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:
SONIC DRIVE IN – WHITE HALL, 8601 Dollarway Road, White Hall. Date of inspection May 2. Observed some containers of food in the reach in freezer being stored uncovered during the inspection. Except during cooling, food shall be stored in packages, covered containers, or wrappers. Containers of food were covered during the inspection. Observed a leak in the hand washing sink by the ice machines. The leak should be repaired. Observed trash cans containing food residue being stored uncovered when not in continuous use. Trash cans containing food residue should be kept covered when not in continuous use. Some flooring in the kitchen and the walk in freezer are unclean. Clean the physical facilities as often as necessary to keep them clean. Observed an accumulation of food debris on the vent hood. Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials.
RICK’S QUICK STOP, 6000 W. Barraque St. Date of inspectin May 2. Observed some used wiping cloths being stored on the counter tops between use. Wiping cloths shall be used as intended and in compliance with Regulations pertaining to Retail Food establishment. Observed an accumulation of liquid and food waste on the inside bottom of the pizza prep cooler. Nonfood contact surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
THOMAS GROCERY AND GIFTS, 2003 N. University Suite 7. Date of inspection May 5. 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. Observed wiping cloths laying on counter top. Wiping cloths shall be used as intended and in compliance with Regulations pertaining to Retail Food establishment. Wiping cloths were removed during time of inspection.
CASA WOMEN SHELTER, 1113 State St. Date of inspection May 9. Observed some food in the refrigerators that is not dated. Food prepared and held for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold or discarded for a maximum of 7 days. Observed several insects on and by the kitchen window and in the dry storage. 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. Observed damaged cabinets in the kitchen area. Non-food contact surfaces shall be free of unnecessary ledges, projections, and crevices, and designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and to facilitate maintenance. Observed two sinks for ware washing in the kitchen. A sink with at least 3 compartments shall be provided for manually washing, rinsing, and sanitizing equipment and utensils. Observed a table top fryer on the counter not under ventilation. If necessary to keep rooms free of excessive heat, steam, condensation, vapors, obnoxious odors, smoke, and fumes mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICE-ST. PETERS, 1515 S. State St. Date of follow-up inspection May 13. The toddler C1 refrigerator is not being used.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICE-ST. PETERS, 1515 S. State St. Date of inspection May 9. Milk (45 degrees F) in the silver double door reach in refrigerator and cheese (53 degrees F) in the toddler C1 refrigerator 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. The cheese was discarded during the inspection and the employee explained that she was trying to adjust the temperature because it was reading 20 degrees F yesterday. Food should not be placed in that refrigerator until it is able to hold food at 41 degrees F or below.