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27 Health Code Violations Found At Fredericksburg Eatery: Report

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. tions-found-at-fredericksburg-eatery-report.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 13:04 GMT by Patch
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Fredericksburg Eatery Faces 27 Health Code Violations, City Health Department Issues Notice

A recent inspection by the Fredericksburg Health Department found 27 separate violations at a local eatery, prompting a formal notice of non‑compliance and the possibility of temporary closure. The inspection, conducted on Monday, uncovered a range of issues from improper food storage temperatures to pest infestations and cross‑contamination risks.

The health inspector, who has conducted 300 inspections in the past year, noted that the eatery had “significant lapses in basic food safety practices.” Among the most serious violations were two instances of raw poultry stored at temperatures above 41°F (5°C), which can rapidly promote bacterial growth. In addition, the inspection revealed that the kitchen’s refrigerator was not functioning correctly, with several food items sitting in the “danger zone” between 41°F and 135°F (5°C–57°C) for extended periods.

Pest control issues were also a major concern. The inspector documented several droppings in the food prep area and on the counter tops, indicating a rodent infestation. The food service manager’s comment that the eatery was “currently cleaning up” was deemed insufficient without a professional pest‑control service plan in place.

Cross‑contamination was another highlight of the inspection. The inspector found that raw meats were stored on the same shelf as ready‑to‑eat salads, without any protective barrier or protective covering. The use of the same cutting board for raw and cooked foods was also recorded. This practice can spread pathogens from raw to cooked foods, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

The health department’s notice of violation gives the eatery 10 days to address the identified issues. Failure to comply could lead to the temporary closure of the establishment, with a possible permanent closure if violations remain uncorrected. “We want to see the eatery taking corrective action,” the inspector said. “The health of the community depends on these basic standards.”

The eatery’s owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said the restaurant will take “immediate steps” to resolve all the cited violations. “We are hiring a professional pest control company and are in the process of replacing the refrigerator,” the owner added. The restaurant also announced a temporary menu reduction, removing all raw or under‑cooked items until the kitchen can meet temperature guidelines.

The incident comes at a time when Fredericksburg is tightening its food safety oversight. In a recent City Council meeting, city officials discussed the need to improve inspection frequency for small restaurants. The council’s agenda can be viewed at the city website’s public records section, where the council recorded the decision to increase health inspections from once a year to quarterly for establishments that serve raw foods.

In addition to the city’s notice, the restaurant has posted a public apology on its Facebook page. The post, which can be seen on the restaurant’s Facebook profile, states that the team is “deeply sorry for any inconvenience” and promises to keep patrons updated on progress. The Facebook post also invites customers to contact the restaurant with any questions or concerns.

Key Findings from the Health Department’s Food Safety Guidelines

The Fredericksburg Health Department’s website provides a comprehensive list of food safety requirements for all restaurants in the city. Highlights include:

• Temperature Control: Foods must be kept below 41°F (5°C) for refrigerated items and above 135°F (57°C) for hot holding.
• Pest Control: Restaurants must maintain a pest‑free environment and submit a pest‑control plan to the health department annually.
• Cross‑Contamination Prevention: Separate storage and prep areas for raw meats and ready‑to‑eat foods; use of disposable or properly sanitized cutting boards.
• Cleanliness Standards: All food contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
• Employee Hygiene: Staff must wash hands regularly and wear appropriate protective clothing.

The guidelines also outline the penalties for violations, ranging from warnings to fines and closure, depending on the severity and repeat nature of the infractions.

Community Response and Next Steps

Fredericksburg residents have expressed mixed reactions. Some are relieved that the health department is taking action, while others worry about the impact on the local dining scene. A resident who attends the eatery’s brunch weekly said, “It’s disappointing to hear about these problems, but I hope the staff can fix it quickly.”

City officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all food service establishments meet the city’s health standards. “Our priority is public health,” said a city health spokesperson. “We will work with the restaurant to ensure that all corrective measures are implemented promptly.”

The eatery has set a deadline of 10 days to submit a corrective action plan to the health department. If the restaurant demonstrates compliance and resolves all violations, the health department will schedule a follow‑up inspection to confirm that the corrections have been fully implemented. If not, the city may proceed with a temporary closure and potentially further legal action.

As the situation develops, Fredericksburg residents and restaurant patrons will continue to monitor updates on the city’s health department website and the restaurant’s social media channels.