The Casper‑Natrona County Health Department conducted its routine unannounced inspections of restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, mobile food units, commissaries and vending operations for the week of October 23‑29, 2026. Every facility receives at least two inspections per year, and violations are classified as priority, priority‑foundation, or core.

Inspection process and goals

Program Manager for Environmental Health in Natrona County explained that the department’s primary aim is education, not punishment. “There is no sliding scale or a pass or failing of a health inspection,” she said. “Every violation is either fixed immediately or within ten days, meaning that a violation does not make the business unsafe.”

Facilities with clean records

Several locations received clean reports with zero violations and no re‑inspection required:

• NCSD Warehouse
• Verda James Elementary School
• Paradise Valley Elementary School
• Caputa’s Catering
• Stahoo’s Brewing and Taproom

Full reports for each can be accessed on the health department’s website.

Facilities with noted deficiencies

Four establishments were cited for minor to moderate issues:

• Courtyard By Marriott Food Service – Two violations: non‑detectable sanitizer concentration in the dish machine and employees working without proper hair restraints.
• Don Juan Mexican Restaurant – Three violations: no certified food‑protection manager, unlabeled food containers in the walk‑in cooler and prep unit, and unlabeled containers throughout the kitchen.
• Baymont Inn and Suites Food Service – Three violations and a required re‑inspection: missing certified food‑protection manager, non‑detectable quaternary ammonium sanitizing solution, and food splatter on the microwave ceiling.
• Baymont Inn and Suites Motel – One violation: combustible materials stored too close to electrical panels.
• Subway West Walmart – One violation: insufficient lighting (less than 10 foot‑candles) in the walk‑in freezer.
• Lifetime Health & Fitness Center Juice Bar – One violation: coffee storage area drawers in need of cleaning.
• Bayou Liquors Inc. – Eight violations and a required re‑inspection, including lack of a certified food‑protection manager, cross‑contamination risks, mold in the ice machine, improper handling of ready‑to‑eat foods, missing consumer advisories, undercooked menu items not indicated, improper storage of employee meals, ineffective insect‑control device, and employees without proper hair restraints.

In each case, the department noted that the establishments have ten days to correct the issues, and most facilities are able to meet that deadline without compromising safety.

What this means for Casper residents

These inspections demonstrate the health department’s commitment to safeguarding food safety while supporting local businesses. By providing clear guidance and a reasonable remediation window, the department helps eateries maintain high standards without imposing punitive measures that could hurt the local economy.

Consumers are encouraged to review the full inspection reports, which are publicly available on the Natrona County Health Department website, to stay informed about the safety practices of their favorite dining spots.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.