UPDATE: Just released reports from the New Mexico Environment Department reveal alarming health violations across multiple food establishments in the Santa Fe area from October 14-17, 2023. The implications for public health are serious as many restaurants face immediate corrective actions.
Santa Fe Bite, located at 1616 St. Michael’s Drive, was cited for a staggering 15 violations on October 14. Issues included employees not wearing gloves while handling food, improper thawing of chicken, and a plethora of sanitation concerns such as mold and dirty equipment. These violations necessitate reinspection within three business days to ensure compliance and safety.
On the same day, Yamas Greek Rotisserie at 2411 Cerrillos Road faced its own set of challenges, including a personal drink found in ready-to-eat food storage and missing internal thermometers in coolers. The lack of sanitizer in the food preparation area raises significant concerns about food safety standards.
The Wrap Santa Fe, situated at 113 E. Water St. Unit 102, reported violations on October 15 including missing date markings in refrigerators and a blocked hand-wash sink. The presence of these issues puts patrons at risk and highlights the urgent need for thorough inspections.
Despite the concerning reports, several establishments received a clean bill of health. Tortilla Flats catering at 3139 Cerrillos Road, Crave at 1606 Paseo de Peralta, and El Chile Toreado at 807 Early St. reported no violations during the inspections conducted on October 16.
However, not all inspections were without issues. Salazar Elementary School at 1231 Apache Ave. was cited for food storage violations, while Santa Fe Preparatory School, also inspected on October 16, faced multiple issues including an open back door with no screen, pest presence, and dirty kitchen equipment.
The situation worsened for Jaripeo Grill and Beer at 3565 Cerrillos Road, which was inspected on October 17 and cited for 15 violations, including a lack of soap and paper towels at hand-wash sinks. A reinspection is now required as the establishment must address these serious health concerns.
Santa Fe Capitol Grill at 3462 Zafarano Drive also came under scrutiny on October 17, facing 12 violations related to sanitation and food safety, including dirty equipment and inadequate sealing of countertops.
Walmart grocery and its meat market, both located at 3251 Cerrillos Road, were cited for similar violations, including the absence of sanitizer during inspections, highlighting systemic issues within larger food retail operations.
These findings underline a critical need for improved food safety standards in the region. As the community reacts to these inspections, the New Mexico Environment Department is urging all food service establishments to adhere strictly to health regulations to protect public health.
Moving forward, authorities will conduct follow-up inspections to ensure compliance, and the public is encouraged to stay informed about ongoing food safety measures. The health and safety of Santa Fe residents depend on strict adherence to food safety standards, making this an urgent issue for community health.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds, and ensure your dining choices are informed by these vital health inspections.
