Tulare County restaurants: What health inspectors found in September

Each month, the Visalia Times-Delta lets you know which Tulare County restaurants aced inspections, as well as which ones need to make improvements.

Tulare County's best restaurant inspections

The following four restaurants met all standards during their September inspections and no violations were found. Their scores are considered perfect.

• Applebee’s Grill & Bar, 3400 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
• McDonald’s, 1310 E. Bardsley Ave., Tulare
• Mylos, 1249 E. El Monte Way, Dinuba
• Applebee’s Grill & Bar, 5325 W. Ave. de Los Robles, Visalia

Tulare County restaurants that did not pass inspection

These 11 restaurants were found to have violations:

La Fiesta Burgers, 2839 E. Noble Ave., Visalia – Routine inspection on Sept. 3. Inspection Score: 89.

Violations:

• Several items within the Blue Air three-door refrigerator and the prep table/refrigerator that had been left over from the night before were above 41°F: raw fish (44°F), batter (44°F), guacamole (56°F), tomato (47°F), beans (43°F), and shredded white cheese (47°F).
• Water was measured at less than 100°F at handwashing sink or below 110°F at manual utensil wash area. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed sponges used in contact with cleaned or sanitized or in-use food contact surfaces. (Corrected on site.)
• Handwashing sink and three-compartment sink observed with active leaks when in use.
• Observed prep/refrigeration table with unhinged lid.
• Observed three-door Blue Air refrigerator with water pooling at bottom of unit.
• Observed lack of mesh screens on walk-up windows.
• An approved air curtain or fly fan must be installed above the delivery door.
• Observed lack of approved coving throughout the entire food prep area of facility and bathroom floor.
• Observed deteriorating tile flooring behind cooking equipment at corner of facility.

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Stacked Bar & Grill, 531 E. Main, Visalia – Routine inspection on Sept. 4. Inspection Score: 87.

Violations:

• Several items in the central bar see-thru refrigerator were observed at approximately 53°F and, per operator, may have been left out overnight. (Corrected on site.)
• Food has been removed from temperature control and has not been marked to indicate when it should no longer be sold. (Operator properly discarded.)
• Food is not being cooled properly.
• Water was measured at less than 100°F at handwashing sink or below 110°F at manual utensil wash area.
• Observed lack of hot water in handwashing sink farthest from stalls in women’s restroom at approximately 80°F.
• Observed nozzle hose for beer dispensers touching consumer ice. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed Ansul fire suppression tag to be certified on a semi-annual basis last certified in October 2023.
• Observed active leak when women’s restroom sink that is farthest from stalls is in use.
• Observed lack of metal probe thermometer for measuring food temperatures on site and in use during hours of operation as the facility holds potentially hazardous food.
• Observed in floor sink next to walk-in refrigerator a lack of air gap for several drainage pipes.

Masaru’s, 5131 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia – Complaint investigation and routine inspection on Sept. 5. Complaint could not be validated at time of inspection and was abated. Inspection Score: 81.

Violations:

• Observed lack of proof that a current employee of this establishment holds a food safety manager class certificate that is no more than five years old.
• Observed lack of food handler cards for all required staff.
• Food (miso soup and steamed rice) has been removed from temperature control and has not been marked to indicate when it should no longer be sold. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed raw sliced beef in walk-in refrigerator at approximately 50°F. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed scoop handles buried in dry food storage container (flour).
• Observed unlabeled gray bins used to store flour.
• Observed handles and faucets of equipment with an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
• Observed Master-Bilt two-door freezer with food debris on lowest rack within unit.
• Level of sanitizer in final rinse and/or sanitizer solution is not satisfactory.
• An approved air curtain or fly fan must be installed above the delivery door.
• Observed an out-of-service refrigerator.
• Observed lack of metal probe thermometer for measuring food temperatures on site and in use during hours of operation as the facility holds potentially hazardous food.
• Observed walk-in refrigerator not properly working.
• Observed sponges used in contact with cleaned or sanitized or in-use food contact surfaces.
• Observed lack of air gap near the soda dispenser floor sink.
• Observed deteriorated/exposed concrete floor and deteriorated unapproved cove base throughout food prep area, dry food storage area, janitorial area, and bathroom.
• Observed chipped wall paint in corner of food prep table and corner of janitorial area.
• Observed dusty fans in the walk-in refrigerator.
• Observed food/dust/grease debris under all cooking equipment, under refrigeration units, under storage racks, and around perimeter of cove base around food prep area.
• Observed dirty wall under food prep sink and wall across three-compartment sink.
• Observed food splatter on ceiling.
• Observed sticky dining room floor.

Alejandra’s Restaurant, 449 E. Pine Ave., Exeter – Routine inspection on Sept. 9. Inspection Score: 89.

Violations:

• Observed level of sanitizing solution below the minimum required during final rinse of the dish machine.
• Observed expired food safety manager certificate.
• Observed two containers of refried beans with internal temperatures measuring between 67-68°F in the three-door upright refrigerator.
• Observed uncovered food in the two-door preparation refrigerator, the glass sliding-door refrigerator, and the salsa container found in the front counter.
• Observed a container of salsa stored with ice in the front counter area.
• Observed raw chicken stored above cooked food inside the one-door upright freezer.
• Observed grime build-up below the charbroiler and griddle.
• Observed significant ice build-up inside the rear one-door upright freezer.
• The K-rated fire extinguisher is past due for inspection.
• Observed ice machine door in disrepair.
• Observed grime accumulation on kitchen exhaust hood, and the hood is lacking up-to-date cleaning service.

Exeter Whistle Stop, 401 E. Pine St., Suite B, Exeter – Routine inspection on Sept. 9. Inspection Score: 87.

Violations:

• Observed expired food safety manager certificate.
• Observed missing paper towel dispensers at front handwash sink.
• Observed seasoned butter on counter with internal temperature of 68°F and not being stored at the required holding temperature. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed water at front handwashing sink measuring 86°F.
• Observed water at janitorial sink measuring 86°F.
• Observed ground beef thawing on kitchen countertop.
• Observed grime build-up on the frying baskets, microwave, and below the burners and griddle.
• Observed paper and foil liner being used as shelf liner.
• Observed interior thermometer missing from the True glass refrigerator, rear and front under-counter refrigerators, and the two-door preparation refrigerator.
• Observed improper storage/sanitization of wiping cloths.

Neverias El Sabor de Michoacan, 901 E. Bardsley Ave., Tulare – Routine inspection on Sept. 9. Inspection Score: 89.

Violations:

• Observed expired food handler and food safety manager certificates.
• Observed internal temperatures of nacho cheese at 101°F and corn at 131°F.
• Observed several watermelons stored on the floor in the back kitchen.
• Observed several boxes of mangos and several ice cream containers stored on the floor in the walk-in refrigerator.
• Observed several ice cream bars with no labeling.
• Observed the following unapproved equipment at the front counter: three blenders (one Oster and two Black+Decker), Aroma crockpot, and Milate shaved ice machine.
• Observed mangos prepared at three-compartment sink.
• Observed no broom/mop holder installed.

New China Restaurant, 325 W. Olive Ave., Porterville – Routine inspection on Sept. 17. Inspection Score: 85.

Violations:

• Observed lack of handsoap in dispenser adjacent to restroom handwash sink.
• Observed lack of paper towels in paper towel dispenser above the three-compartment sink adjacent to warewash machine. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed potentially hazardous foods not being held at the correct cold-holding temperatures in True sliding-door upright refrigerator: sliced onion at 48°F and cooked shrimp at 49°F.
• Observed internal temperature of sushi roll at buffet self-service station measuring at 64°F. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed one live black insect on surface adjacent to food preparation sink faucets.
• Observed multiple containers of shrimp and crab uncovered in walk-in cooler.
• Observed build-up of grease and food debris along the surface of wok station cook line.
• Observed severe grease build-up on hood ventilation system panels.
• Observed ambient air temperature of True sliding-door upright refrigerator at 48°F. (Corrected on site.)

Rosa’s Pizzeria, 314 S. Johnson St., Visalia – Routine inspection on Sept. 17. Inspection Score: 84.

Violations:

• Observed lack of proof that a current employee of this establishment holds a food safety manager class certificate that is no more than five years old.
• Food employees are unable to demonstrate food safety knowledge practices applicable to their assigned duties.
• There is a lack of required mounted handsoap and paper towel dispensers at the handwash stations.
• Observed several items (half-and-half, white sauce, ranch, chicken stock, blue cheese, Glenview Farms dairy products, egg, and tomatoes) between 41°F and 52°F in the walk-in refrigerator. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed sticky/grimy/dusty bottle containers and faucet in bar area.
• Observed sticky baking equipment, handles under shelves, and corners of food prepping equipment.
• Observed two-door refrigerator with leak pooling in bottom rack.
• Observed leaks from walk-in refrigerator elastic plumbing.
• Observed drain line extending into floor sink.
• Observed three discharging pipes underneath the three-compartment sink inside the floor sink.
• Observed deteriorated and non-uniform flooring, and unapproved cove base underneath the food prep sink area, three-compartment sink area, dishwasher area, and prep table between the three-compartment and prep sinks.
• Observed deteriorated coving behind oven.
• Observed deteriorated walls and ceiling with holes in water heater area.
• Observed deteriorated wooden flooring, walls, ceiling, and cove base in walk-in refrigerator.
• Men’s and women’s restrooms do not have approved cove base.
• Observed deteriorated wall by lockers in dry storage area.
• No coving observed behind freezers in freezer area.
• Observed deteriorated flooring and cove base in bar area.
• Observed food debris and trash accumulation on floors, under refrigeration and cooking equipment, under shelf racks, and in low-traffic areas.
• Observed ceiling in food prep area with grease accumulation near dusty fans by delivery door entrance, all the way across to dry storage room near the water heater storage room.
• Observed all-brick horizontal food storage surfaces dusty, along with the food condiments stored above it.
• Observed stained walls throughout food prep areas.
• Observed dusty restroom vents and dusty walk-in fan vents and ceiling area, as well as dusty vents throughout facility by air flow devices.
• Observed dusty/greasy fan near delivery door entrance.

Velascos Mexican Food, 123 W. Main St., Visalia – Routine inspection on Sept. 23. Inspection Score: 85.

Violations:

• Observed lack of proof that a current employee of this establishment holds a food safety manager class certificate that is no more than five years old.
• Food employees are unable to demonstrate food safety knowledge practices applicable to their assigned duties.
• Food is not being cooled properly. Observed menudo at 100°F.
• Water was measured at less than 100°F at handwashing sink or below 110°F at manual utensil wash area.
• Observed lack of hot water at bar three-compartment sink. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed lack of hot water at servers’ handwashing station.
• Observed unapproved scoop within unlabeled food container.
• Observed food stored directly on the floor in walk-in refrigerator (at least two five-gallon buckets of prepped menudo).
• Observed white condiment unlabeled next to cooking equipment.
• Observed leaking food prep and three-compartment sink.
• Observed medicine and first aid kit inside hot-holding unit.
• Observed chipped tile in food prep and dishwashing area of facility, as well as lack of approved coving.
• Observed lack of approved coving in both men’s and women’s restrooms, a slightly deteriorated wooden men’s restroom door, and unapproved ceiling panels in the women’s restroom.
• Observed slightly chipped tile in servers’ area.
• Observed food debris/trash accumulation on floors.
• Observed food debris/grease on shelf behind cooking equipment.
• Observed dusty fan above the dishwasher.
• Observed dusty ventilation in men’s restroom.
• Observed lack of handwashing sink at bar.

Tacos Melaque, 405 W. Sweet, Visalia – Complaint investigation and routine inspection on Sept. 24. Inspection Score: 68.

Violations:

• Observed form on refrigerator indicating at least eight employees were missing food handler cards. Verified at least two of those employees were missing food handler cards.
• Food employees are unable to demonstrate food safety knowledge practices applicable to their assigned duties.
• Observed two metal strainer bowls with approximately 15 pounds of prewashed tripe meat (stacked one on top of the other) resting on three-compartment sink drainboard. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed cashier handling paper money and then subsequently preparing (aguas frescas) drinks for the customer.
• The handwash sink hot water faucet was inaccessible to inspector due to inability to easily open. (Corrected on site – but as a result of the loosened hot water valve, there was a continuously flowing leak from the faucet.)
• Several food items observed were not within the appropriate temperature ranges: cooked chicken (43°F), red salsa (125°F), cabeza (145°F), tripe (122°F), carne asada (120°F), green salsa (125°F), rice (120°F), beans (70°F), and green chilis (50°F).
• Observed approximately 20 pounds of carne asada in a metal bowl container saran-wrapped and not properly marked to be reheated with an ambient temperature of 120°F. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed several items in refrigeration units not being properly cooled, including one pot of dense cabeza.
• Observed on prep table (under hood) a tilted griddle being used to cook tripe dripping cooking oil/food debris onto bacon stored in refrigerator two undercompartments below.
• Observed lack of market logo on receipt #074060 provided to Tacos Melaque.
• Observed several refrigerator handles and faucet handles with food/dust/grease debris.
• Observed actively leaking food prep sink and handwashing sink in front kitchen.
• Observed unapproved wooden tortilla presser in the preparation area.
• Observed lack of Ansul tag attached to Ansul fire suppression system lever.
• Observed not all refrigeration units had affixed thermometers inside.
• Observed in dry storage room, lack of approved coving near four refrigerators and lack of approved ceiling above them.
• In walk-in refrigerator, observed exposed concrete cracks.
• Observed dusty ventilation fan in restrooms.

SP’s Burgers, 100 S. Church St., Visalia – Routine inspection on Sept. 25. Inspection Score: 89.

Violations:

• Observed ground beef and shredded chicken compartments at approximately 125°F. (Corrected on site.)
• Observed ambient temperature of “salsa containers” refrigerator at approximately 50°F.
• Observed approximately ten partially open one-gallon containers of First Street brand syrup concentrate and approximately a dozen smaller containers also partially full. (Corrected on site.)
• Lid cover for True single-door freezer and True two-door refrigerator observed missing.
• Observed sponges used in contact with cleaned or sanitized or in-use food contact surfaces.
• Facility has run out of approved disinfectant. Chlorine bleach used is for laundry.
• Observed dusty hood system lid and baffle filters.
• Observed restroom farthest from the register without cove base.
• In restroom farthest from cash register, observed discharge drain at least one inch above handwashing sink.

Keep in mind as you read

Remember some of the violations noted are technical issues not directly linked to hygiene or cleanliness. Broken refrigerators, chipped tiles, or missing paperwork may be included among the violations because they can be linked to germs, injury, or awareness.

For full restaurant inspection details, visit the Tulare County Division of Environmental Health's restaurant inspections score website here .

How to report suspected health violations in Tulare County

If you notice violations of state standards, you can file an online complaint here .

Critical risk factors inspectors look for range of factors, from a demonstration of knowledge, like possessing a food handlers certificate, to protection from contamination by keeping contact surfaces sanitized and clean.

Other things inspectors look at include employee health and hygienic practices, preventing contamination by hand, time and temperature relationships, food from approved sources, and more.

Some of the items inspectors check for are weighed more heavily than others, usually anywhere between two to four points.

Disclaimer: These inspection reports are from the Tulare County Retail Food Inspection Program, which inspects retail food facilities to ensure safe food handling practices, proper sanitation, and compliance with the California Health and Safety Code within the county.

Please note that follow-up inspections may not be included here.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Tulare County restaurants: What health inspectors found in September