Two Restaurants Post Higher Violation Totals in Latest Food Inspections

Central Virginia Food Establishment Inspections: Dec. 1–4, 2025

Routine inspections dominate schedule as follow-up inspections continue across the region

The Central Virginia Health District released its most recent food establishment inspection reports covering December 1–4, 2025. The reporting period included a steady mix of routine inspections, multiple follow-up visits, and one pre-opening inspection, offering a broad snapshot of food safety conditions across Lynchburg and surrounding counties.

Most routine inspections resulted in low violation totals, with several facilities earning one or fewer violations. However, two establishments recorded higher violation counts during routine inspections, prompting corrective action and continued monitoring.

Perfect Score (0 Violations)

One establishment recorded a flawless routine inspection during this reporting period.

0 Violations

• Altavista Area YMCA – Altavista (Routine | Dec. 2)

Low Violation Totals (1–2 Violations)

Several facilities recorded minimal violations, most of which are typically corrected on-site with no follow-up required.

1 Violation

• Cook Out – Madison Heights (Routine | Dec. 1)
• McDonald’s – 3108 Old Forest Road (Routine | Dec. 2)
• Apple Market – Amherst (Routine | Dec. 2)
• Amherst County High School – Amherst (Routine | Dec. 4)

2 Violations

• Bedford County Nursing Home – Bedford (Routine | Dec. 1)

Moderate Violation Totals

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

3 Violations

• Chick-fil-A #00264 – 3405 Candler’s Mountain Road (Routine | Dec. 2)

4 Violations

• Tacos Locos – Huddleston (Routine | Dec. 2)
• Tacos Locos Mobile – Huddleston (Routine | Dec. 2)
• Virginia Baptist – 3300 Rivermont Ave (Routine | Dec. 3)

5 Violations

• Mission House Coffee – 3405 Candler’s Mountain (Routine | Dec. 2)
• Carriage Hill – Bedford (Routine | Dec. 4)
• Courtyard Lynchburg – 4640 Murray Place (Routine | Dec. 4)

6–8 Violations

• Vito’s Pizza, Grill & Bar – Amherst (6 | Routine | Dec. 3)
• Kelley’s Food/Gas – Evington (7 | Routine | Dec. 2)
• Runk & Pratt – 208 Gristmill Drive (8 | Routine | Dec. 4)

High Violation Routine Inspection

Waffle House #2322 – Forest

17678 Forest Road | Routine Inspection | Dec. 3, 2025
15 Violations

Waffle House #2322 recorded one of the highest violation totals in this reporting period during a routine inspection conducted by the Central Virginia Health District. Inspectors documented multiple priority and core violations involving handwashing practices, temperature control, warewashing procedures, equipment placement, and food handling.

Several violations were corrected on site, while others require follow-up evaluation or equipment servicing. A reinspection is planned in approximately 10 days to verify corrections.

Key Waffle House Violations Noted

Handwashing & Employee Practices

• Employees were observed handling raw bacon and eggs, changing gloves without washing hands, and then preparing ready-to-eat foods such as toast and biscuits. Inspectors emphasized that hands must be washed between tasks, even when gloves are changed.
• No handwashing reminder sign was posted at the main hand sink. A sign must be installed within 90 days.
• Employees were observed wearing a watch and bracelet while working with food, which can interfere with proper handwashing.

Temperature Control Issues

• Sliced tomatoes and chopped ham stored on the top of the grill prep unit were holding at 45°F–46°F after more than four hours. The items were discarded.
• Inspectors noted that the top of the grill prep unit was not effectively maintaining cold-holding temperatures, particularly due to its proximity to the grill and open configuration.
• Management was advised to implement a formal “time as a public health control” procedure or adjust food preparation and cooling practices.

Warewashing & Sanitization

• Although the dishwasher water temperature registered 180°F, plate-simulating thermometers showed temperatures below 160°F, indicating improper sanitization. Dishware was required to be sanitized using the three-compartment sink until the machine is serviced.
• The dish machine was missing a data plate identifying proper operating parameters. A replacement data plate must be installed within 90 days.
• Wiping cloths were found on counters rather than stored in sanitizer solution. This was noted as a repeat violation.

Food Handling & Storage

• A vial of injectable medication was found stored in a drink reach-in cooler. Medications requiring refrigeration must be stored in a clearly labeled container separate from food.
• Ice scoops were stored on top of the ice machine in an area with tape residue, posing a contamination risk. Scoops were removed during the inspection.
• Produce labeled “wash before use” was observed unwashed, including tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and lemons. Staff were instructed to wash produce before cutting.

Facility & Plumbing Concerns

• Equipment and decorations were stored above food in dry storage, creating contamination risks.
• Improper backflow prevention was observed on hoses at the dishwasher and outside the building. Hoses must be detached or corrected until proper backflow devices are verified and installed.

Food Temperatures (Selected)

Inspectors recorded the following temperatures during the visit:

• Sliced tomatoes (grill prep top): 45°F
• Chopped ham (grill prep top): 46°F
• Chili (hot well): 154°F
• Sausage gravy (hot well): 150°F
• Scrambled eggs: 164°F
• Pork sausage: 205°F

Equipment Temperatures

• Grill prep unit: 21.2°F
• Walk-in cooler: 33°F
• Walk-in freezer: -6°F
• Drink reach-in cooler: 39°F

Additional Waffle House Notes

Inspectors provided updated CDC guidance on employee illness reporting and confirmed that Waffle House’s corporate onboarding includes employee health policy training. Documentation for employee training was reviewed during the inspection.

Inspectors also discussed long-term solutions for temperature control at the grill prep station, noting that while lower sections were maintaining proper temperatures, the top section was not suitable for extended cold holding.

Waffle House Summary

The inspection identified repeated handwashing failures, improper cold-holding practices at the grill prep station, and warewashing concerns requiring equipment service. While many violations were corrected during the inspection, continued managerial oversight and follow-up evaluation are required to ensure sustained compliance with food safety standards.

Taqueria “Latradional” – Lynchburg

18243 Forest Road, Suite 8 | Routine Inspection | Dec. 2, 2025
17 Violations

Taqueria “Latradional” recorded the highest violation total among routine inspections during this reporting period, with inspectors citing widespread food safety concerns related to handwashing, temperature control, equipment functionality, warewashing, and managerial oversight.

Several violations were corrected on site, while others require equipment repair, procedural changes, and continued oversight to reduce foodborne illness risk.

Key Taqueria Issues Identified

Handwashing & Employee Practices

• An employee was observed wiping his nose while wearing gloves.
• Two handwashing sinks were either non-functional or lacked hot water.
• Inspectors emphasized that hands must be washed before donning new gloves after touching the face.

Employee Health Policy

• Management stated no employee health policy was in place.
• Environmental Health Services will provide a Spanish-language employee health guide for staff review and signatures.

Temperature Control Failures

• Multiple time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods were holding above 41°F in the walk-in cooler, prep units, and front counter beverage cooler.
• Reheated queso measured 100°F more than two hours after reheating began and was discarded.
• The walk-in cooler was unable to consistently maintain required cold-holding temperatures.

Warewashing & Sanitization

• The dish machine was dispensing 0 ppm chlorine sanitizer, rendering it ineffective.
• No sanitizer test strips were available.
• Wiping cloths were stored on counters and aprons instead of in sanitizer solution; this was corrected during the inspection.

Equipment & Facility Conditions

• No thermometers were available to verify cooking, cooling, or holding temperatures.
• A chest freezer showed rusting, peeling, and a damaged lid and must be replaced or removed.
• Wet pans were stored stacked together, preventing proper air drying.
• A light cover was missing above the ice machine and handwashing sink.

Food Labeling & Date Marking

• Prepared foods lacked preparation or discard dates.
• Unlabeled containers of water, oil, and dry ingredients were observed on the cook line.
• Menu items offered undercooked were not properly identified despite a consumer advisory being present.

Temperature Snapshot

Inspectors documented multiple temperature readings, including:

• Cold-held foods ranging from 42°F to 48°F
• Reheated queso at 100°F
• Hot-held items meeting requirements at 141°F–146°F
• Cooked chicken at 174°F

Taqueria Summary

The inspection revealed systemic food safety deficiencies rather than isolated issues, particularly in temperature control, equipment maintenance, and employee practices. Inspectors emphasized the need for active managerial control, equipment repairs, and consistent procedures. Follow-up oversight is expected to confirm corrective actions.

Follow-Up Inspections Conducted

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

• Hardee’s – Bedford (Dec. 1)
• CAVA – 3901 Old Forest Road (Dec. 1)
• Acorn Hill Restaurant – 2134 Old Forest Road (Dec. 1)
• Express Lane #4 – 17867 Forest Road (Dec. 2)
• Inka Grill – 912 Main Street (Dec. 2)
• Papa John’s – 2812 Old Forest Road (Dec. 3)
• La Carreta #6 – 14575 Forest Road (Dec. 3)
• Bojangles – 14797 Forest Road (Dec. 3)
• Pizzeria Alessandro – Huddleston (Dec. 4)
• Cardinal Senior Communities – Bedford (Dec. 4)
• Knights of Columbus – 201 Sweeney Circle (Dec. 4)
• Dunkin’ – 3309 Old Forest Road (Dec. 8)
• 7 Brew Coffee – 7719 Timberlake Road (Dec. 8)

Follow-up inspections are typically conducted after higher-risk findings or unresolved issues from prior visits.

Other Inspection Types

Other (Non-Routine)

• Montvale Recreation – Montvale (Dec. 1)
• Rainbow Drive-In – Bedford (Dec. 4)

Pre-Opening

• Fit 610 – 52 Beechwood Drive (Dec. 2)

Additional Routine Inspections

• Forest Health and Rehab – 2406 Atherholt Road (Routine | Dec. 1)
• New London House – 4312 New London Road (Routine | Dec. 4)

Summary

Early December inspections across Central Virginia showed generally strong compliance, with most routine inspections producing low to moderate violation totals. While two establishments recorded higher counts, the majority of facilities demonstrated adherence to food safety standards, with ongoing follow-up inspections ensuring continued corrective progress.