By Lubbock’s recent health inspections have revealed significant sanitation issues at Tech Cafe, ranking it as the week’s lowest performer. Out of approximately 60 kitchens inspected, Tech Cafe at 1524 50th Street stood out with 23 violations, raising concerns among local health authorities and patrons alike.
Alarming Violation Details
Tech Cafe’s inspection uncovered several critical health breaches that could pose serious risks to customers. Among the most concerning violations were:
- Cooked sausage patties not reaching the required 135 degrees.
- Raw hamburger patties stored above ready-to-eat cheese.
- Raw chicken placed above ready-to-eat beans.
- A visibly dirty meat slicer.
These infractions highlight a lack of proper food handling and storage protocols, which are essential in preventing foodborne illnesses.
Comprehensive List of Violations
In addition to the major concerns, Tech Cafe faced a range of other violations that compounded their poor inspection results:
- Sanitizer solution was too strong with no available testing strips.
- Use of household-approved pesticide on a rack.
- Absence of paper towels in the women’s restroom.
- No certified food manager present during the inspection.
- Missing food handler certifications for employees.
- Heavy ice accumulation in the reach-in freezer.
- Improper storage of measuring scoops in bulk flour storage.
- Unsealed hand sink and three-compartment sink.
- Reuse of single-use cardboard and foil to cover shelves.
- Excessive yellow fat buildup behind the grill and fryer.
- Grease and debris accumulation on vent covers.
- Damaged reach-in freezer lid.
- Employee personal drinks stored on clean wares rack.
- Lack of visible certified food manager certification.
- Missing handwashing reminder signs in the men’s restroom.
- Unrepaired walk-in cooler.
These issues not only violate health codes but also jeopardize the safety and trust of customers.
Swift Remediation Efforts
Despite the extensive list of violations, the report indicates that most issues were addressed and corrected during the inspection. Health inspectors worked with the management to ensure immediate compliance with health standards, aiming to prevent future infractions and safeguard public health.
Celebrating Excellence: Top Performers of the Week
While Tech Cafe faced significant challenges, several establishments excelled in their health inspections, earning top marks for their cleanliness and adherence to safety standards. This week’s top performers include:
- Sonic Drive-In 4401 4th
- Five Guys Burgers & Fries at 4410 19th
- Beehive Nutrition at 4445 34th
- Texas Mac Shack (Food truck)
- River Smith’s Catering
- YaYa’s Place (Food truck)
These businesses set a high standard for hygiene and operational excellence, serving as benchmarks for others in the community.