News Summary
Recent health inspections in the Kansas City area revealed a range of critical health violations in various dining establishments, including restaurants and gas stations. Issues ranged from improper food storage to unsanitary conditions, resulting in some locations being forced to close or voluntarily cease operations. Notable establishments mentioned for violations include La Fuente Mexican Street Food and Joy Wok. While some restaurants successfully resolved their issues, others, like Aqua Penny’s, faced serious complaints without follow-up inspections. Local residents are encouraged to check public inspection reports to stay informed on food safety.
Kansas City Area Restaurants Face Multiple Health Violations
Health inspectors in the Kansas City area uncovered numerous violations during recent inspections conducted in the last week of June. Various dining establishments, ranging from sit-down restaurants to gas stations and cafeterias, were cited for serious infractions that raised concerns about food safety.
During the inspections from June 22 to June 28, several restaurants garnered critical attention, with some being forced to shut down or voluntarily cease operations. Violations included improper food storage, unsanitary conditions, and failure to maintain necessary food-safety protocols. The Kansas City Health Department oversees food inspections in the city, while the Kansas Department of Agriculture manages the process in Kansas. The results of these inspections are mandated to be made public, allowing patrons to make informed decisions about where to dine.
Among the establishments cited, La Fuente Mexican Street Food was found storing raw beef in a plastic “thank you” bag. In addition, around 20% of its equipment, utensils, and surfaces showed signs of food debris or soil. Joy Wok, located in Waldo, faced critical violations with black buildup in its ice machine, and containers of various meats were not maintained at safe cold temperatures, which left two serious issues unresolved during a follow-up inspection.
In Leawood, Aqua Penny’s was cited for having mold on roasted bell peppers and hummus, along with 15 expired food items, including miso paste that was over three months old. Notably, no follow-up inspection was scheduled for this establishment. Meanwhile, Viva Tacos and Tequila in Olathe did not have running water in its handwashing sink, with a similar lack of follow-up inspection.
Joy Wok in Northland faced its own set of issues, including green mold on a sauce bucket lid and leaking prep sinks, still retaining two critical violations after a follow-up inspection on July 2. The Big Biscuit in Shawnee found water dripping into an open bag of spinach and had failed to remove a dead mouse from a trap, all without subsequent inspection.
Additionally, 888 International Market was flagged for having flies in salted jellyfish and for not keeping the necessary food-safety records. This establishment did not have a scheduled follow-up inspection. Dos Reales was reported to have “black slime” on a soda nozzle, and it similarly lacks documentation of a follow-up inspection.
On a more positive note, the Antioch Bar and Grill corrected all issues found during its inspection and passed subsequent checks, demonstrating compliance with health standards. District Fish and Pasta, however, had employees without food handler cards and multiple buildup problems, which resulted in four critical violations remaining after a follow-up inspection.
Some restaurants connected to a ghost kitchen faced severe consequences, with seven permits suspended due to inactivity. Amruta Vilas on Wheels was closed due to lacking a refrigerator and not having hot water at the handwashing sink. In contrast, Tacos El Viejon was allowed to reopen after resolving pest issues. Big D was shut down because it had no hot water at the deli in addition to unpaid city fees, with a follow-up inspection conducted on June 30.
Kansas City and Kansas residents are encouraged to access online inspection reports to stay informed about the food safety practices of their local dining options. Maintaining food safety and cleanliness remains a top priority as the inspections reveal both serious violations and successful rectifications by local establishments. As summer progresses, it is crucial for restaurants in the area to uphold safe practices to protect the health of their patrons.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Star: Health Violations Article 1
- Wikipedia: Health Inspection
- MSN: Health Violations and Inspections
- Google Search: Restaurant Food Safety Practices
- Kansas City Star: Health Violations Article 2
- Google Scholar: Health Violations in Restaurants
- Kansas.com: Restaurant Violations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant Safety
- Kansas City Star: Health Inspections Article
- Google News: Restaurant Health 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.
