By Kameko Marquez
The Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department is intensifying its efforts to protect public health following multiple complaints linking foodborne illnesses to unpermitted food vendor Taqueria Zempoal.
On Friday, Dec. 27, the department issued a press release warning the public about the risks of purchasing meals from unlicensed vendors.
The announcement came after a series of public health social media infographics and findings from December inspections of permitted food establishments, which revealed compliance gaps in several operations.
Recurring issues included improper handwashing, inadequate food worker card compliance and unsafe food holding temperatures — major factors contributing to foodborne illnesses, particularly amid the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 's reported rise of norovirus cases.
Inspection report findings
Thurston County warns against buying food on social media, noting home kitchens are not permitted or inspected. Food worker cards apply only to licensed establishments.
Photo courtesy of Thurston County Public Health and Social Services
Several permitted establishments were flagged for deficiencies related to the same health concerns raised by the county’s warning about Taqueria Zempoal.
Red violations are high-risk factors directly linked to foodborne illness. Below are detailed findings of red violations reported in December:
Improper handwashing practices
Improper handwashing is a lapse in hygiene that contributes to foodborne illnesses by transferring pathogens to food and surfaces.
- Bollywood Burrito & Bowl (Dec. 26): Employees failed to wash their hands before wearing gloves. The person in charge (PIC) was instructed on proper handwashing protocols, and corrective action was taken on-site.
- Subway – Yelm Highway SE (Dec. 18): Staff did not meet handwashing requirements, with sinks providing water for less than the required 15 seconds. Violations were labeled as repeat offenses.
Expired or missing food worker cards
Missing or expired certifications directly impact an establishment’s ability to meet food safety protocols.
- Rocket #0695 (Dec. 26): Inspectors noted the absence of food worker cards on-site, emphasizing that all employees must have valid certifications readily available.
- Papa Murphy’s Take 'N' Bake Pizza (Dec. 26): Both the Marvin Road NE and Sleater-Kinney Road locations faced similar issues, with management directed to implement a verification system to prevent future lapses.
- Fresh Pho (Dec. 19): Most food worker cards expired or were missing. Inspectors stressed the importance of securing compliance to maintain food safety standards.
Improper food holding temperatures
Improper food holding temperatures are among the major contributors to foodborne illnesses due to bacterial growth.
- Fresh Pho (Dec. 19): Received 80 points for multiple temperature violations, including improperly cooled pork and hot foods below the minimum 135°F. Immediate corrective actions included reheating and proper storage adjustments.
- Uptown Grill (Dec. 16): Accrued 85 points due to issues like soup held at 120°F and raw salmon stored improperly at 45°F. The establishment was required to reheat or discard improperly held food and adjust cold storage practices.
- McDonald’s – Pacific Avenue SE (Dec. 17): TCS foods, such as lettuce and sliced tomatoes, were held above 41°F, and hot foods like meatballs were below 135°F. This was a repeat violation, requiring urgent corrective measures.
Additional violations
Sanitation issues:
- Happy Teriyaki III (Dec. 24): In-use chlorine sanitizer was either unavailable or improperly concentrated. PIC was directed to prepare and monitor sanitizer levels.
- Emperor’s Palace (Dec. 19): Visible mold was found inside an ice machine, and sanitizing solutions were improperly diluted, earning the restaurant 20 points.
Permit noncompliance
- Rocket #0695 (Dec. 26): Added unapproved equipment without updating permits. The vendor was required to submit revised floor plans and food flow processes within two weeks.
- Punjabi Boy Indian Cuisine (Dec. 9): Accrued 35 points for operating without a certified food protection manager and failing to maintain updated operational plans.
Health officials encourage residents to report unlicensed food vendors to Thurston County Food Services via email or phone at 360-867-2667.
They also urge the public to support permitted establishments that comply with food safety regulations.
KatAshe
I was just reading an article today in the Seattle Times about the city beginning is issue health report cards to be posted on mobile food vendors as they already do for fixed sites. Perhaps Thurston county should consider do this. It would discourage unregistered food vendors from selling.
Seattle using a smiley face with 5 grades to be posted by restaurant entry’s. Los Angeles has used a letter grade posting for decades. These placards must be visible from the street.
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Report this
cappers
So glad I read this. We got a Papa Murphys take n bake today. Yikes.
We ate half before seeing this article. Will b throwing out the rest...
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Report this
MyronM
Thurston County NEEDS to implement a grading system that the restaurants HAVE to Display on the Door or ordering window. The system would alert the public to code violations. It shouldn't be on the public to find and research the restaurant for compliance,. North Carolina use a grading system such as A, B, C.
Friday, January 10 Report this