An ongoing cockroach problem, a mouse infestation so bad it forced a temporary shutdown, foods stored directly on the floor, contaminated liquor, old pasta, water issues, employees who mishandled food and grimy kitchen conditions are among violations Kansas Department of Agriculture inspectors discovered during recent local safety and lodging inspections in the Wichita area.
Each week, The Eagle adds to its searchable database of failed inspections from Sedgwick County. Fifteen Wichita-area restaurants, stores, hotels and other businesses that serve or sell food or rent rooms to the public were non-compliant from Dec. 15-21.
Inspectors found few or no violations at more than 60 others deemed compliant with food safety and lodging rules.
Inspections are meant to protect the public from foodborne illnesses and other health risks. Violations are common.
Businesses can fail if they have too many problems, certain types of violations or issues that can’t be fixed right away. Most of the time, they correct issues in front of an inspector. Examples of things that can be addressed immediately are serving food that’s more than a week old, employees mishandling food and dirty kitchens.