Greenwich health department inspectors find numerous violations
GREENWICH — Health inspectors found improperly labeled chemicals, flypaper hanging over a wash rack and improperly heated food items at a number of local restaurants during the second quarter of 2022, according to town records.
In the 85 restaurants inspected by town officials in April, May and June, few major food-safety problems were reported, and no fines or warnings were issued.
Overall, most restaurants were rated in the upper 80s and 90s in the recent inspection period.
On a scale of 100, a score of 80 is considered a failing mark that requires immediate corrections, and no restaurants fell below that mark in the more recent quarter. Serious violations, valued at 4 points — which involve food temperature and handling, as well as hand cleaning and sanitation — also require immediate correction.
At Pasta Vera on Greenwich Avenue, two fourpoint violations were recorded by an inspector from the Greenwich Health Department. A total score of 82 was reached there.
According to the inspection report, a chemical was not properly labeled, and a sauce was held at 68 degrees, above the required temperature of 45 degrees. The inspection report also noted dirty
shelves, dirty equipment, a lack of hair restraints among kitchen workers and food containers stored on the floor.
Thai Basil on Railroad Avenue was cited for a number of lesser violations for a total score of 86. An inspector found flies present in the kitchen, dirty food-contact surfaces, food not properly thawed, dirty walls and reuse of singleuse items.
At Tengda on Field Point Avenue, two fourpoint violations were noted by an inspector. The report stated that fly paper was found over a wash rack, and rice was held at
a lower-than-allowed temperature. In addition, the report stated, there were flies in the kitchen, and no soap and towels were present at a hand sink. Improper mop storage was also cited, for a total score of 87.
Messages left at Pasta Vera, Thai Basil and Tengda seeking comment were not returned.
According to the town director of environmental services, Michael Long, a health inspector typically follows up with restaurants that receive fourpoint violations, for a reinspection. Although Pasta Vera and Tengda both
failed their inspections, that did not happen in the past quarter. “The inspector should have performed a reinspection but was unable to return to the facility prior to the end of the quarter due to other duties,” Long said in an email.
Thai Basil did not receive any four-point violations and did not require a re-inspection, according to the health official.
In addition, inspectors found poor flooring, dirty food-contact surfaces and a lack of hair restraints among workers at a number of other restaurants in the community.