News Summary
Recent restaurant inspections for January in San Antonio have revealed troubling sanitation issues at various establishments. Noteworthy offenders, including Guillermo’s and Wok Inn, received low scores due to pest problems and improper food handling. Despite these findings, some restaurants managed to maintain high sanitation standards. As diners, it’s essential to stay informed about restaurant conditions to ensure a safe dining experience.
San Antonio Shakes Head at January Restaurant Inspections
Ah, San Antonio! Known for its delicious Tex-Mex and vibrant culinary scene. But it seems that not all is well in our beloved eateries. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District conducted its monthly round of restaurant inspections in January, and the findings have us a bit concerned.
What the Inspectors Found
These inspections revealed a trend of poor sanitation in several local establishments, and some of the results were downright shocking. Many restaurants scored badly due to a range of issues from bad food handling and pest problems.
Guillermo’s, located at 618 McCullough Ave., earned a dismal score of 69 during its inspection on January 13. What went wrong? Well, inspectors found the presence of both live and dead roaches—yikes! To make matters worse, a dishwasher failed to dispense the required sanitizing solution. Debris was spotted on pizza trays and other containers that should have been squeaky clean. The restaurant’s equipment wasn’t much better, with cracked parts and damaged flooring noted. Following the inspection, their manager jumped into action, ramping up cleaning efforts and ensuring pest treatments were completed. A follow-up inspection on March 5 revealed good news: no pest activity was found, and treatment had indeed taken place.
Food Safety Concerns
But it wasn’t just roaches that caused trouble at Guillermo’s. Inspectors also found multiple food items needed to be tossed due to unsafe temperatures, with cold hold equipment malfunctioning at a whopping 48 degrees Fahrenheit—well above the safety standard of 41 degrees. Even more alarming, the restaurant lacked thermometers in these units! What’s a kitchen without a thermometer, right? Additionally, the manager was unable to present vital food manager and handler certifications during the inspection, stating they were locked up. But they redeemed themselves during a reinspection on March 10, scoring a much better 91.
Wok Inn Under Scrutiny
And it wasn’t just Guillermo’s facing the music. Wok Inn at 7430 NW Loop 410 Ste. 101 also ended up with a score of 69 on January 3. This restaurant had dirty floors and cupboard shelves that definitely needed attention. An ice machine raised eyebrows as it contained the growth of a black substance—definitely not the kind of surprise diners want to find. Cooking practices were also flagged. Cooked meat was found in proximity to raw chicken, which is a big no-no. Prepared foods were missing essential use-by dates and proper hot storage temperatures. An ice cream shop nearby was hit with challenges too, having an expired food license and no food handler certifications for staff.
Other Notable Mentions
Another establishment making headlines is Izumi Sushi & Hibachi All You Can Eat at 5819 Loop 410 NW Ste. 119, which scored a 74 on January 6, citing issues with a dirty ice machine and improper food storage. Shockingly, the handwashing sink was operational but lacked the basic necessities of soap and paper towels, affecting hygiene standards. The report also noted that staff were without the necessary food manager and handler certifications. However, management assured that improvements were on the agenda.
Valentine’s Day Surprises
Happier Endings
On a happier note, some restaurants managed to ace their inspections, scoring a perfect 100! This showcases the high sanitation standards that some eateries proudly maintain. While a few might need more attention to cleanliness and regulations, the commitment of those achieving top marks shines a light of hope on San Antonio’s food scene.
As we enjoy the flavors of our city, let’s stay vigilant about where we dine. After all, good food deserves a safe environment!
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News: San Antonio Health Scores
- Wikipedia: Sanitation
- Express News: Restaurant Inspections July
- Google Search: Restaurant Sanitation Standards
- Express News: Worst Restaurant Inspections
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Inspection Failure Factors
- KSAT News: Live Pests in San Antonio Restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pest Control
- MSN: January’s Worst Restaurant Inspections
- Google News: Restaurant Health Violations
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
