Summer has been sizzling in Alabama, with recent temperatures as high as the upper 90s and the heat index expected to reach as high as 110 degrees.
These Jefferson County establishments wish their county health inspection scores could match the temperature.
Eight restaurants, gas stations, conveniences stores and food trucks scored 84 or below in their most recent inspection.
Scores under the 85 threshold trigger a reinspection within 60 days.
Among the infractions observed by county health inspectors were dead roaches, a swarm of gnats and a can opener “soiled with black grime.”
Here are those eight establishments with under an 85 score for June, in descending order:
Riverchase BP
3641 Lorna Rd., Hoover
Score: 84
Inspection date: June 14
Dead roaches were seen throughout the kitchen.
The sewage pump was missing a plug.
The hot and cold faucets at the three-compartment sink needed repairs.
King Buffet
7873 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham
Score: 83
Inspection date: June 26
A can opener was soiled with “black grime.”
Food safety training was not provided for all food handlers.
Several foods were out of temperature.
La Conchita Bakery
3309 Lorna Rd., Hoover
Score: 82
Inspection date: June 3
Gnats were seen “throughout the facility.”
An “accumulation of food debris” was found on a can opener blade, a dough cutter and dirty dishes. Debris was also accumulating on shelving in the prep area.
Pastries at the checkout counter were uncovered.
An employee wearing gloves returned from outside the bakery with a dirty pan. They then put the pan in the sink and put blueberries on cake.
Zaxby’s
1304 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills
Score: 82
Inspection date: June 5
There was an “accumulation of food debris” in floor drains “throughout the facility,” according to the inspector.
The walk-in freezer had an “accumulation of ice” while the tabletop fan had an “accumulation of dust and grease.”
An employee touched ready-to-eat chicken with their bare hands.
Food safety training was not provided for new employees.
Pollo Lucas
3305 Lorna Rd., Hoover
Score: 81
Inspection date: June 7
An employee took ready-to-eat tortillas off the grill with their bare hands before wrapping them in foil.
There was no designated person in charge at the time of the inspection and no one with proof of taking or completing a food safety training course.
Several foods were out of temperature.
Taqueria Juarez #2, Chef’s Workshop
3439 Lorna Ln., Hoover
Score: 81
Inspection date: June 3
Food debris was found in the bottom and around gaskets of reach-in coolers and the low boy cooler.
Wastewater was leaking from air conditioning units on the ground.
A food thermometer was inoperable.
El Men Tacos
2445 1st Avenue S., Irondale
Score: 76
Inspection date: June 4
An “accumulation of flies” was observed on the food truck.
Rice and beans were out of temperature.
The truck lacked procedures for cleaning up vomit and diarrhea.
Food handler training was not provided.
Citgo Food Mart (3 Brothers Inc.)
4300 East Lake Blvd., Birmingham
Score: 68
Inspection date: June 26
The interior of the ice machine was “soiled with residue and rust.” Trash was seen under shelving in the walk-in cooler.
The interior of the make table was “soiled with food debris.”
The establishment did not provide employees with clean-up procedures when responding to “vomiting or diarrheal events.”
There were broken and damaged floor tiles in the bathroom and back of the facility.
Motor oil, carburetor cleaner and an old bottle of cleaner were stored above tongs, a dicer and a hot plate.