This Week’s Central Virginia Health District Food Establishment Inspections

According to the Central Virginia Health District, inspectors conducted 39 food establishment inspections between May 20-23. These included 23 routine inspections, 13 follow-ups, and 3 Other.

Three Establishments had Zero Violations

Here’s a quick breakdown of the remainder of the results:

• Two establishments had one violation.
• Four had two violations.
• Two had three violations.
• One had four violations.
• Seven had five violations.
• Four had six violations including Pho Viet on Forest Rd, Clam Diggers in Bedford, Bulls Steakhouse on Graves Mill and Corner Burger on Perrowville.

All inspections reported for May 20-23:

The restaurants near the bottom to where there were no violations observed are due to the nature of the inspections including Follow-Up, Other, and Pre-Opening.

Pho Viet LLC

14805 Forest Rd 221 Forest

Pho Viet LLC in Forest passed its routine health inspection on May 20, 2025, while addressing several key violations during the visit. Among the concerns was the improper storage of raw meat above ready-to-eat vegetables like cabbage, ginger, and carrots—posing a risk for cross-contamination. Staff corrected the issue on-site and were provided with a laminated guide to proper food stacking in refrigeration units. Inspectors also discovered prohibited pest control products, including roach spray and powder, which were immediately discarded. Restaurants are required to use certified pest control services, and the establishment confirmed it contracts Dodson Pest Control.

Additional infractions included a bag of onions stored on the floor beneath the sink in a laundry basket, wet wiping cloths left out instead of in sanitizer solution, and the use of non-food-grade tools and containers, such as a regular paintbrush for sauces and a Home Depot bucket for broth. These items were all removed or replaced with food-safe alternatives. A hole in the men’s restroom wall also drew attention and must be repaired within 90 days. Despite these issues, Pho Viet maintained proper cooking and cold-holding temperatures, displayed its permit and inspection QR code publicly, and showed a strong commitment to training with health policy documents in both English and Vietnamese.

Clam Digger's Seafood

109 South Bridge Bedford

Clam Digger’s Seafood in Bedford underwent a routine health inspection on May 22, 2025, and while the seafood spot remained permitted and in compliance on many fronts, inspectors flagged key areas for correction. Among the concerns was the improper use of the kitchen handwashing sink as a dump sink for ice—an issue that can hinder proper hygiene practices. The sink has since been designated solely for handwashing. Additionally, the men's restroom lacked required handwashing signage, which the restaurant committed to addressing within the allowed correction window.

The inspector also found that some oyster tags were missing last-sold dates, and raw crabs and fish were being stored above or in direct contact with ready-to-eat items like beer and French fries—posing contamination risks. These storage concerns were corrected during the visit, and management pledged to adopt systems to ensure better organization and tracking. Other infractions included missing date labels on refrigerated items like crab dip and improperly labeled cleaning bottles, which were either updated or discarded during the inspection. Despite these issues, Clam Digger’s demonstrated strong performance in cooking temperatures, hygiene, and food safety protocols—earning passing marks in many core compliance categories.

Bulls Steakhouse

1887 Graves Mill Road Lynchburg

Bulls Steakhouse on Graves Mill Road in Lynchburg was the subject of a routine health inspection on May 23, 2025, revealing a mix of compliant practices and areas needing attention. Most notably, the restaurant lacked a Certified Food Protection Manager on site, with previously held ServSafe certifications having expired in 2024. Management explained that staff are enrolled in upcoming training and committed to submitting updated certification within the 90-day window. Inspectors also noted improper food storage in the walk-in cooler, where raw meats were placed above ready-to-eat items like cheese and broccoli—posing a cross-contamination risk. These storage issues were corrected during the visit.

Additional violations included a dish machine that initially failed to dispense sanitizer, meaning dishware wasn’t being properly sanitized until staff were coached on how to prime the system. Other issues involved thawing vacuum-sealed salmon without opening the packaging—a safety concern—and build-up of grease and grime on equipment surfaces. Floors throughout the kitchen were also in poor condition, with missing tiles and exposed concrete, which management indicated would be addressed soon. Despite these setbacks, food temperatures were in acceptable ranges, and the restaurant remained compliant with hot and cold holding practices, employee hygiene, and food sourcing. The inspector emphasized the need for better signage regarding health permits and customer inspection access, and staff were reminded about labeling protocols and sanitation procedures moving forward.

Corner Burger

1208 Perrowville Rd Suite G Forest

Corner Burger in Forest was inspected on May 23, 2025, and while the restaurant remains permitted, operational issues were flagged—particularly around food safety and equipment maintenance. Two coolers essential for food prep, including the topping and salad station unit, were found to be nonfunctional, with internal temperatures reading as high as 60°F. As a result, items such as sliced tomatoes and cheese were not being kept at the required 41°F or below. Staff promptly moved affected items into the walk-in cooler or placed them in ice baths, and a work order was submitted for immediate repairs.

Additional violations included improper use of handwashing sinks, where a bottle of bleach and a bucket were found stored—blocking access and violating health codes. Soda fountain nozzles also showed signs of mildew buildup, indicating a need for more thorough cleaning techniques beyond nightly soaking. Inspectors also noted sanitizer solution buckets without proper labeling and the absence of chlorine test strips for the dishwashing machine. Employees addressed most issues during the visit, and management was advised on corrective steps, including properly sanitizing the ice cream frother every four hours and posting the required food permit in public view.

Learn More About Health Department Inspection Articles

If you choose to dive into the details of these listings, please read "Restaurant Health Inspections: What You Can Learn Before Dining Out in Greater Lynchburg," dated May 21, 2024. This story outlines the details of local Health Department Inspections and the results of those reports.