Local restaurants have a week to meet health standards
CONNELLSVILLE – Three city eateries have not met with inspection standards and are being given one week to bring the facilities into compliance, according to health department officials. City health officer Rita Bornstein informed the board of health on Monday that the restaurants would continue to be permitted to serve food pending a second inspection.
“This happens once in awhile,” said Bornstein.
Board president Loretta Lint declined to identify the places of business, location or owners stating that the information is confidential while the owners or managers make the requested improvements.
In all cases, said Bornstein, the infractions were tied to the cleanliness of the food preparation areas within the sites.
“In one place, there was a piece of equipment that was not cleaned,” she said.
Lint indicated in one establishment an uncovered garbage can was not being stored in an appropriate area.
As health officer, Bornstein is required to inspect each business that prepares, serves or sells food to the public.
“We look at everything,” she said. “We look to see if the temperature of the water is where it should be; we check ventilation systems or if they are complying with regulations about wearing a hairnet or hat.”
The list includes cleanliness of food storage areas prior to and after preparation, equipment used to prepare the food, the condition of rest rooms and dining areas.
The inspections also include bars, service stations, grocery stores and clubs that prepare foods for sale to their members or patrons. Daycare centers that prepare and serve food are also subject to inspection by the city health officer.
All businesses are required to meet code standards in order to secure a license to operate.
Each site, said Bornstein, is inspected a minimum of three times each year to determine if they are complying with regulations.
She declined to reveal if the three have a past history of not meeting the guidelines.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve had to close a restaurant down and I really don’t think this is going to be the case in these particular instances,” said Bornstein.