, depending on risk level. Temperature checks found cold items mostly within acceptable ranges, except for seafood salad at 48°F.

Because Spring Oak is a long-term care facility serving a highly susceptible population, these violations were flagged as requiring close follow-up.

Other High-Violation Inspections

• Express Lane #5 – Madison Heights (7 violations)
• Hill City Pub – Lynchburg (9 violations)

These establishments were cited for issues including handwashing, cross-contamination, sanitizer strength, food temperature control, and facility cleanliness.

Follow-Up Inspections

All establishments undergoing follow-up inspections showed improvement:

• Pino’s Pizza – Brookneal
• Benjamin’s Restaurant – Forest Rd
• Charley’s Restaurant – Graves Mill Rd

Pre-Opening Inspections

Several facilities passed required checks before opening to the public:

• Amherst County High – Amherst
• Komma Tea – Candlers Mountain Rd
• Huddle House – Candlers Mountain Rd
• Hueso Loco – Commerce St

Full Inspection Summary

Routine Inspections

• Burley’s Market – 2 violations
• Courthouse Café – 2 violations
• McDonald’s #6075 – 3 violations
• Original Italian Pizza – 4 violations
• Taco Bell #39775 – 4 violations
• Ivy Hill Café – 5 violations
• Bojangles – 10 violations
• Spring Oak Bedford – 20 violations

Follow-Ups

• Pino’s Pizza
• Benjamin’s Restaurant
• Charley’s Restaurant

Pre-Openings

• Amherst County High
• Komma Tea
• Huddle House
• Hueso Loco