Rodents, lack of refrigeration: Two Lexington restaurants closed by inspectors

Two food service establishments were closed by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department so far in July, one for rodents and one inadequate refrigeration.

Both have since reopened. According to the health department, there were no closures in June.

When the health department closes a restaurant, a red sign is placed on the door to notify potential customers that food service has been halted. But the health department does not publicize that restaurants have been closed.

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Restaurants are closed when the health department finds an imminent risk to public health such as insect or rodent infestation, lack of running water or sewage contamination.

Establishments that score below 60 on an inspection also are immediately closed.

Common Grounds closed by the health department July 2

Common Grounds , 3100 Old Todds Rd. #100, was closed immediately by the health department on July 2 after a regular inspection found widespread evidence of rodents.

According to the inspection report, there was “evidence of rodents observed throughout establishment,” including rodent feces on containers of bulk food and on single service items.

The health department ordered the coffee shop to contact a licensed pest control operator and provide invoices of service to the health department.

Common Grounds, a coffee shop, reopened on July 9 after passing follow-up inspection, according to the health department.

Mr. Kabab closed by the health department July 16

Mr. Kabab , 2901 Richmond Rd. #150, was closed on July 16 for refrigeration issues. According to the inspection reports, food in the walk-in refrigerator and on the serving line were not being kept cold enough for food safety. The issues had been flagged on a regular inspection on July 8 as well.

Mr. Kabab, a Mediterranean restaurant, was allowed to reopen later on July 16 after passing inspection.

How Lexington health department inspections work

Restaurants and food service establishments are required to post their most recent scores at the front door; scores in green boxes indicate passage and scores in red indicate failure.

Inspection scores are available online at the Lexington health department’s web site .

The health department inspects every local food service establishment at least every six months; some restaurants are placed on enhanced regulatory enforcement and receive additional inspections. Restaurants also are inspected if the health department receives credible complaints.

In June, the Herald-Leader published an updated list of the 166 restaurants and food service providers that are under enhanced regulatory enforcement , formerly called probation, by the health department.

Any restaurant that scores 80 or below on an inspection is placed on enhanced enforcement.

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