Checking Out Area Eateries in the Digital Age – How Do Retail Food Facilities in Sussex County Rate?
Find out about how your favorite eateries rated on the Digital Health Department. Courtesy of the County of Sussex.
SUSSEX COUNTY – How do your local eateries and other retail food facilities rate?
That question can be answered quickly and easily with the Sussex County Department of Environmental and Public Health Services Digital Health Department.
Inspectors from the County of Sussex make their rounds to retail food establishments (according to the county’s Facebook Page, they visit about 1,000 places a year), from snack bars to fine dining experiences; to schools, daycares and nursing home facilities; to convenience stores and service stations; to churches and other non-profit group establishments; and more, to determine that the food handling and facilities are satisfactory for consumers. They do so at unexpected times, to gather what they refer to as a “snapshot,” from the day of inspection, garnering retail food facilities with either “Satisfactory,” “Conditionally Satisfactory,” or “Unsatisfactory,” ratings.
And how do they check to make sure that foods you and your family are consuming from these places are safe?
Inspectors follow guidelines provided by the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services, Consumer & Environmental Health Services, Food & Drug Safety Program. Upon taking their “snapshot” of inspection of food establishments (including food and beverage vending machines), to determine safety, inspectors make a full assessment of management and personnel (ensuring that there is adequate supervision, and employees are healthy and clean and practice satisfactory hygienic practices), they check the food itself (evaluating containers, checking for organisms that may present public health concerns, and assuring that foods are properly labeled and identified), look at the equipment and more (reviewing, for example, that proper laundering procedures are being followed, equipment and utensils are correctly sanitized, and clean items are protected), inspect water and waste (ensuring that water runs correctly, evaluating sewage, and inspecting areas of refuse and recyclables), look at the physical facilities (checking to see that the building is in proper repair, with adequate lighting, and proper toilet and hand washing facilities), ensure that cleaning products are properly labeled, guarantee that choking prevention posters are on-hand and no smoking is taking place in the establishments per the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, and lastly, inspectors make an evaluation for possible enforcement if necessary.
For a complete list of inspection categories, click here.
A “Satisfactory” rating assures that the inspectors have found establishments to be in “substantial compliance,” with all of the above, in terms of proper sanitation and food safety principles.
A “Conditionally Satisfactory” rating for an establishment means that a facility was found to be “in violation of one or more provisions” of the above chapter. In this case, a re-inspection will occur for the business at an unannounced time.
When conditions are considered “gross insanitary” or “unsafe,” posing an “imminent health hazard,” an “Unsatisfactory” rating is issued. For establishments in this category, they are mandated to cease food service operation until re-inspection takes place, and are found to be no longer unsatisfactory.
There may be some violations at facilities that can be corrected immediately, prior to the inspector’s departure from the inspection, so a “Satisfactory” mark can still be reached. There are others that must require further work, and a return from the inspector to validate that the corrections have been completed, yielding a “Conditional Satisfactory Rating.” And of course, for retail food facilities that fall into the “Unsatisfactory” realm, much work is required.
How did retail food facilities in Sussex County rate? Click here to check on the facilities in your area, or particular ones you may frequent. You can also click here to register for email alerts, to know exactly when your favorite restaurant, or even your child’s lunchroom, has been inspected by county officials.
The majority of Sussex County food establishments received “Satisfactory” ratings, according to the county’s website (view by business name, or zip code, by clicking here). Listed here are the inspections conducted since Jan. 1, 2011.
Otherwise, we have listed the exceptions below — facilities with “Unsatisfactory” and “Conditionally Satisfactory” ratings. Their names are hyperlinked directly to the county’s website. There is some commentary from NJ Inside Scene, based on the county’s write ups, as well as screenshots to accompany our research.
There were two facilities in the database listed with “Unsatisfactory” marks. They were:
379 Clove RD
MONTAGUE, NJ 07827
Last Inspection Date: 09/27/2012
Inspection Result: Unsatisfactory
Though this facility, for which the inspection took place on 9/27/12, did not list in the report brief, what the results were (visible in the screenshot below, nor did the full inspection report (click here), though it was tagged as “Unsatisfactory.” A Yelp review, on the other hand, gave positive reviews to the eatery, for their hot dogs, as well as homemade cookies, the reviewer enjoyed. Yelp elaborated with this facility’s items, with homemade hot dog chili, soups made daily and one-half pound fresh burgers.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
641 Route 206N
NEWTON, NJ 07860
Last Inspection Date: 09/09/2013
Inspection Result: Unsatisfactory
Located in Andover Township, the “Unsatisfactory” inspection from 9/9/13, showed X-Rays Lounge to have no soap, paper towels or dispenser at the hand washing sink, the interior of the ice machine soiled with the exterior surrounded with items not relevant to the establishment (tools and paint cans among them), no thermometer inside the refrigerator, issues with the soda rack system), a floor by the ladies’ room with painted concrete (not considered cleanable), and gaps of one inch or more under the doors, which could lead to vermin. A water test was also requested once new plumbing is installed. Click here to view the complete inspection report. A screenshot of the results is below.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
There were several facilities throughout the county, which garnered a “Conditionally Satisfactory” rating. They were:
180 Stickles Pond RD
Andover Township, NJ 07821
Last Inspection Date: 06/13/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
No detail is listed in the screenshot below, other than it is “Conditionally Satisfactory.” Click here for the full inspection report.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
6 Wantage AVE
BRANCHVILLE, NJ 07826
Last Inspection Date: 09/30/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
This facility, inspected on 9/30/13, did not have a handwashing sink in the kitchen (though in the bathroom), the hot water heater was not functioning, and there was no hot water in one compartment of the kitchen sink.
Click here for inspection report and see screenshot below.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
35 Wantage Avenue
BRANCHVILLE, NJ 07826
Last Inspection Date: 05/29/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
This facility received a “Conditionally Satisfactory” mark for sanitizing solution needed for the three-compartment sink, and test strips to test for sanitizer concentration. A full report is here and screenshot below.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
269 Route 206
SANDYSTON, NJ 07826
Last Inspection Date: 03/21/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
Inspected on 3/21/2013, with a “Conditionally Satisfactory” rating, one of the reasons was due to the dishwasher temperature as too low, even after five cycles. There was additionally no chlorine residual in the dishwasher. Another observation of the inspector was the need for a new food thermometer. The inspector wrote as well, “I observed mop stored on floor of kitchen. Elevate mop (hand it to air dry). Prevent bacteria growth and odor.”
Click here for full inspection report, or see the screenshot below.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
Robbins Nest @ Culver Lake Golf Club
125 E Shore Culver Lake
Branchville, NJ 07826
Last Inspection Date: 06/27/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
The inspection from 6/27/13 showed that dairy items were outside of the refrigerator, while beer remained refrigerated. The freezer was also defrosting, and a call for service made. The garbage can in the ladies room was uncovered. Click here for the full report and see the screenshot below.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
105-137 wheatsworth RD
HAMBURG, NJ 07419
Last Inspection Date: 10/25/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
This facility had its inspection on 10/25/13, and had a number of violations during its inspection. The various screenshots are below. Click here for full inspection report. Some of the items included: improper labeling of salad dressings, ceiling tiles missing (causing water leakage and mold onto food packaging, including a case of Thai noodles), 10 light bulbs not functioning in kitchen food prep area, water accumulated on bottom of sandwich table, soot on ceiling tiles, dishwasher heavily soiled, onions covered in dust from basement construction from being nearby, fly strips found near food storage area (not permitted), holes in kitchen screen door, mold on evaporator fan, and more.
This was a surprising review by the inspector, based on the appearance of the facility on its website.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
Courtesy of the County of Sussex.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
47-7 Hopatchung RD
HOPATCONG, NJ 07843
Last Inspection Date: 10/05/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
An inspection of the facility on 10/5/13 showed that butter had been placed into the trash the day before with bleach poured on it, then was pulled from the garbage, placed on shelf, with a utensil. The inspector also showed that an employee was not always present to oversee food operations.
Click here for full report. See screenshot below.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
67 Route 15 South S
LAFAYETTE, NJ 07848
Last Inspection Date: 02/21/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
The Lakeland Andover School inspection on 2/21/13 showed that the school still needed the serve safe certification. The hot water tap was not functioning at that time in one of the sinks in the men’s room. Click here for the full report.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
222 Route 206
BRANCHVILLE, NJ 07827
Last Inspection Date: 07/25/2011
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
The inspection report for this facility shows holes in ceiling, as well as other violations. Click here for complete report.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
216 Woodside AVE
NEWTON, NJ 07860
Last Inspection Date: 09/18/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
The inspection performed on 9/18/13, showed that there was no hot or cold running water at the handwash sink in the rear kitchen, nor paper towels in that area, the Caesar Salad Dressing is made from raw and not pasteurized eggs (the inspection mandates it must be removed from the menu), the breading bin was stored on the floor, and most be moved, bread on one of the prep tables was unwrapped, almonds were stored outside (must be stored indoors), a fly strip was in the food prep area, catering trays were stored inside a shed with chemicals, the dumpster was found to have an accumulation of “garbage and debris,” and racks and other equipment were stored outside.
Click here for the full report.
This was another surprising inspection, based on the crowd always at the restaurant, which is steady, especially on the weekends. Click here for the restaurant’s website.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
12 White Deer Plaza
SPARTA, NJ 07871
Last Inspection Date: 03/25/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
Lucky House in Sparta was not so lucky, in terms of its last inspection on 3/25/13, when it earned a “Conditionally Satisfactory” mark. Some of the items included, per the screenshot below and full inspection report: employee handwash sink blocked with containers, soiled paper towels and old soap, not enough water pressure in restroom, uncovered food items in refrigerators, raw chicken stored about cabbage in walk in refrigerator, employees eating in prep area, dirty cardboard on the floor, improper scoopers in bulk bins, and not enough light in the preparation area, with light covers in disrepair. Here is the full report.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
6 W Shore TRL
SPARTA, NJ 07871
Last Inspection Date: 12/03/2011
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
The Sparta Elks Lodge had its last inspection, according to the county’s website, on 12/3/11. At that time, there was uncovered food in the refrigerator, the kitchen and bathroom were described as “very dirty,” the women’s bathroom wall was in need of repair, the lids on the outside dumpster were found open, the refrigerator would not go below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the refrigerator was dirty with food debris in its corners, there was no handsink in the bar area, and that area had insufficient lighting. Click here for the full report, and look below for the screenshot report.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
141 Route 183
STANHOPE, NJ 07874
Last Inspection Date: 03/26/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
The last inspection for Ted’s Deli on 3/26/13 placed the establishment with a “Conditionally Satisfactory” mark. Violations such as a dry cloth impacted with food debris, sugar bin without a scoop, thermometer missing in the refrigerator, a spatula with duct tape, and overall general housecleaning needed, were noted. See the screenshot below, and click the full report here, for complete details.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
Great Gorge Country Club Half Way House
410 Route 517
MC AFEE, NJ 07428
Last Inspection Date: 08/19/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
There is little information in the screenshot, and the full report notes that the “facility has been closed for the 2013 season and is pending repairs and renovation.”
Click here for the report.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
2 Chamonix DR
VERNON, NJ 07462
Last Inspection Date: 05/23/2011
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
Minerals Golf Club, at its last inspection date, showed that there was no hot water in one of the kitchen sinks and men’s room. Raw burger meat was stored over milk containers, where as it should have been stored on the bottom shelf to prevent contamination, there were no thin-probe thermometers to test burger temperatures, the large grill outside was not covered, the screen door was in disrepair (flies could enter), and there was no adequate lighting by the kitchen sink. Click here for the full report.
It was surprising to us that many of the facilities listed here as “Conditionally Satisfactory,” fall into the golf club and spa industries.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
2 Chamonix DR
VERNON, NJ 07462
Last Inspection Date: 08/12/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
The Tiki Bar had some infractions found during its inspection. There was nothing to use but bare hands to handle fruits and other condiments for drinks, instead of tongs, toothpicks or gloves. There were additionally no sanitary blenders, and no thermometers in the refrigerator units. The floor at the Tiki Bar was heavily soiled. The ice bins had heavy mildew. The sink faucet did not shut off. Disposable cups and straws were not stored in a sanitary manner.
Click here for full report.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
Tiki Grill / The Spa at Great Gorge
2 Chamonix DR
VERNON, NJ 07462
Last Inspection Date: 08/12/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
The bain marie cool case, which normally should have been 41 degrees, was 53, and required servicing, the refrigerator was soiled, there was no thermometer in the bain marie or refrigerator, there was no sanitizer bucket by the grill and there was litter on the ground behind the grill and refrigerator.
Click here for the full report.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
281 Route 94
VERNON, NJ 07462
Last Inspection Date: 11/15/2013
Inspection Result: Conditionally Satisfactory
This restaurant inspection showed there was no serv safe equivalent (though owner said there was), and the UV light was not operating properly. Click here for full report.
Courtesy of the County of Sussex
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