Three Prince George restaurants earn moderate hazard ratings

Three Prince George restaurants have earned moderate hazard ratings during recent inspections, according to Northern Health reports posted online.

Little Caesars has had nine inspections since Nov. 4, 2022, and all but one have seen a moderate hazard rating.

The first complaint driven inspection occurred Dec. 18 where critical violations occurred that saw potentially hazardous cold food stored above 4 degrees Celsius, food was not protected from contamination and a repeat of premises not free of pests occurred, where mouse droppings were noted throughout the facility including near food and utensil storage and a live mouse was found in a trap.

During the Dec. 20 inspection, the repeated offence of premises not free of pests was observed where mouse droppings were seen on the mobile pan rack as well as other areas of the facility. A Closure Order was served to the establishment in order for the facility to be cleaned and sanitized. An updated Integrated Pest Management and Sanitation Plan must be prepared and provided to Northern Health for review and approval.

The next inspection occurred on Dec. 22 and there was another repeat of premises not free of pests and there was evidence of mouse droppings between pizza boxes and under an office desk. The operator has hired a new pest control company as of Jan. 1. Conditions were also observed that allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests and the operator had not provided acceptable written sanitation procedures ordered during the Dec. 20 inspection.

Ramen Ya Sendo, which has had a long history of low hazard ratings throughout its history starting on Nov. 1, 2006, has seen its first moderate hazard rating during an inspection on Dec. 12, 2023.

Offences included critical food not cooled in an acceptable manner, critical equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition, and equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not in good working order. Chemicals, cleansers and similar agents were stored or labeled improperly and items not required for food premise operation were being stored on premises. Personal lunch and mugs stored in cooking area should be stored in a separate area to prevent risk of contamination, the inspection found.

Yamamoto Japanese Restaurant received its first moderate hazard rating on Dec. 20, 2023, after receiving low hazard ratings since Nov. 30, 2020.

Offences included food not protected from contamination with several food items stored directly on the floor.

There were critical repeats of equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition, an ice machine had biological growth inside top area, which can contaminate the ice, equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces were not properly washed and sanitized, and a meat slicer with leftover meat was observed on the back side of the slicer.

During the inspection, conditions were observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests. Two dead mice were found and some areas had mouse droppings.

Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces were not in good working order and a light fixture was not providing enough light, the report noted.

Items not required for food premises operation were being stored on premises and the kitchen had a fair amount of clutter and unused items that needed to be removed to make it easier to clean, use and maintain.