Iowa Restaurant Inspections Uncover Alarming Health Violations: Moldy Foods, Rodents, and Unsafe Storage Practices

Iowa’s recent restaurant inspections, led by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, have exposed numerous health violations across various food establishments.

The inspectors identified food safety risks that included spoiled foods, mold, improper storage, and even cases of employees forced to work while sick.

One standout case involved the Thunder Bay Grille in Davenport, where inspectors discovered moldy items, grime, and improper food storage temperatures.

The report noted, “Entire walk-in meat cooler temping at 50 to 51 degrees,” whereas food safety regulations require a maximum of 41 degrees for cold storage.

Additionally, there were repeat violations, with an inspector noting that “the interior of the large ice machine exhibited an excess buildup of grime,” suggesting issues with maintenance and sanitation.

At a Subway in Estherville, an inspector reported that a visibly ill worker was forced to remain on the job, even after experiencing “10 incidents while at work” of vomiting and diarrhea.

The inspector’s report stated, “The worker called her supervisor at one point and asked to leave, but the supervisor refused to excuse her from work.”

This incident raised concerns about employee health policies and contamination risks, particularly with such incidents involving food handling.

Other establishments were cited for serious hygiene issues. Kimberly Entertainment in Davenport had four bottles of liquor with “fruit flies floating in them,” and Arby’s in Bettendorf was found with “a brown discoloration and slimy texture” on several heads of lettuce, some of which even showed signs of mold.

The Riverside Family Restaurant in Ottumwa was flagged for unsanitary storage practices as well. The inspector described “ham sitting in blood on the same sheet-pan as opened raw beef,” posing a significant contamination risk.

Adding to this, some establishments lacked certified food protection managers, and some did not monitor food temperatures adequately, leaving potentially hazardous foods unsupervised.

These inspections serve as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining strict hygiene and food safety standards in the food industry to protect the health and safety of consumers across Iowa.

For more on meat-related food safety in Iowa and nationwide, visit our homepage to read about common health violations and how they impact consumers.