Fountain, Colo. – The Korean Garden restaurant has once again fallen short of El Paso County health standards, receiving a failed rating on its third consecutive routine inspection. The latest report, released by the county health department, cites a series of basic food‑safety breaches that could jeopardize diners’ well‑being.
Inspection findings
According to the inspector’s notes, an employee entered the kitchen, handled raw meat, and left the area without washing hands before returning to food preparation. In addition, raw chicken and beef were stored above fresh vegetables, creating a clear risk of cross‑contamination. The inspector also documented raw chicken being kept at an unsafe temperature, further violating sanitation protocols.
These violations mirror those identified in the two prior inspections, marking the third failure in a row. The restaurant has previously passed re‑inspections after each failure, but the most recent review shows the same issues persist.
Management response
KRDO13 reached out to Korean Garden for comment on the repeated shortcomings. The employee on duty declined to speak and provided a phone number for the manager. A follow‑up call was made, but no response had been received at the time of reporting.
Local eateries earn high marks
While Korean Garden struggles, several other establishments in the Colorado Springs area received commendable scores this week. Arharn Thai, located near North Powers Boulevard and North Carefree Circle, earned a perfect inspection rating, reflecting strict adherence to health guidelines.
Most notably, Mochi Thai’m Donuts & Boba, a shop known for its mochi‑style doughnuts and boba drinks, also achieved a high score. Owner Greg San Agustine emphasized that a clean environment is essential for building customer confidence, stating, “I don’t want to go to a restaurant where the environment is dirty, even if the food looks amazing.”
Sakeo Williams, also of Mochi Thai’m, highlighted the shop’s commitment to serving the celiac community. “We source all of our ingredients so we are safe for our community here,” Williams said, noting that the doughnuts are formulated to be gluten‑free for those who must avoid gluten.
What the scores mean
The El Paso County Health Department conducts routine inspections to ensure restaurants meet basic safety standards. A high score indicates that a kitchen has passed its inspection with minimal or no violations, while a failed rating signals that corrective action is needed before the establishment can safely serve the public.
Consumers are encouraged to look for the KRDO13 Restaurant Roundup Awards as a quick reference for which local eateries have met the department’s standards. The awards serve as a useful tool for families seeking safe dining options in the community.
Looking ahead
County officials hope that repeated failures will prompt Korean Garden to adopt stricter hygiene practices and retrain staff on proper hand‑washing and food‑storage procedures. Continued monitoring will determine whether the restaurant can break the cycle of violations and regain the public’s trust.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
