UPDATE: Recent food service inspections in the Santa Fe area have revealed alarming health and safety violations at several establishments. Conducted from October 13 to 17, 2023, these inspections by the New Mexico Environment Department have raised serious concerns about food handling practices in the community.
Santa Fe Bite, located at 1616 St. Michael’s Drive, was cited on October 14 for a staggering list of violations, including an employee handling food without gloves and improper thawing of chicken. Additional issues included a dirty dishwasher, mold, and various unsanitary conditions, prompting immediate corrective actions.
On the same day, Yamas Greek Rotisserie at 2411 Cerrillos Road faced violations for storing a personal drink in ready-to-eat foods and missing internal thermometers in coolers. The absence of sanitizer during the inspection further compounded the risks.
The situation worsened on October 15 when The Wrap Santa Fe received citations for a multitude of offenses, including no date markings in refrigerators and dirty equipment. These findings highlight a troubling trend in food safety practices within local eateries.
While Tortilla Flats Catering at 3139 Cerrillos Road reported no violations, other establishments like Salazar Elementary School were not so fortunate. On October 16, the school was cited for food being stored on the floor of a walk-in cooler and freezer, raising concerns about student health and safety.
The inspections continued with Santa Fe Preparatory School and Jaripeo Grill and Beer, both receiving multiple citations for unsanitary conditions and improper food handling practices. Notably, Jaripeo Grill was required to undergo reinspection due to critical violations, including the absence of soap at hand-wash sinks and employees cooking without gloves.
The situation at Walmart grocery and its meat market on October 17 also drew scrutiny, as inspectors found issues like no sanitizer prepared and ice buildup in refrigeration units. These violations not only jeopardize food safety but also pose significant risks to customer health.
This urgent report underscores the vital need for establishments to adhere to food safety regulations. Violations were often corrected on-site, but some businesses will require follow-up inspections within three business days to ensure compliance.
What to Watch For: The New Mexico Environment Department is expected to continue monitoring these establishments closely. Public awareness and immediate corrective measures are essential to safeguard community health. Residents are urged to stay informed about the food safety standards in their local eateries to make safe dining choices.
As these inspections reveal troubling trends, community members are encouraged to share this information widely to promote food safety awareness and accountability among local food service establishments.
