How Merced County businesses fared in latest food inspections. See here

Four Merced County businesses evaluated by Merced County Division of Environmental Health inspectors received a rating of “good” while two businesses received a rating of “satisfactory,” during the latest round of inspections from Sept. 23-26.

Violations that are observed by inspectors can range in severity from minor to major. Major violations are “violations that are very likely to get people sick” and those violations must be corrected immediately, otherwise the business or portions of the business must close until the issue is corrected, according to the Merced County Division of Environmental Health.

The violations health inspectors deem minor, are “violations that are likely to get people sick but does not require the location to close,” according to the Merced County Division of Environmental Health. If a business is found to have failed an inspection, a reinspection is required to take place at a later date.

The Division of Environmental Health inspectors record a “good” rating if a business receives zero to six violation points during an inspection. Businesses that accumulate seven to 13 points receive a rating of “satisfactory,” while businesses that accumulate 14 violation points or greater, receive a rating of “unsatisfactory.”

The latest businesses inspected include:

Target, located at 1405 W. Pacheco Blvd. In Los Banos received a rating of “good” with zero violation points on Sept. 23.

Pizza Hut, located inside Target at 1405 W. Pacheco Blvd. in Los Banos received a rating of “good” with zero violation points on Sept. 23.

Subway Sandwiches, located at 1200 W. Olive Ave. in Merced, received a rating of “good” with zero violation points on Sept. 24.

Little Ceasars Pizza, located at 3250 N. G St. in Merced, received a rating of “satisfactory” with eight violation points on Sept. 24.

• During the visit, an inspector observed debris that had accumulated at the bottom of the refrigerator door strips. They also noticed the strips laying on top of racks of food. The door strips are to be kept clean or removed. 
• Neither temperature nor time control was used on the uncooked pizza. Pizza and other potentially hazardous foods are to be kept under time or temperature control. The inspector noted that the uncooked pizzas were placed under time control. 

El Asadero Taco Shop, located at 3532 N. G St. in Merced, received a rating of “good” with five violation points on Sept. 24.

• An inspector observed a can opener which had an accumulation of food debris on the blade. The can opener, specifically the blade, is to be washed every four hours after use. 
• A pot was stored in front of a hand wash station. The hand wash station is to be kept clear. 
• The inspector observed wiping towels that were not kept in sanitizer. Towels are to be kept in sanitizer. The inspector noted that this was corrected during the inspection.

Coldstone Creamery, located at 431 W. Main Street in Merced, received a rating of “satisfactory” with 13 violation points on Sept. 26.

• Bananas were observed to be stored at room temperature. Bananas are a potentially hazardous food and should be stored under 41 degrees Fahrenheit after being cut or under time control. Bananas out of temp more than 10 degrees were removed. 
• Used and dry sanitizer towels were observed hanging from the handwashing sink. Sanitizer towels should be stored in sanitizer solution or stored in laundry storage when soiled. The inspector noted that the facility removed the towels at the time of the inspection.
• Frosting tubes full of frosting with tips attached were stored after use in a walk in unit. The tips are considered food equipment and should be removed and sanitized in between use and ever four hours. The inspector noted that the facility removed the tips and washed them. 
• The facility had test strips for chlorine while using a quat sanitizer. The inspector noted the facility should ensure they have correct test strips at all times.
• Plumbing attached to ice cream dipper well was leaking when on. 
• Light bulb cover missing in walk in unit.
• The inspector noted that a non commercial grade cake decoration machine in a back office was to be removed.
• A countertop freezer was observed to have a buildup of grime and debris.
• Grime buildup was observed on sealant of topping freezer. 
• Frosted cake inside door of standalone freezer was observed to have ice flakes on top of the icing. The inspector noted that ice flakes are a contaminant that make contact with non food surfaces not regularly sanitized before touching food. The inspector noted that the ice flakes were removed during the inspection. 

In some instances, problems found by an inspector can be fixed at the time of the inspection. In other instances, violations that an inspector deems to be more serious may result in the closure of the business at the time of inspection.

The inspection results represent a snapshot of conditions that were observed by health inspectors at the time of their visit and may not indicate a pattern of either good or bad safety practices.

The Merced County Division of Environmental Health maintains a database of restaurant and food inspections, which can be found online at the Merced County Environmental Health website.