ARLINGTON, VA — A number of facilities in Arlington recorded violations during recent inspections from the Arlington County Public Health Department. Inspectors conducted the most recent visits between March 26-April 1.

At one food establishment, an ACPHD inspector noticed that bulk food containers were not labeled. This could lead to food safety issues it it was not addressed.

“Consumers may be allergic to certain foods or ingredients,” the inspection report said. “The mistaken use of an ingredient when the consumer has requested that it not be used may result in severe medical consequences. Liquid foods and granular foods may resemble cleaning compounds. The mistaken use of food from an unlabeled container could result in chemical poisoning.”

More information about what types of violations ACPHD inspectors reports can be found at the bottom of this story. Here are the violations from March 26-April 1 as reported by Arlington County Public Health:

DCA – Dunkin’ Donuts

WNA-Terminal C- Space C2-899C Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
April 1, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• The hand sink was observed broken. Hands are being washed in an additional sink while it is being worked on. Corrective Actions: Hand sinks shall be in working conditions.
• One milk reach-in cooler is not properly maintaining temperature. No food or TCS items observed in the unit. Corrective Actions: Repair or replace the prep unit.

Oakridge Elementary School

1414 S 24th St Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Educational Facility Food Service | Routine
April 1, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

DCA – Georgetown Gourmet Market

WNA-Teminal C Space 5/6 Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
April 1, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Door gaskets are damaged on Maximum 2 door upright unit. Corrective Actions: Maintain equipment in proper repair.
• There is no light available in Maximum 2 door uprt unit. Corrective Actions: Provide at least 20 foot candles at a distance of 30 inches from the floor in consumer self-service areas, inside equipment, warewashing, equipment storage, toilet rooms

DCA – Wao Bao Kiosk

WNA-Terminal C-North Pier Space#C2-899B Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
April 1, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• No hand washing was observed by food worker prior to donning gloves to handle prepared food. Corrected. Corrective Actions: Instruct food employees to clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles and during food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing task.
• Under counter ware washing machine is not functional. Service expected later in day. Workers are taking dirty dishes to neighboring kiosk for washing. Corrective Actions: Maintain equipment in proper repair.
• Steam table is leaking at water supply valve. Corrective Actions: Maintain plumbing systems in proper repair.

WAS16 Marketplace

1770 Crystal Dr Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
April 1, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Methods used to cool cooked and prepared foods do not meet time and temperature criteria. Observed several foods either wrapped in plastic or not cooked to 41F or below. Corrective Actions: Arrange the food containers in the refrigeration equipment to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls. Loosely cover or uncover the food if protected from overhead contamination during the cooling period to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the food.
• Observed cutting boards heavily scored and scratched. Corrective Actions: Resurface or discard and replace the cutting boards to provide a food contact surface that is smooth, easily cleaned and sanitized.

DCA – Admirals Club -Concourse D

2401 Smith Blvd Terminal 2, Concourse D, 3rf fl, M Level Washington, VA 20001
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
April 1, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed several holes in the wall and the floor in need of repair. Corrective Actions: Maintain physical facilities in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities.

El Manantial

2618 N Pershing Dr Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
April 1, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Gaskets on 2-door prep unit observed in poor repair. Corrective Actions: Repair or replace the prep unit door gasket in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Poppyseed Rye

818 N Quincy St Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
April 1, 2024

• Hand sinks observed missing paper towels. (corrected) Corrective Actions: Hand drying devices such as individual disposable paper towels, a Continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel or heated air hand drying device must be provided at all hand washing lavatories to encourage proper hand washing and avoid employees to drying their hands on their clothing or other unclean materials.
• Dish machine observed not sanitizing. Corrective Actions: Immediately discontinue the use of the machine until it is operating in accordance with minimum requirements. Initiate manual wash, rinse, and sanitize method to properly clean and sanitize equipment and utensils. To minimize workload you can move to all single service utensils.
• Bulk food containers observed not labeled. Corrective Actions: Label working containers with the common name of its contents. Consumers may be allergic to certain foods or ingredients. The mistaken use of an ingredient when the consumer has requested that it not be used may result in severe medical consequences. Liquid foods and granular foods may resemble cleaning compounds. The mistaken use of food from an unlabeled container could result in chemical poisoning.

Bluefish Bistro

950 S George Mason Dr Suite #114 Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
April 1, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

DCA – Say Si Bon – Terminal C

WNA-Terminal C Rm-C2-899A Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
April 1, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

DCA – Dunkin’ Donuts Express

WNA-National Hall Room #C2-831 Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
April 1, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Bowlero

320 S 23rd St #100 Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
April 1, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed chili holding in walk in cooler. Internal temperature was 53F, staff stated that chili was prepared the night before. Corrective Actions: Cool time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food(s) from 135°Fto 41°F within a total of 6 hours and from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours. A longer time for cooling allows an ideal situation for bacterial growth. Chef discarded chili.
• Observed that interior of ice cream freezer, and underneath bar cabinets were in need of cleaning. Corrective Actions: Maintain non-food-contact surfaces of equipment clean.

New Yorker Grill

2461 S Clark St Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
April 1, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

DCA – Half Moon Empanadas

2401 Rm B2-606 bldg Arlington, VA 12201
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Pre-Opening
April 1, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

DCA – Hudson

WNA-Post-Security / National Hall- C-1 Washington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Convenience Store Food Service | Routine
April 1, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Health Permit is not posted. PIC instructed to contact Health Department office for a copy if establishment copy cannot be located. Corrective Actions: Post current Health Permit conspicuous to customers.
• Display refrigerator compressor cover is not properly attached. Corrective Actions: Maintain equipment in proper repair.

Washington Golf & Country Club Grill

3017 N Glebe Rd Arlington, VA 22207-4289
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 28, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed that the dishmachine was not heating dishes to 160F during the rinse cycle. Corrective Actions: Immediately discontinue the use of the machine until it is operating in accordance with minimum requirements. Initiate manual wash, rinse, and sanitize method to properly clean and sanitize equipment and utensils. Chef contacted service company to service unit during inspection.
• Observed container of quinoa on shelf holding at 71F. Per staff, it was prepped the day before. Corrective Actions: Cool time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food(s) from 135°Fto 41°F within a total of 6 hours and from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours. A longer time for cooling allows an ideal situation for bacterial growth. This has been shown to be the major contributing factor in many foodborne illnesses. Quinoa Discarded.
• Observed foods in the walk in (french onion soup – 44F, chicken mix – 45F) were holding above 41F. Corrective Actions: Adjust cooler, or relocate food to a refrigeration unit that is capable of maintaining food storage at 41°F or below. PIC adjusted cooler temperature during inspection.
• The drains at the 3 compartment sink are unable to close and seal. Corrective Actions: Repair drains so that they are able to close
• Observed pack of water bottles stored in dish area. Staff stated they were for employee use. Corrective Actions: Keep employee foods or beverages in designated areas, away from food prep or warewashing.

Ballston Local

900 N. Glebe Rd Suite 150 Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 28, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• The facility serves a drink with egg whites without a consumer advisory on the menu. Educated the person in charge and consumer advisory will be added to the menu. Corrective Actions: The Consumer Advisory shall include a disclosure statement that includes a description of the animal-derived foods offered raw or undercooked and identification of the animal-derived foods by asterisking (*) them to a footnote that states that the items are served raw or undercooked, or contain raw or undercooked ingredients.
• The exterior of the prep area prep unit, fryers and ovens were observed in need of cleaning. Corrective Actions: Maintain non-food-contact surfaces of equipment clean.
• The floors especially under equipment and the ceiling vents were observed in need of cleaning. Corrective Actions: All floors, walls, and ceilings must be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Cleaning of the physical facilities is an important measure in ensuring the protection and sanitary preparation of food. A regular cleaning schedule should be established and followed to maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary manner.

Bangin BBQ

3217 10th St N , 22201
Status: Permitted

Mobile Food Unit | Routine
March 28, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Domino’s Pizza #4339 (INACTIVE)

4811 Langston Blvd Arlington, VA 22207
Status: Business Closed

Fast Food | Pre-Opening
March 28, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Picamas

1723 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22209
Status: Permitted

Mobile Food Unit | Routine
March 28, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Kanji Izakaya

4301 Fairfax Dr 101 Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Pre-Opening
March 28, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Silvia’s Snow Cones

1107 Good Hope Rd SE Washington, DC 20019
Status: Permitted

Mobile Food Unit | Routine
March 28, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Tupelo Honey Cafe

1616 N Troy St Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 27, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed thawed fish in sealed vacuum packaging. Corrective Actions: Remove fish that has been packaged in a reduced oxygen package from the reduced oxygen environment prior to thawing in a refrigerator that maintains food temperature at 41°F or less, or immediatley upon completion of thawing if thawed by completely submerging the package(s) under running water at a temperature of 70°F for a time period that doesn’t allow the thawed portions of the fish to exceed 41°F for more that 4 hours including the time to cool back down to 41°F in the refrigerator if not immediately cooked.
• The following are no longer fully sealed to the wall: front counter, dish drain boards and 3-compartment sink. Corrective Actions: Seal the unit to adjoining equipment or walls since it is exposed to spillage or seepage.
• The floors, tile grout and wall by the walk-in cooler were observed in need of cleaning. Corrective Actions: Maintain physical facilities in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities.

Osteria da Nino

2900 S Quincy St Arlington, VA 22206
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 27, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Sofia Pupuseria

3610 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
March 27, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed a dented can of tomato paste on the dry storage shelf. The can was relocated to be sent back to the supplier. Corrective Actions: Discard or return food products once the packaging is damaged or is in bad condition. Food packages must be in good condition to protect the integrity of the contents so that food is not exposed to adulteration or potential contaminants.
• Observed the following improperly cold holding in the prep unit: chicken (55F), chorizo (55F), cheese (57F) and beef (55F). All items in the prep unit were relocated. No items had been stored in there over night. Corrective Actions: Cold hold potentially hazardous food at 41°F or below to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
• The prep unit is not properly maintaining temperature. Corrective Actions: Repair the prep unit.
• The interior of the prep unit was observed in need of cleaning. Corrective Actions: Clean the interior of the prep unit.
• The floor was observed in need of repair. Corrective Actions: Maintain physical facilities in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities.

Stem Preschool

3120 S Abingdon St Arlington, VA 22204
Status: Permitted

Child Care Food Service | Routine
March 27, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed that 3 compartment sink needs to be re caulked to the wall. Corrective Actions: Maintain facilities.

Marriott Crystal City Bell 20 (mezzanine) and buffet (lobby) banquet kitchen and corridor (mezzanine) concierge lounge (4th floor) coffee shop (lobby) market (lobby)

1999 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA, USA Arlington, VA 22202
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 26, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Frozen vacuum package fish observed not thawing in approved method.
• Corrective Actions: Thaw potentially hazardous foods by either of the following methods: 1. Under refrigeration that maintains food temperature at 41°F 2. Completely submerged under running water at a temperature of 70°F or below with sufficient water velocity to agitate and float off loose particles in an overflow 3. As part of the cooking process
• Floor in kitchen area observed in need to be re-grouted. Corrective Actions: Maintain physical facilities in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities.

Starbucks #7706

2690 Clarendon Blvd Arlington, VA 22201
Status: Permitted

Fast Food | Routine
March 26, 2024

No Observations Or Corrective Actions

Thai Treasure

3811 Fairfax Dr Ste 105 Arlington, VA 22203
Status: Permitted

Full Service Restaurant | Routine
March 26, 2024

Observations & Corrective Actions

• Observed that the interior of the ice machine is in need of cleaning. Corrective Actions: Clean the interior of the ice machine often to prevent buildup of mildew or debris.
• Observed that the in use dishmachine was not operating to heat dishes to 160F during sanitizing rinse. Corrective Actions: Immediately discontinue the use of the machine until it is operating in accordance with minimum requirements. The range for proper operation is rinse temp at 180F, and equipment surface temperature reaching 160F. Initiate manual wash, rinse, and sanitize method to properly clean and sanitize equipment and utensils. To minimize workload you can move to all single service utensils.
• Observed summer rolls holding on the countertop at 87F. Corrective Actions: Discard the food and ensure that potentially hazardous foods for cold holding are maintained at 41°F or below to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Store TCS foods in coolers.
• Wiping cloths improperly stored between use. Corrective Actions: Ensure wet wiping cloths are stored in a chemical sanitizer at the proper concentration between use.
• Observed knives stored in between prep tables. Corrective Actions: Store in-use utensils or dispensing utensils in one of the following manners: 1) In the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container. 2) In food that is not potentially hazardous with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed. 3) On a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food-contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized every 4 hours. 4) In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain. 5) In a clean, protected location if the utensils are used only with a food that is not potentially hazardous. 6) In a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F and the container.
• The mechanical warewashing machine was not operating in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, unable to dispense sanitizer. Corrective Actions: Discontinue the use of the low temperature chemical sanitizing ware wash machine until it is working properly. Initiate manual wash, rinse, and sanitize method to properly clean and sanitize equipment and utensils. To minimize workload you can move to all single service utensils.
• Observed that walls near prep line and behind dish area are in need of cleaning. Corrective Actions: Clean floors and walls frequently to prevent the buildup of food debris.

What Violations Do ACPHD Inspectors Report?

In Virginia, all food service locations are supposed to be inspected at least once per year. Facilities with higher risk factors may be inspected as often as four times per year, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Violations at restaurants typically focus on factors that can contribute to food contamination. The local health department can also perform a re-inspection to ensure that possible violations have been corrected. Sometimes, the follow-up inspection only considers the most important “priority” violations.

For every observed violation, the inspector provides a specific corrective action that can be completed to rectify the violation. Sometimes these are simple, and violations can be corrected during the course of the inspection. Depending on the results of the inspection, the health department can pursue several actions.

They can issue a permit for the restaurant to continue serving food, they can schedule a follow-up inspection to determine if violations have been rectified, or they can temporarily shut down an establishment until certain issues are solved.
The Virginia Department of Health only recommends restaurants have their permits suspended when “the continued operation of the food service presents a substantial and imminent threat to the public health.”

More Health Code Violations: