The Arkansas Department of Health oversees food safety in many places like restaurants, schools, and grocery stores. They conduct unannounced inspections by trained environmental health specialists to ensure compliance with health standards.
Recent inspection reports can be found online at the Arkansas Food Inspection Portal. For more details, check the food protection section on the Arkansas Department of Health website at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
Here’s a quick look at some recent inspections:
United Food & Gas Inc. in White Hall had an inspection on July 23. An employee with management responsibilities failed to be a certified food protection manager. The inspector found improper storage of cleaning cloths and dirty floors, suggesting a need for more frequent cleaning.
Tutor U Learning Center, also inspected on July 23, faced the same issue with management certification for food safety.
Taco Bell had a complaint inspection on July 23 but showed no violations. The manager emphasized proper cleaning protocols for tea containers.
Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen was cited for food being stored at unsafe temperatures. Chicken and bacon were recorded at temperatures above what is considered safe. The inspector advised discarding the food and suggested maintenance for their cooling system. Additionally, the kitchen was noted to have residue in non-food contact areas, which violates cleanliness standards.
Hope Empowerment Center had the same certification issue during their inspection on July 23.
Subway faced issues with thawing methods during their July 24 inspection, while Chef Lee had multiple follow-up inspections revealing unsafe food temperatures. Meals like sausage and chicken were recorded below safe levels, prompting calls for increased oversight and better food handling protocols.
Across these establishments, a common thread is the necessity for certified food managers. According to a 2021 study by the CDC, certified managers can reduce foodborne illnesses significantly. Proper training and adherence to health guidelines can protect both customers and staff.
Understanding these inspection reports helps the community stay informed about food safety. Recent trends on social media show heightened awareness about food safety due to the rise in foodborne illness cases nationwide. When dining out or ordering in, knowing local establishments are regulated helps build trust in food safety practices.
