The following restaurant inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Dept. from Dec. 6 through Dec. 19:

Taqueria El Merendero

708 S. Front St., Pink Hill

Score: 97.5

Inspection date: 12/6

Observations:

No certified food protection manager present

Hot dogs were open on 11/16/18 - potentially hazardous

Food in freezer stored in grocery bags - not approved for food storage

Vent in hallway, back of ice machine, shelving where single-service platters are stored need additional cleaning

Restroom door self-closures not working properly - need to be repaired/replaced

Wendy's

2409 N. Herritage St., Kinston

Score: 93

Inspection date: 12/10

Observations:

Employee went from sanitizing area and dishwashing to cooking burgers without washing hands

Sanitizer in three-compartment sink and in wiping cloth buckets was not strong enough

Wet wiping cloths laying on counters/tables - shall be stored in sanitizer between uses

Dishes stacked wet - let dishes air dry completely before stacking

Clean chili pans stored under chili warmers - potential for contamination

Bottom of reach-in, outside of equipment and vents above three-compartment need additional cleaning - repeat violation

Dumpster lid left open

Falling Creek Service Center

5744 U.S. 70 West, La Grange

Score: 92

Inspection date: 12/13

Observations:

No certified food protection manager present

Employee changed task from raw food to cooked food without washing hands

Pork shoulder stored in chicken bin (raw) - stock food according to final cook temperature in cold storage

Grits from day before were 56F - food shall be cooled down from 135F to 70F in two hours and 70F to 45F or less in four hours

Bottom of freezer needs additional cleaning

Dumpster lid is open

Baron and the Beef

1631 U.S. 70 East, Kinston

Score: 97

Inspection date: 12/13

Observations:

Rice, stuffed potato mix and pasta salad was not date marked

Employee was preparing food without hat or hairnet and beard guard

Gasket on glass door reach-in is tearing 

Shelf above knives and front of flap in ice machine needs additional cleaning

UNC Lenoir Healthcare

100 Airport Road, Kinston

Score: 95

Inspection date: 12/19

Observations:

No soap available at hand sink beside large ice machine

Taco meat cooked day before was 47F - shall be cooled from 135F ro 70F in two hours and from 70F to 45F or less in four hours

Yogurt in air curtain and cheese on self-serve line were above 48F - should be 45F or less

Air curtain needs to be repaired

Dishes were stacked wet

Bottom of reach-ins, area under self-service line, carts and top of dish machine need additional cleaning - repeat violation

No covered trash can provided in women's restroom

Floors and walls need additional cleaning behind and under equipment

Joe Jones Superette and Tire Service

1617 N.C. 11/55, Kinston

Score: 95.5

Inspection date: 12/19

Observations:

No certified food protection manager present

Chili at top of pot was 130F - ensure hot holding is at least 135F

Employee  prepped food without hat or hairnet

Domestic refrigerator and freezers used - equipment must be commercial grade

Men's restroom does not have enough light - needs 20 footcandles of light