HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Food safety inspections conducted across Washington County in October found violations involving improper food temperatures, pest activity, sanitation, food storage and equipment maintenance at restaurants, grocery stores, schools and other food service facilities.
The inspections included comprehensive reviews, complaint investigations, ownership-change inspections and follow-up visits. Several establishments corrected violations during inspections or demonstrated improvements during subsequent visits.
Among the findings were live cockroaches at a Smithsburg restaurant, improperly stored shellfish at a Hagerstown buffet, food held at unsafe temperatures and refrigeration equipment requiring repairs.
The inspections were conducted under Maryland’s food safety regulations, COMAR 10.15.03. Critical violations must be corrected immediately, while good retail practice violations generally must be corrected within 30 days or according to an approved compliance schedule.
Establishments with critical food safety violations
China Buffet
1041 Maryland Ave., Hagerstown
Comprehensive and complaint inspection: Oct. 15
Inspectors found several critical violations involving food temperatures, food sources and protection against contamination.
Mussels and shrimp on a buffet were held below the required minimum hot-holding temperature of 135 degrees and were discarded. A cake containing perishable icing was also discarded because of improper temperature control.
Inspectors questioned whether shellfish obtained from a supplier came from an approved source and found that required shellfish identification tags were not being retained.
Other violations included frozen meat thawing in standing water, food stored directly on floors, raw foods stored above ready-to-eat products and uncovered food containers.
Inspectors also found food stored near cleaning supplies, blocked hand-washing sinks, damaged cutting boards, refrigeration equipment requiring repairs and missing food labels.
Additional findings included a damaged rear-door screen, plumbing leaks, dirty floor drains and employees without required hair restraints.
The inspector determined that the specific complaint about improper hot holding was invalid, although separate temperature violations were documented during the inspection.
A follow-up inspection was scheduled for Nov. 16.
Bon Appetit
991 Maryland Ave., Hagerstown
Complaint inspection: Oct. 5; re-inspection: Oct. 16
Inspectors found several foods held above the required maximum cold-holding temperature of 41 degrees, including butter at 50.1 degrees, chicken wings at 49.1 degrees and cheese at 45.3 degrees.
A hot-held sauce measured 86 degrees, below the required minimum of 135 degrees.
Other findings included improper food storage, unlabeled containers, pizza boxes stored on the floor, a ventilation hood requiring cleaning and the absence of an approved food safety plan on file.
Inspectors also documented that a complaint involving pest activity was valid.
During the Oct. 16 re-inspection, inspectors reported that most violations had been corrected and no critical violations were observed.
Ventilation hood cleaning and a covered restroom trash receptacle remained outstanding. Inspectors requested photographic confirmation of the hood cleaning.
Walmart No. 2790
10420 Walmart Drive, Hagerstown
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 7
Inspectors identified a critical hot-holding violation involving prepared foods.
Green beans measured 123 degrees, mashed potatoes 120 degrees and gravy 118 degrees, below the required minimum of 135 degrees.
The establishment was instructed to increase hot-holding temperatures, and the gravy was discarded.
Other findings included missing thermometers, food boxes stored on walk-in cooler floors, door sweeps requiring replacement for pest prevention and a plumbing air-gap issue.
Ben’s BBQ — Pennsylvania Dutch Market
1583 Potomac Ave., Hagerstown
Change-of-ownership inspection: Oct. 14
Inspectors found butter at 44 degrees and milk at 45 degrees in a refrigeration unit, above the required maximum of 41 degrees.
The establishment was instructed to service the unit.
Other violations included missing sanitizer test strips, an unlabeled three-compartment sink, a leaking hand-washing sink, improperly labeled food containers and equipment requiring cleaning or repair.
Inspectors also noted a damaged cutting board, freezer ice buildup and a walk-in refrigerator gasket requiring replacement.
A follow-up inspection was scheduled for Oct. 28.
El Ranchero II
1481 Wesel Blvd., Hagerstown
Re-inspections: Oct. 1 and Oct. 7
During an Oct. 1 re-inspection, inspectors found that most violations from a Sept. 17 inspection had been corrected, but a food preparation refrigeration unit was still not maintaining the required temperature.
Food held above safe temperatures for less than four hours was moved to a walk-in refrigerator for cooling. Food held at improper temperatures for longer than four hours was discarded.
Inspectors also observed two live cockroaches, although the report described pest activity as significantly improved following treatment.
Other outstanding violations involved hand-washing sinks, missing signs, unlabeled food containers and plumbing.
During the Oct. 7 re-inspection, inspectors reported that the refrigeration unit had been serviced again and was maintaining proper temperatures.
The floor-drain plumbing issue had also been repaired.
Some labeling and hand-washing signs remained outstanding, but inspectors indicated that no further follow-up was required.
Leitersburg Tavern
21400 Leiter St., Hagerstown
Re-inspection: Oct. 20
Inspectors found that most violations from an Aug. 21 inspection had been corrected.
However, a walk-in refrigerator remained above the required cold-holding temperature. Milk and juice were moved to another refrigerator for cooling.
Other outstanding issues included missing thermometers, hand-washing signs, food safety documentation and the use of Styrofoam containers.
The critical refrigeration violation was corrected during the inspection process. The inspector subsequently received photographic confirmation on Oct. 21 that the walk-in refrigerator had reached the required temperature.
Throttles Sports Bar & Grill
236 Cumberland St., Clear Spring
Re-inspection: Oct. 26
Inspectors found blue-gray growth on sliced lemons stored in a refrigerated preparation unit that was not maintaining the required temperature.
The affected lemons were discarded during the inspection.
The report stated that the refrigeration unit needed to be repaired, replaced or removed within 30 days.
Inspectors also found that the establishment’s food safety plan required updating. The person in charge completed a plan during the visit for health department review.
The critical violation involving the adulterated lemons was corrected on-site, but another follow-up inspection was required.
Trackside Kitchen
48 S. Main St., Smithsburg
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 20
Inspectors documented critical violations involving hot and cold holding temperatures and food protection.
A refrigerated preparation unit and a refrigerated display case were not maintaining required temperatures. Inspectors also found hot-held vegetables, rice, cream corn and biscuit gravy below required temperatures.
Additional findings included eggs stored above butter, potatoes stored on the floor, unsealed packages of frozen food and unlabeled food containers.
Inspectors also noted significant freezer ice buildup, dirty refrigeration gaskets, missing sanitizer test strips and an approved food safety plan that was not available on-site.
Potomac River Grill
4 Blue Hill, Hancock
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 30
Inspectors documented a critical cold-holding violation involving pie slices in a refrigerated display case that was not maintaining the required temperature.
The person in charge was instructed to limit the amount of pie displayed and rotate products within four hours until the equipment could be repaired or replaced.
Other findings included raw meat stored above other foods, improperly labeled meats, unsealed frozen foods and food products stored on the floor.
Inspectors also found detergent, sanitizing chemicals and medications stored near food or food-contact surfaces.
Personal belongings and a cellphone were observed on food preparation surfaces. A hand-washing sink in the salad preparation area was nonfunctional and being used for storage.
Additional violations involved missing thermometers and excessive ice buildup in a freezer.
Rocky’s New York Pizza
907 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 27
Inspectors found a refrigerated preparation unit operating above the required temperature.
Affected foods that had been above safe temperatures for less than four hours were moved to a walk-in refrigerator for cooling.
Other findings included excessive ice buildup in a freezer, a broken freezer handle, grease accumulation on the ventilation hood, missing hand-washing signs and an unlabeled three-compartment sink.
Inspectors also observed employees without proper hair restraints and an uncovered personal beverage in the food preparation area.
The establishment did not have an approved food safety plan on-site.
The inspector reported no unusual or discolored microbial growth and described the facility as generally clean and orderly.
Vince’s New York Pizza
9 S. Main St., Smithsburg
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 22
Inspectors observed live cockroaches in the kitchen and warewashing areas. According to the report, the establishment did not have pest control service at the time of inspection.
Other violations included food stored directly on floors, food stored near cleaning chemicals, uncovered food products, missing labels and improperly stored eggs.
Inspectors also found dirty cooking equipment, damaged cutting boards, soiled floor drains and refrigeration equipment requiring maintenance.
A cheese sauce was held below the required hot-holding temperature. The heating unit was adjusted, correcting the violation during the inspection.
Additional findings included missing hand-washing supplies, employees without hair restraints and children briefly present in the food preparation area.
A follow-up inspection was scheduled for Nov. 23.
Wilson Old Country Store
14921 Rufus Wilson Road, Clear Spring
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 26
Inspectors found a refrigeration unit that was not maintaining the required maximum temperature of 41 degrees.
Potentially hazardous foods stored in the unit for more than four hours were discarded.
Inspectors also observed cheese with grayish growth, which was discarded during the inspection.
Other findings included food products stored on floors, eggs stored above apple cider, inadequate food labeling and refrigeration equipment requiring cleaning.
The establishment was also instructed to obtain sanitizer test strips, provide thermometers and submit a required food safety plan.
Inspectors found potentially hazardous food samples displayed without refrigeration and instructed the person in charge to replace the samples at appropriate intervals.
A follow-up inspection was scheduled for Nov. 18.
Fountaindale Elementary School
901 Northern Ave., Hagerstown
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 30
Inspectors found cold-held food items on a serving line above acceptable temperatures.
The report directed that the affected items be discarded.
Inspectors also found a freezer with a leak and ice buildup inside the unit.
The cold-holding violation was classified as critical.
Establishments with other violations or follow-up findings
Burger King No. 1186
503 Dual Highway, Hagerstown
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 14; re-inspection: Oct. 29
The original inspection identified violations involving food storage, employee hygiene, plumbing, freezer maintenance and food safety documentation.
An employee was observed handling ready-to-eat onion rings and french fries with bare hands.
Other findings included uncovered food, dirty refrigeration gaskets, freezer ice buildup and an improperly positioned drain hose.
During the Oct. 29 re-inspection, inspectors reported that all violations had been corrected.
No critical violations were observed, and no further follow-up was required.
Hummus Mediterranean Grill
11205 John F. Kennedy Drive, Hagerstown
Re-inspection: Oct. 13
Inspectors reported that most violations from a Sept. 24 inspection had been corrected.
Outstanding issues included a freezer requiring defrosting and an approved food safety plan.
Inspectors also found no measurable sanitizer in a three-compartment sink after repeated attempts to operate the sanitizing system.
The establishment was instructed to repair the system and use an approved alternative sanitizing method until repairs were completed.
No critical violations were observed during the re-inspection.
Nutter’s Ice Cream
100 E. Main St., Sharpsburg
Re-inspection: Oct. 6
Inspectors reported that most violations from a Sept. 29 inspection had been corrected.
Remaining issues included the need for manual thermometers and pest control treatment.
Pest control service was scheduled for Oct. 8, according to the person in charge.
Inspectors observed no critical violations or adulterated food products during the re-inspection.
The report noted that ice cream toppings were being properly refrigerated or rotated according to a four-hour schedule.
BuddyLou’s Eats, Drinks & Antiques
11 E. Main St., Hancock
Re-inspection: Oct. 19
Inspectors found that most violations from an Aug. 14 inspection had been corrected.
Remaining issues included damaged refrigeration gaskets, insufficient hot water at a hand-washing sink, a dishwasher requiring repairs and an ice cream scoop dipping well that needed further evaluation.
Hot water at a downstairs hand-washing sink measured 83.3 degrees after running for one minute.
Inspectors also found no measurable sanitizer after running the dishwasher twice.
The establishment was using a three-compartment sink for sanitizing while awaiting dishwasher repairs.
No critical violations were observed, but another follow-up was required.
Triangle Restaurant
200 E. Main St., Hancock
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 19
Inspectors observed an employee handling ready-to-eat vegetables with bare hands while preparing tacos.
Other findings included food stored on the floor, unsealed frozen foods, unlabeled containers and unidentified blue liquids stored in the kitchen and bar.
Several refrigeration and freezer units were nonfunctional or required maintenance. Inspectors also noted damaged floor tiles, freezer ice buildup and an ice machine that was not operating.
The establishment did not have an approved food safety plan on-site.
Inspectors recorded acceptable temperatures in the walk-in refrigerator and documented sanitizer readings for the dishwasher and three-compartment sink.
Main Street Skateland
17333 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown
Comprehensive and complaint inspection: Oct. 5
Inspectors found unlabeled condiment containers, damaged refrigeration gaskets, excessive freezer ice buildup and residue requiring cleaning on an ice machine.
Other violations included a missing hand-washing sign, an uncovered restroom trash can and improper mop storage.
However, inspectors reported that food-contact surfaces, tables and restrooms were clean and in good repair.
The inspector found no excessive dirt or trash and marked the complaint invalid.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews
17301 Valley Mall Road, Hagerstown
Change-of-ownership inspection: Oct. 21
Inspectors identified an improper plumbing air gap below an ice machine at a server station.
They also found significant dark residue buildup in a mop sink that required deep cleaning.
The report indicated that a new permit could be issued.
No critical violations were documented.
The Salvation Army
525 George St., Hagerstown
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 22
Inspectors found a refrigerator operating at 50 degrees, although the report stated that only beverages and bottled water were stored inside.
Other findings included eggs stored improperly, an unlabeled three-compartment sink, dirty drains and a missing food safety plan.
The establishment was instructed to address the equipment and sanitation concerns.
Boyd J. Michael III Technical High School
50 W. Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 23
Inspectors found undated food in a walk-in refrigerator, ice buildup beneath a freezer condenser and standing water beneath dish racks.
Walk-in cooler doors were not self-closing, although the equipment was maintaining acceptable temperatures. Replacement parts had been ordered.
The ventilation hood also required servicing.
No critical violations were recorded.
InnovatED Learning Center
40 W. Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 27
Inspectors observed dead crickets, crumbs and dirt on the floor of a walk-in refrigeration area.
The finding was classified as a physical facility maintenance and cleanliness violation.
No critical food safety violations were recorded.
Western Heights Middle School
1300 Marshall St., Hagerstown
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 29
Inspectors observed ice buildup in a walk-in freezer and a reach-in refrigerator.
A hand-washing sink near the ovens was not providing adequate water flow. Inspectors recommended checking the faucet aerator.
The report noted that a maintenance work order had been submitted for the freezer.
No critical violations were recorded.
Weis Markets No. 178
700 Chase Six Blvd., Boonsboro
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 26
Inspectors documented a hot-holding violation and instructed the establishment to service a hot-holding unit.
Other findings included missing manual thermometers, a three-compartment sink requiring cleaning, a toilet fixture requiring tightening and maintenance issues involving a bakery walk-in freezer.
Inspectors also noted that a freezer unit had ice buildup and required defrosting or repair.
The cleaning of a floor or facility area was marked corrected during the inspection.
Stratosphere Social
10313 Annett Drive, Hagerstown
Pre-opening inspection: Oct. 14
Inspectors documented several items requiring attention, including caulking around a mop sink, hot-water availability, hand-washing signs, a fire marshal approval sticker and thermometers for refrigeration equipment.
The report also noted that a door hinge and door sweep required attention.
Inspectors indicated that the establishment had not yet set up chemical sanitizing equipment for the dishwashing unit and would need to demonstrate proper sanitizer concentration.
Several corrections were marked on the inspection form.
Establishments with no critical violations recorded
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts
7 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown
Comprehensive inspection: Oct. 28
Inspectors recorded no critical violations or good retail practice violations.
The report included observations of sanitizer concentration, dishwasher temperature and ventilation hood service information.
Cirque Italia II
Temporary food service operation
Inspection: Oct. 23
Inspectors identified missing labels on warewashing sinks and a sink that leaked while running.
Hot water was available at the sinks, and the establishment was using public water and commercially purchased ice.
The inspector issued a permit and indicated that the operation was approved to open.
