13 Restaurants in Albany County with Serious Health Code Violations!
Albany County health inspectors found several local restaurants with multiple or critical violations during their routine checks. The list includes popular eateries and food establishments, some of which had critical health code issues.
Violations like inadequate refrigeration, dirty surfaces, and pest control problems were among the main concerns. Let’s break down the 13 restaurants that faced these health code violations in Albany County.
1. South Pearl Coffee Shop (265 South Pearl Street, Albany)
One of the notable violators, South Pearl Coffee Shop, faced several critical health issues, including improper refrigerated storage. Their food wasn’t kept below the required temperature of 45°F, a critical factor in preventing foodborne illnesses.
In addition, accurate thermometers were not available, making it difficult to ensure safe storage. The restaurant also had non-food contact surfaces that were not clean or well-maintained, alongside improper pesticide application.
Key Violations:
- Critical: Refrigeration equipment not operating properly
- Inaccurate thermometers
- Pesticide application not supervised
2. West Wok Chinese Restaurant (392 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont)
West Wok Chinese Restaurant had multiple violations regarding food safety. Food was improperly stored and not protected from contamination. Additionally, their plumbing and restroom facilities were in poor condition, posing sanitation concerns for both employees and customers.
Key Violations:
- Food storage violations
- Inadequate plumbing and toilet facilities
- Improper food preparation techniques
3. Ship’s Pub (360 Northern Boulevard, Albany)
At Ship’s Pub, inspectors found multiple violations relating to food safety, such as improperly stored food and unsanitary equipment. Moreover, inadequate handwashing facilities posed a significant threat to hygiene.
Key Violations:
- Food contact surfaces not properly cleaned
- Non-food contact surfaces in poor condition
- Plumbing and ventilation issues
4. Glenmont Job Corps Center (822 River Road, Glenmont)
This facility was cited for inadequate protection of food during preparation and storage. Additionally, the center had issues with handwashing facilities, which were found to be inaccessible or not working correctly.
Key Violations:
- Inadequate handwashing facilities
- Improper food storage techniques
5. Shining Rainbow Restaurant (209 Central Avenue, Albany)
At Shining Rainbow Restaurant, several issues were highlighted, including improper pesticide application and unsanitary conditions. The premises were also cluttered with unnecessary equipment, which created additional hygiene concerns.
Key Violations:
- Improper pesticide usage
- Unsanitary and cluttered premises
6. Sparc-Albany (64 Second Avenue, Albany)
Sparc-Albany was found to have unclean non-food contact surfaces and inadequate handwashing facilities. These violations pose risks to both employees and customers, as cleanliness is critical in food service operations.
Key Violations:
- Unclean surfaces
- Inadequate handwashing facilities
7. Burger King #466 (1480 Western Avenue, Albany)
This Burger King location faced citations for improper temperature control in food storage, as well as general cleanliness issues related to non-food contact surfaces.
Key Violations:
- Inaccurate temperature controls
- Dirty floors, walls, and ceilings
8. Albany Country Club (300 Wormer Road, Voorheesville)
Albany Country Club was cited for the presence of insects and rodents, which are critical health concerns in any food service establishment.
Key Violations:
- Presence of pests
- Dirty and poorly maintained surfaces
9. Mamoun’s Café (206 Washington Avenue, Albany)
Mamoun’s Café was found lacking in their manual cleaning techniques, which could lead to unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the establishment failed to meet the requirements for displaying safety posters.
Key Violations:
- Inadequate cleaning techniques
- Missing safety training materials
10. Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse (1553 Central Avenue, Albany)
Delmonico faced several violations, including improper storage of food utensils and the use of inaccurate thermometers for checking food temperatures.
Key Violations:
- Improper utensil storage
- Inaccurate thermometers
11. Taco Bell (56 Wolf Road, Albany)
At this Taco Bell location, inspectors found issues with handwashing facilities and the cleanliness of the floors, walls, and ceilings.
Key Violations:
- Inadequate handwashing facilities
- Dirty and improperly maintained surfaces
12. Paesan’s Pizza (289 Ontario Street, Albany)
Paesan’s Pizza was cited for improper food protection, inadequate cleaning techniques, and poor ventilation.
Key Violations:
- Improper food storage
- Poor ventilation and lighting
13. Van’s Vietnamese Restaurant (307 Central Avenue, Albany)
Van’s Vietnamese Restaurant had one of the most extensive lists of violations, including critical temperature control issues for potentially hazardous foods. Inspectors also noted inadequate handwashing facilities and the presence of pests.
Key Violations:
- Critical: Temperature control for hazardous foods
- Inadequate handwashing facilities
- Pest control issues
Conclusion
Restaurants need to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety. The violations found in these establishments can pose serious health risks to customers. As Albany County continues its inspections, residents should stay informed about which restaurants meet the necessary health requirements.