Every day, diners across the country enjoy meals at their favorite restaurants, but recent health inspections are raising alarms about food safety at local eateries. According to data gathered from inspections conducted over the past year, some surprising establishments have been flagged for serious health code violations.
Across New Milford and Gaylordsville, inspectors from the Housatonic Valley Health District have been busy. Between July 6, 2023, and July 13, 2024, they conducted inspections at approximately 103 establishments, out of which 13 faced citations due to at least one priority item violation. This staggering number has many patrons questioning the safety of their local dining experience.
The new health inspection system, implemented statewide last February, has brought some change to how violations are categorized. Under this system, violations are split between priority, priority foundation, and core items, based on the level of risk they pose to public health. For example, priority item violations are those relating to food temperatures and sanitation, which require immediate action. These violations must be corrected within 72 hours, whereas priority foundation items allow 10 days for correction, and core items have 90 days.
Among the restaurants receiving scrutiny, Tandoori Flames at 471 Danbury Road stood out with the most significant number of violations. Its May 19 inspection uncovered two priority item violations, coupled with four priority foundation items and 28 core violations. It also faced five repeat risk factor and public health intervention violations, plus 12 instances of not following good retail practices. Such findings paint a concerning picture for one of the area's popular dining spots.
Manager Vinjith Vikaram of Tandoori Flames responded quickly to the report. “Within two days, I fixed it and called them to let them know,” Vikaram assured, highlighting the urgency with which he sought to address the violations.
But Tandoori Flames isn’t alone. Several other eateries also found themselves on the list, citing violations related to improper food separation, lack of temperature control, and inappropriate display of toxic substances. For example, Made in Brazil Market at 221 Danbury Road, New Country Deli Store, Royal Buffet, and Soho Pizza were just some of the establishments noted for failing to separate and protect food correctly or for toxic substances being improperly identified.
For restaurants like Bravo Pizza, located at 358 Danbury Road, issues also revolved around the handling of chemicals. They were cited for not properly storing and identifying toxic substances. Meanwhile, Gaylordsville Diner and outlets such as Momma's Tacos received attention for similar missteps.
Across the state, particularly alarming health inspection reports have surfaced from the city of Abilene. Recent inspections released by the Environmental Health Division revealed startling findings as well. On one recent inspection, Larry's Better Burger received just 89 points out of 100, failing to meet basic sanitation standards. Violations included the presence of poisonous materials like insecticides stored improperly and issues with cross-contamination.
Comparison to New Milford shows the commonality of health infractions. At The Mill, violations included not properly marking food expiration dates, which poses significant risks to food safety. Meanwhile, Taco Bueno and Little Panda, both popular spots, saw their fair share of infractions on food handling protocols.
These violations serve as reminders of the importance of public health and food safety practices. Frequent inspections are key to preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses, and health departments are urging restaurants to stay vigilant and improve their compliance as regulations evolve. Restaurants must not only comply but also proactively address any issues before inspections occur.
Step aside from the unfortunate violations story, it is also worth noting those establishments achieving perfect scores. For example, places like AISD Center Catering, Clack Middle School and Natural Grocers consistently met the strict criteria by the inspectors, showing the potential for excellence within the restaurant industry.
To address the failures, restaurants can implement staff training programs on food safety practices and the importance of maintaining clean environments. Such initiatives can not only help improve inspection scores but also build trust with customers who are increasingly concerned about where their food is coming from.
Community members are encouraged to pay attention to inspection reports released by health authorities. This transparency ensures patrons are well-informed about the places they choose to dine, allowing them to make educated decisions about their food choices.
Indeed, the ability for diners to be aware of regulations may amplify pressure for restaurants to uphold cleanliness and safety standards. This knowledge can empower community members, as they insist on accountability from business owners. The rise of acutely aware consumers could potentially mean only the safety-first establishments remain standing, forcing others to either raise their standards or risk losing patrons.
While the results of inspections can be disheartening for some, particularly those who frequent the establishments plagued by violations, it’s important to see the bright side. Health department efforts and public scrutiny play pivotal roles in improving food safety protocols and eliminating poor practices. Any initiative aimed at cleaning up the industry could lead to positive changes for all players involved— establishments, patrons, and health inspectors alike.
Shortcomings reflected within these inspections are not only about what's occurring behind the scenes but also resonate with the fundamental principle of public health. Consumers must advocate for their own dining experiences, pushing for higher standards achieved through improved education, experience, and accountability.
