News Summary
Recent health inspections revealed alarming food safety violations in multiple restaurants and grocery stores in Kansas City and Johnson County. Significant issues included improper food handling practices, inadequate refrigeration, and pest infestations. The inspections highlighted the disparity in compliance levels, as no violations were reported in Wyandotte County. Notable establishments faced immediate corrective actions, underscoring the importance of maintaining food safety standards to protect public health.
Kansas City – Health inspections conducted between June 29 and July 5 in Kansas City and Johnson County have revealed significant food safety violations at numerous restaurants and grocery stores. The inspections, which are mandated by health regulations, focus on ensuring public health and safety through proper food handling practices.
During this inspection period, a number of dining establishments, including sit-down restaurants, drive-thrus, gas stations, and grocery outlets, were found to have serious violations. Several establishments recorded seven or more critical violations, necessitating immediate corrective actions. Notably, no restaurants in Wyandotte County crossed this threshold during the same timeframe, highlighting a sharp contrast in compliance levels across the area.
The Kansas City Health Department is responsible for enforcing food safety codes, while the Kansas Department of Agriculture oversees inspections in Kansas. The inspections aim to safeguard the public by ensuring that all food establishments are compliant with established safety standards.
Among the notable establishments cited, Chosun Korean BBQ in Overland Park faced issues with three coolers being too warm. This defect resulted in the disposal of 21 items, including raw meat and seafood. Additionally, inspectors reported broken utensils and moldy ice machines at the venue.
Ball’s Price Chopper in Olathe also reported deficiencies, as its deli cooler was insufficiently cold, leading to the disposal of over 30 food items, such as rotisserie chicken and old brisket. Similarly, at 888 International Market, inspectors discovered two open containers of ricotta cheese leaking onto store shelves, presenting a potential food contamination risk.
The Brew Top bar and grill, also located in Overland Park, had been cited for the presence of ants and winged insects in liquor bottles, along with mold found growing on lemons in the cooler. Additionally, La Fresca, a crepe and ice cream shop in Olathe, was reported to be lacking a required handwashing sink in the kitchen prep area, and staff were not using sanitizer when washing dishes, which is critical for preventing cross-contamination.
In contrast, Minsky’s Pizzeria in River Market successfully received a follow-up inspection after correcting all previously identified violations, indicating responsiveness to safety concerns. However, the situation was not as favorable for Tacos El Viejon in Olathe, which was found to have live cockroaches in the kitchen, yet managed to reopen after a follow-up inspection confirmed pest elimination.
Other establishments faced different issues. The East Side corner store was shut down for lacking hot water and accumulating unpaid city fees, with an uncertain status regarding its reopening. Big Biscuit in Shawnee reported a dead mouse in a trap and water issues in the walk-in freezer, prompting inspectors to flag this location for critical health concerns. Joy Wok also showed significant operational deficiencies, including inadequate cooling in its refrigerated units and mold problems, although some violations were rectified after further inspections.
District Fish and Pasta faced several cleanliness issues, with employees without valid food handler cards, and multiple violations remained uncorrected following a follow-up inspection. The overall assessment of these establishments underscores the importance of regular health inspections and proactive compliance with food safety regulations.
In conclusion, the current health inspection results indicate a pressing need for improvement in food safety practices among various food establishments in the Kansas City and Johnson County areas. The follow-up inspections that are mandated aim to ensure that establishments promptly address and rectify cited violations, as inspection reports are publicly available online for community review.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Star: Article 1
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Kansas City Star: Article 2
- Google Search: Restaurant Health Inspections
- Kansas City Star: Article 3
- Google Scholar: Food Safety Regulations
- MSN: Restaurant Inspections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety
- MSN: Live Roaches Inspection
- Google News: Kansas City Restaurant Inspections
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
