Food poisoning isn’t as uncommon in Olympia as residents like to think. Too many restaurant/deli owners try to make that slice of ham or bowl of chicken gumbo stretch another day or two in an effort to cut costs. The fact the refrigerator may be too warm or the facilities unclean or the cook’s nose is wiped w/unwashed hands doesn’t help.
The following list may be bistros you want to stay away from if you value your health/life. Food poisoning CAN be fatal. Many sufferers mistake it for flu symptoms. Additionally, the effectiveness of ‘hand sanitizers’ has come under scrutiny and been challenged by recent research.
Comments are taken directly from the latest Thurston County inspection reports, which are available at each food establishment and at the Thurston County Environmental Health Office. For questions concerning these reports, contact the health office at 360-867-2667.
Reading Inspection Scores:
- As of May 2013, Compliance Ratings (percentage scores) will no longer be given due to changes in the state food code.
- Attention should be given to the type of violation (red versus blue) and whether the restaurant has a history of red violations or repeat violations.
- Red violations are those most likely to cause food-borne illness and must be corrected immediately if feasible or according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: not keeping food at the right temperature.
- Blue violations relate to the overall cleanliness and condition of operation and must be corrected according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: floor is worn and needs replacing.
HISSHO SUSHI
1313 Cooper Point Road SW, Olympia
Dec. 16: Routine check.
5 red; 0 blue.
Comments: Red — The only employee, who is new and manages this location, is without a food handler card.
SAGES
903 Rogers St., Olympia.
Dec. 19: Routine check.
20 red; 10 blue.
Comments: Red — Back restroom has no paper towels. Small black refrigerator temperature was at 46-47 degrees. Cold storage must be 41 degrees or colder. Blue — Santizer bucket was without any level of concentration. Back employee restroom is poorly maintained. Increase lighting over food preparation areas as mentioned in last inspection.
BLACK BEAR DINER
955 Black Lake Blvd., Olympia
Dec. 19: Routine check.
0 red; 18 blue.
Comments: Blue — Hole in ceiling inside dry storage must be sealed. Tongs used for deep fryer stored beneath grill on surface that is very unclean with old grease and food residual. Drawers to large food preparation cooler on left lower side do not close completely, allowing cold air to escape. Cook line equipment is extremely filthy with grease, food, trash and debris accumulating beneath the equipment on the floor. This is similar to past inspections when cook line was being neglected. As discussed in the hearing in 2012, management needs to confirm that employees are following the cleaning schedule as posted. Due to continual problems with cleaning and maintenance, the probationary period is extended for another year.
SUSHI TRAIN
8765 Tallon Drive NE, Suite R, Lacey.
Dec. 19: Routine check.
5 red; 5 blue.
Comments: Red — Crab meat in small black refrigerator was 45 degrees. Cold storage should be 41 degrees or colder. Blue — No sanitizer was found.
HAPPY TERIYAKI
8205 Martin Way E., Lacey.
Dec. 19: Routine check.
5 red; 6 blue.
Comments: Red — Bean sprouts in top of make case were 45 degrees. Cold storage should be 41 degrees or colder. Blue — Many surfaces in dry storage area have oily grime. Knives stored between make case and table, an area where blades are not cleaned and sanitized after each use.
WOK ON FIRE
2640 Martin Way E., Lacey.
Dec. 19: Routine check.
10 red; 0 blue.
Comments: Red — Bean sprouts were 47 degrees in top of make case. Cold storage must maintain 41 degrees or colder.
ITALIA PIZZERIA
2505 Fourth Ave., Olympia.
Dec. 18: Routine check.
0 red; 5 blue.
Comments: Blue — Bread stored on floor behind salad/sandwich bar next to oven. Food should not be stored on the floor.
BUZZ BAR & GRILL
5018 Mud Bay Drive, Olympia
Dec. 18: Routine check
0 red; 5 blue
Comments: Blue — Couple of turkeys stored on floor inside walk-in cooler. Food should not be stored on the floor.
