The Arkansas Department of Health regulates the sale of food at establishments which include restaurants, bars, daycares, schools, grocery stores, convenience stores, bed and breakfast facilities, hotels/motels, mobile units and concession stands. Inspections are made unannounced by environmental health specialists.
Electronic copies of retail food inspection reports are available on the Arkansas Food Inspection Portal. To access the portal, visit the food protection page on the Arkansas Department of Health website at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
The following are the results of food safety inspections conducted by the Jefferson County Health Unit:
• LA ESTRELLITA TIENDA MEXICANA, 28th Ave., RODRIGO CANO. Date of inspection Jan. 16. Hand-washing sink was blocked. A hand-washing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use, and do not use for purposes other than hand washing. Items was removed from hand washing sink.
• SNACK-N-SHOP, 10900 Highway 270. Date of inspection Jan. 16. Observed raw bacon sitting on shelf in reach in refrigerator above sliced cheese. Raw bacon should be stored below ready-to-eat foods. Raw bacon was moved to bottom shelf during inspection. Cripito (124 degrees F) was out of safe temperature range. Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) Foods shall be kept hot at a temperature of 135.0°F or above, as measured by an internal probe thermometer, to limit bacterial growth. Food contents of hot box was discarded during inspection. Observed opened container of pizza sauce in refrigerator held for more than 24 hours with no date marking. Opened commercial containers held for more than 24 hours should be date marked and discarded after 7 days. Pizza sauce was discarded during inspection. Observed raw chicken being thawed sitting on the counter top. Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) Food shall be thawed (A) Under refrigeration that maintains the FOOD temperature at 41°F or less, (B) Completely submerged under running water 70°F or less with enough velocity to float off loose particles down the drain and maintains the food above 41°F, or (C) as part of the cooking process. Raw chicken was placed in refrigerator during inspection. No test strips observed in establishment. Test strips must be available and used to test the strength of chemical sanitizing solutions. Two compartment sink noted in establishment. Three compartment sink needed for properly washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes. Some ceiling tiles in establishment are damaged and need to be replaced.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR, 1419 Pine St. Date of inspection Jan. 15. End caps missing from two light shields in preparation. Replace caps. Fryer not under vent system. See Arkansas HVAC regulations for vent hood systems.
• LAUGH N LEARN CHILDCARE CENTER, 2100 S. Blake St. Date of inspection Jan. 15. Observed milk sitting in sink to thaw with no running water. Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) Food shall be thawed (A) Under refrigeration that maintains the FOOD temperature at 41°F or less, (B) Completely submerged under running water 70°F or less with enough velocity to float off loose particles down the drain and maintains the food above 41°F, or (C) as part of the cooking process. Restroom door does not have a self closure on it. Restroom door should be self closing. Observed standing water on floor by refrigerator in kitchen. Standing water should be cleaned.
• T’S PLACE, 3714 Camden Road. Date of inspection into complaint Jan. 27. No violations observed during time of inspection.
• SAHARA SHRINE CENTER, 820 S. Main St. Date of inspection Jan. 15. No test strips observed in establishment. Test strips must be available and used to test the strength of chemical sanitizing solutions. Bottom of reach in refrigerator has liquid waste at the bottom of it and needs to be cleaned.