Restaurant inspection update: State shuts down ‘imminent health hazard’

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing oversees restaurant inspections in Iowa. (Photo via Getty Images; DIAL logo courtesy of Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing)

The state of Iowa has shut down food service and suspended the license of a Clayton County eatery and convenience store that has been repeatedly cited for “extreme” unsanitary conditions.

The license suspension at Fast Trak in Elkader is the result of a recent food-safety inspection — one of hundreds conducted over the past month at Iowa stores and restaurants. The inspections at a number of businesses have resulted in citations for rodent infestations, moldy food, month-old pasta and kitchens that were soiled with trash, food debris and standing water.

The findings are among those reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, which handles food-establishment inspections at the state level. Listed below are some of the more serious findings that stem from inspections at Iowa restaurants, cafeterias and stores over the past four weeks.

The state inspections department reminds the public that their reports are a “snapshot” in time, and violations are often corrected on the spot before the inspector leaves the establishment.

For a more complete list of all inspections, along with additional details on each of the inspections listed below, visit the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing website.

Crab House of Davenport, 1235 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport – During a July 25 visit, a Scott County inspector reported that “roaches were observed in the kitchen and there were several areas in the facility that were soiled and in poor condition.”

Several food products stored in coolers, freezers, and storage areas were left uncovered, creating a risk of contamination. Also, a container of crabs was stored in direct contact with crayfish inside a prep cooler, creating a risk of cross-contamination. Multiple food products inside the prep coolers had no date markings as to when they were prepared, and multiple coolers, fryers and food containers were marred by “debris and gunk,” the inspector reported. “Some roaches and numerous gnats and flies were observed in the facility,” he added.

The inspector also observed that various bowls, some of which were soiled and in poor condition, were being used by the staff used to “disperse” food products, and the floors, walls, oven trays, fryer cabinet and bar area were marred by what the inspector called “dust, debris and gunk.”

The visit was in response to a complaint pertaining to pest issues and poor sanitation. The complaint was deemed verified.

Bailey’s Convenience Tri View, 1203 Tri View Ave., Sioux City – During an Aug. 23 inspection by the Siouxland Health District, this establishment was cited for 11 risk-factor violations, an unusually high number for a convenience store. The inspector observed that mozzarella sticks were left sitting out at room temperature (70 degrees), and that other fried food items offered for sale in the store’s hot-holding unit ranged from 117 to 124 degrees, which was not hot enough to ensure their safety. The staff agreed to discard all of the items.

The inspector also noted that pizza toppings in the food-prep cooler were not marked with any dates to ensure freshness and safety, and the “ice machine chute was visibly soiled with a black and pink” substance of some kind.

In addition, the staff reported it was washing the food equipment used for preparing time- and temperature-controlled items only once per day, and that none of equipment was being sanitized after washing. The inspector also reported that the staff was using the handwashing sink, which was visibly soiled, to clean and dump dishes.

“Several flies present in establishment,” the inspector reported, adding that there was a discussion with the owner concerning repeat violations, the improper storage of chemicals, proper dishwashing, the frequency of cleaning and the necessity of date-marking the food. The store was last inspected in August 2021, according to state records.

Ted’s Coney Island West, 2667 86 ^th St., Urbandale – During an Aug. 22 visit, a state inspector cited the establishment for failing to employ a certified food protection manager; for holding chili made the previous day at 135 degrees, rather than 165 degrees; for a salad cooler that was failing to keep food items at 41 degrees or colder; for two cold-holding units on the cook line that weren’t keeping food at 41 degrees or colder, resulting in the food being discarded; for giving the prepared chili a discard date eight days from the date of preparation, rather than seven days; and for a meat slicer that was marred by visible food debris on the food-contact surfaces.

The inspector also noted that the handwashing sink in the food-prep area was out of service, and that multiple cold-holding units had no ambient air thermometers so the staff could check holding temperatures. In addition, the floors and equipment were marred by a buildup of what appeared to be grease and food debris. According to state records, the state last inspected the establishment in May 2019, more than four years prior.

Waffle & Pancake House, 303 E. 2nd St., Muscatine – During an Aug. 22 visit, a state inspector cited this establishment for the person in charge not being a certified food protection manager, and for numerous handwashing violations. The inspector also made note of a soiled ice machine, soiled dishes that were stacked in the sink designated for handwashing, and a lack of hand soap.

In addition, frozen food was left to thaw on a table, the restaurant’s food thermometer was not working, a “moderate amount of live insect activity” was seen in the dishwashing area, dead insects had accumulated in the light fixtures, and a linen cloth was being used to cover cooked bacon and then to blot grease from fried eggs.

Also, grease and food debris had accumulated on the sides and backs of the cooking equipment, the stove grates were soiled with encrusted food debris, and a “large pot of old grease” was found sitting uncovered in the kitchen. The inspector also observed that there was a “moderate” accumulation of water on the floor, and that grease had accumulated on the floors, walls and vent hood around the cooking equipment.

Hanging, sticky fly traps heavily loaded with dead flies were observed throughout the establishment. Mouse droppings observed ... There is an infestation of flying insects observed throughout the facility ... The garbage has started to decompose, attracting proliferating flies.

– Inspector visiting the Fast Trak store and eastery in Elkader

Fast Trak, 24687 Highway 13, Elkader – Since mid-May, this restaurant and convenience store has been inspected four times by the state and in each instance it has been cited for several major violations.

On August 21, an inspector cited the establishment for 14 risk-factor violations and made note of an additional 25 “good practices” violations – an extraordinarily large number. The inspector noted that the business was operating without a designated person in charge and that employees on site could not answer basic questions regarding food establishment operations.

The inspector observed that frost had built up inside the customer-facing reach-in freezer, saturating the racks with frost and adulterating the packaged ice cream, frozen pizzas and bagged ice. In addition, the refrigeration unit inside the walk-in freezer was dripping condensation onto packaged food items, and the freezers all had food items – such as precooked eggs, sausage, hamburger and desserts – that sat uncovered.

Also, multiple packages of cheese in the retail cooler were measured at 67 to 69 degrees and had to be discarded. The ambient air temperature inside one cooler was 75 degrees, two large pots of vegetable soup in a cooler were not marked with any preparation or discard dates, and utensils that were stored in a drawer were so soiled they left residue on the drawer liner.

For the fourth time in four months, the inspector noted that the soda fountain’s ice dispenser chute had “green material growing in it.”

The inspector also reported that the food-prep tables had an accumulation of food residue on them, the soft-serve ice cream machine was “visibly soiled inside and out,” the reach-in cooler had accumulated food residue and stagnant water on the bottom shelf, the interior and exterior of the microwave over displayed an accumulation of some unidentified form of residue, and the stove was marred by an accumulation of debris and burned food.

Also, several of the customer reach-in coolers in the retail side of the business were not operating and it appeared the store didn’t have enough working coolers to support the sale of temperature-controlled items such as cheese, eggs and store-packaged deli salads.

“Hanging, sticky fly traps heavily loaded with dead flies were observed throughout the establishment,” the inspector reported. “Mouse droppings observed near baited mouse trap in kitchen area, and in storage area … There is an infestation of flying insects observed throughout the facility, including food prep areas, garbage cans, and shelved products.”

The inspector also reported “an excess amount of soiled linen cloth” that sat in the kitchen, unwashed, and observed that multiple flies were hovering in the area. In addition, the dishwashing area and the three-compartment sink for sanitizing dishes were marred by food residue and there was “a strong odor” emanating from the pipes. “Numerous flying insects – flies — were observed in the area,” the inspector reported.

The inspector also observed that the walls were visibly soiled with accumulated food debris as were portions of the floor and shelving inside a reach-in freezer. Trash bins were surrounded by garbage on the ground, and the bins were not covered with lids, attracting insects.

“The garbage has started to decompose, attracting proliferating flies,” the inspector noted.

The kitchen ceiling tiles were heavily stained with grease and smoke, the walls and floors in both the back and front kitchens were visibly soiled, and the retail-store shelves showed an accumulation of dust and debris. The inspector also reported finding several dead insects in the “heavily soiled” retail case where cheese was displayed.

At the conclusion of the inspection, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing took the highly unusual step of ordering Fast Trak to halt all food preparation and halt the sale of all temperature-controlled retail food items “due to the gross unsanitary conditions of food-contact surfaces and ware-washing facilities, soiled cooking equipment and utensils, and excessive refuse in kitchen and storage areas contributing to a pest infestation throughout the facility.”

Citing “severe unsanitary conditions” and the “imminent health hazards present in the facility,” the state’s order suspending the establishment’s food license took effect immediately and remained in place as of Aug. 26, 2024.

Fast Trak had been visited by a state inspector on May 17, at which time the inspector concluded the person in charge was not fulfilling their duties as evidenced by the number of risk-factor violations found at that time.

The inspector found several containers of milk dated April 3, 2024 – six weeks prior to the inspection – inside a cooler, and juice that was dated Aug. 6, 2023. “Coke machine ice dispenser chute in lobby has green, slimy material growing in it,” the inspector reported.

The inspector returned on June 12 and again noted that the person in charge was not fulfilling their duties as evidenced by the number of risk-factor violations that were found. A container of shredded cheese, a block of white cheese, a block of cheddar cheese and a container of black olives were each “adulterated with a mold-like substance,” the inspector reported, adding that one of the three-tiered, open-air display coolers was storing meat and cheese at 44 to 46 degrees, which was too warm to ensure safety. The inspector also reported finding expired mashed potatoes, cheese and olives.

“Coke machine ice dispenser chute in lobby has green, slimy material growing in it,” the inspector reported for the second time.

On July 19, the inspector returned and reported that “employees on site could not answer basic questions regarding food establishment operations.” Again, the inspector concluded the person in charge was not fulfilling their duties as evidenced by the number of risk-factor violations that were found.

A zucchini, a bulk package of raw bacon, two large containers of gravy, and a block of cheddar cheese that was dated April 12, 2023 – a full year before the inspection – were each “adulterated with mold-like substances.”

“Coke machine ice dispenser chute in lobby has green, slimy material growing in it,” the inspector reported for the third time. “Many live and dead flies and gnats were observed in lobby, kitchen, back prep area and ware-washing areas. Hanging, sticky fly traps heavily loaded with dead flies were observed throughout the establishment.”

Holiday Inn Downtown, 1050 6 ^th Ave., Des Moines – During an Aug. 21 visit, a state inspector found numerous food items in kitchen coolers – including sliced melon, pineapple, sliced cheese, cubed cheese, prepared omelet ingredients, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, sliced turkey, prepared deli sandwiches, and an assortment of dressings – that had no date-markings to indicate when they were prepared or had to be discarded. The inspector also found two gallons of milk and one container of heavy cream that were expired and had to be discarded.

In the bar and dining area, the inspector observed “an abundance of gnat/fruit fly-type pests.” Several trays of ready-to-eat bakery items were stored uncovered in an area where they could be contaminated, and a walk-in cooler was marred by a build-up of mold-like debris.

“Facility does not have most recent inspection report posted,” the inspector reported. “Facility does not have licenses posted.”

The visit was in response to a non-illness complaint that was deemed unverified.

Davenport Country Club, 25500 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley – During an Aug. 20 visit, a Scott County inspector noted that the food-prep cooler in the main kitchen was holding food at 50 to 52 degrees rather than 41 degrees or colder. All of the food in the cooler was discarded.  In addition, a small food-prep cooler used to hold deli meats and dressings was holding items at 48 to 50 degrees, resulting in all of the items inside being discarded. In addition, the refrigerated drawers located beneath a flat-top grill were holding food at 43 to 50 degrees, while a residential-style refrigerator was holding food at 45 degrees.

Also, multiple time- and temperature-controlled food products throughout the establishment had been held for longer than the maximum of seven days. The inspector reported finding crème brûlée dated Aug. 9, plantation dressing dated Aug. 11, pork navy bean soup dated Aug. 8, bearnaise aioli dated July 29, lime crema sauce dated July 28, and lemon remoulade dated July 23, which was almost a full month prior to the inspection. The inspector also found expired guacamole, cantaloupe and honeydew melon.

In addition, all three of the food-prep coolers in the main kitchen’s cook line had a buildup of food debris and were in need of additional cleaning. Both the ice machine in the main kitchen and the ice machine in the downstairs kitchen for Mulligan’s had an “accumulation of grime” along the interior deflector shields and required additional cleaning.

“Mouse-like droppings were observed along the edges of the wall in the rear storage area of the concession stand,” the inspector reported.

India Café, 50 W. Burlington St., Fairfield — During an Aug. 16 visit, a state inspector found that not all employees designated as the person in charge were certified food protection managers as required. Also, the inspector concluded the person in charge was not fulfilling their duties related to food safety as evidenced by the violations related to improper cold- and hot-holding of food items, date markings, bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, lack of temperature monitoring, and the  production of yogurt at room temperature without regulatory approval.

“Facility is processing their own yogurt and cheese,” the inspector reported. “The process has not been approved by the department.”

Cooked lentil soup, cooked lamb and cooked chicken were being held outside acceptable temperature ranges and had to be discarded. On the food buffet, a lettuce and tomato mix that was measured at 53 degrees had to be discarded. The inspector also reported finding cooked chicken, spinach, vegetable gravy, baked potatoes, cooked eggplant and rice pudding with no date markings to ensure freshness and safety.

“Several mice droppings observed on the storage racks next to the hand sink,” the inspector reported.

R & C Brazilian Steakhouse, 320 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport – During an Aug. 16 visit, a Scott County inspector reported two cartons of heavy cream in the bar’s reach-in freezer that had been held beyond their “best by” date. The inspector also noted that drink mix, ketchup and a package of blueberries in the walk-in cooler had “an accumulation of a mold-like substance” on them.

In addition, some house-made items such as marinade were held beyond their expiration dates, and the interior of the stainless-steel freezer had an excess buildup of meat juices and ice accumulation. “Mouse-like droppings” were spotted behind dry storage racks, near the back entrance, and along the bar area, the inspector reported.

Casey’s General Store, 1691 53 ^rd St., Davenport – During an Aug. 20 visit, a Scott County inspector found that a cooler in the front of the store was storing food products at 45 to 50 degrees, rather than 41 degrees or colder. All of the food items were discarded. Also, several food items in coolers throughout both kitchens were not dated or properly labeled to ensure freshness and safety.

Several other food items, such as half-gallon containers of milk and cooked chicken, had expired two days before, on Aug. 18. Shelving throughout the pizza- and sandwich-prep kitchens, and the shelving inside the coolers, were marred by excess food debris, and the soda dispensers were marred by an excess buildup of syrup. The store was also thawing pulled pork on the counter at room temperature, resulting in the product being discarded. Also, there was no toilet tissue in one of the bathrooms and access to a staff handwashing sink was obstructed by food cases.

Holiday Inn River Rock Kitchen & Tap, 450 Main St., Dubuque – During an Aug. 7 visit, a City of Dubuque inspector noted that one of the food-preparation refrigerators was “running warm” and was holding diced ham at 51 degrees, cooked sausage at 53 degrees and sliced ham at 47 degrees. The food items were discarded and the refrigerator was taken out of service.  The inspector also found cooked pasta dated July 4, a full month prior to the inspection, cooked clam chowder dated July 27, and cooked chicken wings dated July 29. All of the items were discarded.

Also, the interior of the banquet hall’s ice maker was visibly soiled, and the interior of the walk-in freezer required a more though cleaning to eliminate ice buildup. In addition, the banquet hall floor and the River Rock bar floor required a thorough cleaning.

Hy-Vee Foods, 2200 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport – During an Aug. 7 visit, a Scott County inspector found three small sauce cups filled with shredded cheese inside the food-prep cooler of the Market Grille area. The cheese had a mold-like substance on them – a repeat violation.

In addition, macaroni and cheese in the Market Grille hot-holding unit was measured at 122 degrees and had to be reheated to 165 degrees and then held at a minimum of 135 degrees. This, too, was a repeat violation. The inspector also observed that several products in the Market Grille’s walk-in cooler were above the 41-degree maximum, including pulled chicken, pulled pork, sour cream, chicken salad and mashed potatoes. All of the items had to be discarded.

In addition, the store was holding diced tomatoes, diced ham, pre-cooked sausage, and sliced ham for longer than the maximum of seven days. The inspector reported finding meat sauce in the pizza area that was dated July 23 – another repeat violation.

Also, the sanitizing solution used in the Hy-Chi and Bakery areas didn’t have the minimum amount of sanitizing concentrate, knives in the bakery area were marred by left-over food debris, the walk-in coolers had an excess of dust and debris, and the three-compartment sink used in the Hy-Chi area had a buildup of grease or grime, as did the self-service soda machine in the Market Grille area.

Dutchfix, 621 Franklin St., Pella – During an Aug. 6 visit, a state inspector cited the establishment for placing “cheesecake directly in standing liquid” that had accumulated in the basin of a cooler. The inspector also reported finding “beef balls” that had been prepared on July 20 and which had to be discarded. In addition, the dishwashing machine was operating with no detectable level of sanitizing solution, and the soda nozzles on the self-serve soda fountain were marred by a buildup of debris.