Unsafe food storage, unhygienic practices among latest restaurant health violations

El Paso health inspectors cited two restaurants for over 30 health violations from June 17-21. The violations ranged from a mold-like substance found inside the ice machine and chicken left out at room temperature, risking bacterial growth, to hand sinks obstructed with extension cords and wires, impeding proper hand washing.

A score of 70 or above is passing. A score of 60 or below will initiate the closure of the establishment.

An inspection conducted on any given day may not represent the establishment's overall, long-term conditions. Restaurants that fail inspections are given an opportunity to address the violations for reinspection.

Restaurants cited for violations

Los Jarrones Restaurant location.

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Lety's Mexican Restaurant location.

18 violations, Los Jarrones at 4170 Redd Road

The following inspection was conducted on June 17, and the restaurant was given a 65 inspection score.

1. Multiple time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) foods were sitting out at room temperature by grill and on prep table without any cold holding, such as raw beef and raw chicken being at 62°F. Cook informed me that he leaves the food out like that all day. Note: TCS food must be stored at 41°F or below. Corrected on site: Due to TCS food being stored outside for less than 4 hours, the cook put the food in ice baths to meet the temperature criteria to prevent any rapid bacterial growth.
2. Soups in refrigerator had no date marking and the cook that prepared them could not tell me what day they were prepared. Note: TCS foods must be properly labeled with a discard date or be discarded. Corrected on site: Soup was discarded.
3. Ice machine had mold-like substance on inner surface of ice machine where water drips onto ice. Note: Ice must be in good and safe condition. Corrected on site: Ice machine was cleaned and sanitized during inspection and ice was discarded.
4. Soiled sanitizing rag was touching cold cooked chicken on prep table. Note: Food must be properly separated from contaminants. Corrected on site: Rag was removed and contaminated chicken was discarded during inspection.
5. Utensils were stored in dirty containers in cooking area. Food contact surfaces of plates had food-like residue in cooking area. Can opener blade had different colors of food-like residue on the food contact surfaces. Note: Food contact surfaces must be clean to sight and touch.
6. Cook contaminated hands multiple times and never washed them before handling food or cleaned food equipment. Note: Hands must be properly washed when contamination events occur and before handling food or food equipment.
7. Medicine stored with a loose cap over seafood prep table. Note: Medicine must be stored in a closed secondary container away from food.
8. A few food handlers expired. Note: Food handlers must be current and valid.
9. Container with food stored in hand wash sink of cooking area. Note: Hand wash sinks must be used for washing hands only.
10. Multiple plates were chipped throughout kitchen. Note: Surfaces of food equipment must be smooth and easily cleanable.
11. Dead fly was hanging on metal rack where clean food equipment was stored. Note: Dead pests must be removed from premises.
12. Multiple open cups stored on food prep tables. Note: Eating and drinking must be conducted in a designated area away from food prepping.
13. Multiple soiled rags left out throughout kitchen. Note: Rags must be stored in sanitizing solution between uses.
14. Food stored exposed under dirty racks in cold hold units. Note: Food must be protected from environmental contamination.
15. Spray bottle was unlabeled and contained a milky white food liquid in bakery area. Note: Food in bulk containers must be properly labeled.
16. Food-like and dust-like residue on racks, floors, and walls throughout kitchen. Note: Non-food contact surfaces must be clean to sight and touch.
17. Racks in refrigerators were rusted and paint was chipped away. Note: Surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable in food prep areas.
18. Base of faucet of 3 compartment sink was leaking when in the "off" position. Note: Plumbing.

Note: The restaurant was reinspected on June 17 and received an 84 inspection score.

14 violations, Lety's Mexican Restaurant at 220 Main St.

The following inspection was conducted on June 17, and the restaurant was given a 68 inspection score.

1. Shelled eggs on counter/prep table at 56 degrees. Must be 45 degrees or less. Corrected: placed in refrigerator.
2. Date mark cooked foods held refrigerated over 24 hours with discard date not to exceed 7 days. None on cooked rice, beef, and beans.
3. Store raw meat below ready-to-eat foods. Large uncovered tray of raw beef observed above lettuce in upright refrigerator.
4. Must clean counters, prep tables, microwave, can opener, and dishes. Old food particles, sticky and dirty surfaces observed. Food contacts must be clean to sight and touch.
5. Food handler in kitchen changing operations and conducting multiple tasks without washing hands. Must properly wash hands and all exposed portions for at least 20 seconds when changing operations.
6. Food handler washing dishes must wear an effective hair restraint. None being worn at this time.
7. Must renew food permit today before 5 PM. Expired since 5/2024.
8. Cannot obstruct hand sinks, which are only for hand washing. Observed obstructing with extension cords and wires.
9. Keep wiping cloths in sanitizer between uses. Dirty damp cloths observed throughout kitchen.
10. Store all food 6" above floor to prevent environmental contamination. Observed sacks of food, drinks, and condiments on floor.
11. Cannot reuse butter or sour cream containers to store food. Must use dishware that is washable, not single-serve containers.
12. Clean floors, walls, ceilings, hood filters, and hood throughout. Non-food contacts must also be clean to sight and touch.
13. Provide shatterproof lights in hood system and better lighting in kitchen. Very dark and no lights in hood observed. Must provide adequate lighting by July 1.
14. Must cover holes and crevices throughout floors, walls, and ceilings and resurface/reseal floors in kitchen. Chipping and peeling observed. Physical facilities must be in good repair by July 3.

Note: The restaurant was reinspected on June 17 and received an 84 inspection score.