The Arkansas Department of Health regulates the sale of food at establishments that include restaurants, bars, day cares, 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.
Here are recent reports:
SANDY’S – PINE BLUFF, 3404 Camden Road, Ste 4. Date of opening inspection March 4. Establishment is okay to operate.
BIG RED TRAVEL PLAZA, 8110 Sheridan Road, White Hall. Date of inspection Feb. 12. Observed several containers of food being stored uncovered in the refrigerator and storage shelves. Except during cooling, food shall be stored in packages, covered containers, or wrappers. Containers of food were covered during the inspection. The meat slicer is visibly soiled. EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be clean to sight and touch. The meat slicer was cleaned during the inspection. Cheese (52 degrees F) in the small open face cooler is out of safe temperature range. Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) Foods shall be kept cold at a temperature of 41.0°F or below, as measured by an internal probe thermometer, to limit bacterial growth. Cheese and other food products in the open face cooler were pulled during the inspection. The manager said that it is a new cooler that was not adjusted yet and they would dispose of the food in it and readjust it to keep the foods at 41 degrees F or below. Observed containers, packages, and boxes of food being stored directly on the floor. Food shall be protected from contamination by storing in a clean dry location where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination and at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed straws being stored in a cup without any protective coverings or in any other way to prevent contamination by the consumer. Straws must be stored in the original package and in a manner that prevents contamination. The shelving in the kitchen near the fryers are visibly soiled with food debris. Nonfood contact surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Observed trash cans containing food residue being stored uncovered when not in continuous use. Trash cans containing food residue should be covered when not in continuous use. The floors in the kitchen, especially under the shelving and equipment, have visible debris on them. Clean the physical facilities as often as necessary to keep them clean.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
BIG RED EXPRESS, 8110 Sheridan Road, White Hall. Date of inspection Feb. 12. Observed some straws beings stored outside of individual packages and in a way where contamination could occur. Must be stored in original package and in a manner that prevents contamination. Observed some spillage under the cabinets holding soda for dispenser. Nonfood contact surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
THE CHILDREN’S PALACE INC, 908 S. Cherry St. Date of inspection Feb. 13. At least one EMPLOYEE that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control FOOD preparation and service shall be a certified FOOD protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an ACCREDITED PROGRAM.
LITTLE FIREHOUSE DAYCARE, 2911 W. 13th Ave. Date of inspection Feb. 13. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink. Must have a sign or poster that notifies food workers to wash their hands at all handwashing sinks used by food workers and shall be clearly visible to food workers. Hand washing sign was placed at hand washing sink during time of inspection. Observed improper thawing method. TCS foods shall be thawed using an approved method. Milk was placed in cooler during time of inspection.
FAMILY DOLLAR, 1169 W. 16th Ave. Date of inspection into complaint Feb. 28. Observation: Observed evidence of rodents in store. Corrective Action: Maintain the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to eliminate their presence on the PREMISES by (A) Routinely inspecting incoming shipments of FOOD and supplies; (B) Routinely inspecting the PREMISES for evidence of pests; (C) Using methods, if pests are found, such as trapping devices or other means of pest control and (D) Eliminating harborage conditions. Observation: Observed ceiling tiles damaged in facility. Corrective Action: The PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be maintained in good repair.
FAMILY DOLLAR, 1169 W. 16th Ave. Date of follow-up inspection March 4. Observation: Corrective Action: Maintain the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to eliminate their presence on the PREMISES by (A) Routinely inspecting incoming shipments of FOOD and supplies; (B) Routinely inspecting the PREMISES for evidence of pests; (C) Using methods, if pests are found, such as trapping devices or other means of pest control and (D) Eliminating harborage conditions.