FALLS CHURCH, VA — The Fairfax County Health Department continues to inspect restaurants around Falls Church, and there were a mix of those with and without violations in recent months.
The health department’s environmental health staff inspect over 5,200 restaurants and other retail food service establishments in Fairfax County and cities of Falls Church and Fairfax to ensure safe food handling practices are followed. This includes proper sanitation, food storage and preparation, and adequate kitchen facilities. Aside from restaurants, staff inspect child care centers, hospitals, school cafeterias, and temporary food service vendors at festivals.
This week’s report focuses on restaurants along the Arlington Boulevard and Route 29 (formerly Lee Highway) corridor. Of note, Shinwari had 24 violations, including live mice. At the time of the January inspection, the owner agreed to voluntarily close as advised by a health inspector. The restaurant had to deep clean, get rid of pest harborage conditions and correct other violations before contacting the health department for a follow-up inspection to reopen.
The health department cautions residents that a single inspection should not be used to evaluate a restaurant. Rather, the health department suggests looking at multiple inspection reports for a better overview.
Click on each link to see the full report for the restaurant. Residents can also search for a specific restaurant or browse a map of inspected locations through the online database.
Luzmary’s Restaurant: 7151 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22046
Last inspection: Jan. 29
- The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment had accumulations of grime and debris: hood, coolers.
- Handsink at dishmachine is out of service.
Italian Cafe: 7161 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22046
Last inspection: May 25
- Enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required: ice bin.
Wild Tacoz: 7167 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22046
Last inspection: Jan. 26
Violations: No violations found.
Burrito Bros-Cambia Cafe: 7175 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22046
Last inspection: June 7
- The concentration of the bleach solution was measured at 300 ppm. This concentration exceeds the approved limits for use with food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils in a foodservice establishment.
- Raw animal food storage, preparation, holding or display conducted in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: raw beef over cooked peaches.
- The following cooked time/temperature control for safety food(s) are not being adequately cooled from 135F to 70F within two hours and to 41F within a total of six hours.
- The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: shedded chicken was cooling in a large quantity.
- There is no test kit located in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solutions.
- Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: clean knives stored between sink/wall.
- Insect control device is located over wooden prep table where dead insects may be impelled or fall.
- The person in charge (PIC) has a valid certificate of successful completion of a Certified Food Manager (CFM) exam but does not possess the CFM card issued by ORS Interactive, Inc.
Sarita’s Restaurant: 2794 Graham Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Feb. 14
Violations: No violations found.
Pho Sate: 2814 Graham Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Feb. 14
Violations: No violations found.
Ba Le Bakery & Deli: 2822 Graham Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: May 21
- The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: shrimp, pork bun, bean sprouts at 48F in 2DR Cooler; ham at 46F in 2DR Dukers Prep(L); pate at 46 F in 2DR Hoshizaki Display.
- The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: summer roll, chicken with rice, and other TCS foods held at room temperature.
- The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: 2DR Cooler at 52F, 2DR Dukers (L) at 47F; 2DRHoshizaki at 45F.
Wendy’s: 7391 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: July 4
- It shall be unlawful to operate a food establishment unless it is under the immediate control of a certified food manager who has shown proficiency through passing an accredited examination.
- There is no covered refuse container for the disposal of feminine napkins in the ladies room stall.
Fava Pot: 7393 D Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: May 24
Violations: No violations found.
Subway: 7393 C Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 12
- The person in charge (PIC) has a valid certificate of successful completion of a Certified Food Manager (CFM) exam but does not possess the CFM card issued by ORS Interactive, Inc. CFM card expired in 2019.
Original Pancake House: 7395 M Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: May 30
- Due to improper operation of the hot water, mechanical warewashing machine, the thermolabel did not turn black, indicating that food-contact surfaces ofequipment and utensils are not being adequately sanitized. Rinse temperature was at 139F.
- The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: date mark provided instead of timemark for butter and batter.
Vocelli Pizza: 7395 J Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: May 22
- The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hourspast the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: pizza sauce.
Loving Hut: 2842 Rogers Dr., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 2
- Food employee(s) was observed handling the following ready-to-eat foods using their bare hands: spring roll.
- The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: noodles, tofu, protein.
- Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: rice scoops at Ricewarmer stored in room temperature water.
Settle Down Easy Brewing Co: 2822 Fallfax Dr., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: July 11
- The following food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: steak at 108F, rice at 118F.
Huqqa Lounge: 2828 Fallfax Dr., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Feb. 14
Violations: No violations found.
El Tio Tex-Mex Grill: 7630 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: March 13
Violations: No violations found.
Victor’s Grill: 7634 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: June 29
Violations: No violations found.
Pizza Hut: 7642 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Jan. 30
- The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is commercially processed is not used or discarded within 24 hours of when the original container was opened and is not observed to be date marked: sausage, ham in 2DR Randell Prep.
- Observed that the ceiling and vent in the kitchen area are in need of cleaning.
Taco Baja Grill: 7716 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Jan. 29
Violations: No violations found.
Taqueria Cancun: 7810 G Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Feb. 9
- Raw animal food storage, preparation, holding or display conducted in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: raw shrimp and shell eggs stored over sauce in walk-in-cooler.
- The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation and was not observed to be date marked: pulled pork, taquitos, other prepared foods in walk-in-cooler.
- Observed that hand soap was not provided at each handwashing sink. No hand soap at Handsink by cookline.
La Estancia Churrasqueria: 7810 F Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 4
Violations: No violations found.
Kariju Japanese Fried Chicken: 7810 C Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: June 29
- Upon discussion with the person-in-charge, one or more of the elements of an effective employee health policy is either missing or incomplete.
- The concentration of the bleach solution was measured at >200 ppm. This concentration exceeds the approved limits for use with food-contact surfaces ofequipment and utensils in a foodservice establishment.
- The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: raw chicken at 49F, sweet potato at 51F, fries at 50F.
- The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events.
- The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: fried chicken.
- It shall be unlawful to operate a food establishment unless it is under the immediate control of a certified food manager who has shown proficiency through passing an accredited examination.
- Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor. Rice, dried mushroom, soda, and flour stored on the floor in storage room.
- The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: 3Dr M3 Prep at 50F.
- Observed that inadequate lighting was provided in the walk-in refrigerators, walk-in freezers, and/or dry storage areas.
- The following items are intended for household use only and are not approved for use in a commercial food establishment: crockpot for curry hot holding.
North China Cafe: 7810 A Lee Hwy., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 3
Violations: No violations found.
Pho Golden Cow: 7246 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 12
- The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: Observed bean sprouts at 45F in unit # 3.
Pupuseria Mana: 7236 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Jan. 23
- Different types of raw animal foods stored in such a manner that may cause cross contamination as follows: Observed raw chicken above raw beef and raw fish.
- The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation and was not observed to be date marked: Observed cabbage with no label in the walk in cooler.
Plumbing connections under the front and back handsinks piping are leaking.
McDonald’s: 7265 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Feb. 2
Violations: No violations found.
Pho Tu Ech: 7263 H Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: May 9
- Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: Rice scoop on water at 71F.
Latino Chicken Place: 7263 G Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Feb. 2
- Raw animal food storage, preparation, holding or display conducted in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food.
Subway: 7263 C Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: June 28
No violations found.
Celebrity Delly: 7263 A Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 12
- The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: Observed Ranch at 47Fin unit #6.
- The food establishment does not have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. Observed no clean-up policy during inspection.
- The handwashing sink at back is equipped with separate cold and hot water faucets rather than a mixing valve or combination faucet. Observed hand sink with no hot water available.
- The sink basin at the handsink @ front is slow to drain.
- Plumbing connections under the Three compartment sink piping are leaking.
Starbucks at Giant: 7235 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: July 11
Violations: No violations found.
Las Americas Restaurant: 3103 Graham Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 17
- The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device:observed Beef soup,chicken soup, pico de gallo, lettuce at 50, 50, 50, 57 in unit # 5, cooked pork and cheese mix at 45F in unit # 6.
- There is no Certified Food Manager present in the establishment. CFM on site has a expired certificate. The CFM with a valid certificate is off today.
- The following equipment/utensils were observed soiled to sight and touch: observed ice machine soiled.
- Wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter. Observed wet wiping clothes on counters.
- Observed the following food thawing using an improper method: observed pork on water at 3 compartment sink at room temperature.
- The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Observed 3- Sliding Door UR Cooler at 50F.
Pho 75: 3103 Graham Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 12
Violations: No violations found.
McDonald’s: 6729 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 9
Violations: No violations found.
Bep Viet Restaurant: 3000 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: July 2
- A food employee failed to wash his or her hands before engaging in food preparation, after drinking from containers without a straw which requires handwashing before conducting food preparation.
- Upon discussion with the person-in-charge, one or more of the elements of an effective employee health policy is either missing or incomplete. A complete employee health policy is required to be in place at the food establishment.
IHOP: 6655 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Jan. 29
Violations: No violations found.
Infini-Tea: 6647 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: July 4
- The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: egg pudding (52F) in #7.
- The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation and was not observed to be date marked: multiple pans of prepared flan and tarot pudding in #4.
- The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: 1 Glass dr under counter cooler (52F).
La Llajta Bar & Grill: 6633 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: June 14
Violations: No violations found.
Baskin Robbins: 6664 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Feb. 21
Violations: No violations found.
Shinwari: 6654 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: Jan. 25
- The permit holder failed to discontinue operations and notify the Health Department that an imminent health hazard may exist because of all of the following: rodent activity, gross unsanitary conditions and dish machine not sanitizing at beginning of inspection.
- The following food item(s) sitting out at room temperature along the cookline were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: cooked chicken at 93F, cooked lamb at 93F and cooked tomato sauce at 64-76F.
- The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: 1) cooked lamb at 49F in the Continental 2DR upright cooler and 2) Hummus at 49F in the Continental 2DR upright cooler.
- The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment were not observed sanitized: all the dishes ran through the chemical sanitizing dishmachine.
- The following cooked time/temperature control for safety food(s) are not being adequately cooled from 135F to 70F within two hours and to 41F within a total of six hours: observed cooked spinach at 49F and 66F after cooling over six hours in the Main Walkin Cooler.
- Raw animal food storage, preparation, holding or display conducted in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: observed raw beef stored above uncovered rice pudding in the Walkin Cooler near the cookline.
- Effective methods are not being used to control pests. Observed live mouse inside to Main Walkin Cooler and live mice at the back cookline. Also observed rodent droppings throughout the facility.
- Employees are not properly trained in food safety, including food allergy awareness, as it relates to their assigned duties.
- The person in charge at the beginning of inspection is not a certified food protection manager.
- The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: observed cooked menu items cooling in large deep plastic containers covered and stacked.
- Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: observed handles of ice scoops in direct contact with ice.
- Observed that the following is not maintained in good repair: 1) holes in walls, 2) holes along floor/wall junctures, 3) holes in ceiling, 4) missing ceiling tiles.
- Open drinking containers used or stored in a manner that may contaminate food, food contact surfaces or utensils.
- Observed that items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment are being stored on the premises.
- Openings to the exterior of the building are present along the bottom of the back door.
- Observed unshielded light throughout facility.
- The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment had accumulations of grime and debris: shelving.
- Insect control device for flies is located above the back food preparation table and front drink station where dead insects may be impelled or fall.
- Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor.
- Pesticides labeled for residential use were observed in the facility.
- Manufacturer containers (previously for various foods) were observed reused for the storage of various different foods.
- Observed that the facility is in need of deep cleaning.
- The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Turbo Air 2DR upright display cooler observed holding at 44F.
- Observed that sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided or is not clearly visible at all handwashing sinks used by food employees.
Granja de Oro: 2920 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 23
- The following cooked time/temperature control for safety food(s) are not being adequately cooled from 135F to 70F within two hours and to 41F within a total of six hours: cooked pinto beans at 45-46F after cooling over six hours in the Traulsen 2DR cooler.
- The following food item(s) in the Server 2DR Display Cooler were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: half & half at 50F and pasteurized liquid egg at 46F.
- Single use gloves observed improperly used in the following manner: observed dishwasher wearing single use gloves handle dirty dishes and then transition to handling cleaned & sanitized dishes with the same pair of gloves.
- The following food item prepared from ambient air temperature ingredients is not being adequately cooled to 41F or less within 4 hours: observed cut tomatoes at 44F after cooling over four hours (overnight) in the Walkin Cooler.
- The following farm-raised fish served raw or partially cooked were observed without a written statement from the supplier stating that the fish were raised and fed according to 3-402.11(B)(3): tilapia used in ceviche.
- The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is used as a control is not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: diced tomatoes, garlic in oil mixture, cooked eggs and salsa.
- Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: dessert utensils and rice scoop observed stored in container of room temperature water.
- The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: Server 2DR Display Cooler observed holdingat 48F.
- Observed that sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at all handwashing sinks used by food employees.
The Casual Pint: 6410 E Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: June 27
Violations: No violations found.
Uptown Bistro: 6400 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va 22042
Last inspection: April 5
- The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: Flour container on shelf unlabeled and salt and pepper container unlabeled in prep kitchen.
- Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: knives stored in between prep table and reach-in cooler.
