El Paso County, Colorado – A recent routine health inspection of the East Dragon Chinese restaurant on Security Boulevard uncovered several food‑safety shortcomings, prompting immediate corrective action by the establishment. Inspectors documented six violations, including an employee washing hands without soap, using a food‑preparation sink for hand‑washing while wearing gloves, and blowing into gloves before donning them – practices that could introduce contaminants into the kitchen.
East Dragon responds quickly
When KRDO13 reporter Julia Donovan inquired about the findings, a staff member contacted the manager, who confirmed that the team is now undergoing targeted training to address the issues. The restaurant scheduled a re‑inspection the following day and successfully passed, demonstrating the effectiveness of swift corrective measures and the importance of ongoing staff education.
Caffeinated Cow shines with perfect health score
In contrast, three local eateries earned perfect scores in this week’s Restaurant Roundup, highlighted by Caffeinated Cow on South Eighth Street. Co‑owner Jake Norment explained that the shop’s success stems from a disciplined approach to cleanliness: employees follow detailed cleaning checklists and rehearse procedures regularly to stay inspection‑ready at all times.
“It’s not a secret the health department’s coming. You know they’re coming. You should be ready for the health department every day, all day,” Norment said. The coffee shop’s menu features coffee, ice cream, breakfast sandwiches and more, but Norment emphasized that the sense of community – what he calls the “cow‑munity” – is equally vital to the business’s reputation.
Why health inspections matter for families and neighborhoods
Routine health inspections protect families by ensuring that restaurants adhere to basic food‑safety standards. When violations are identified, the county health department works with owners to correct problems quickly, as seen at East Dragon. Successful establishments like Caffeinated Cow illustrate how diligent hygiene practices can reinforce trust among patrons, support local economies, and uphold the values of safe, family‑friendly dining.
What the El Paso County Health Department looks for
Inspectors evaluate hand‑washing facilities, glove usage, food‑temperature controls, sanitation of food‑preparation areas, and overall cleanliness. Violations are recorded on a standardized form, and establishments receive a score that determines whether they pass, receive a conditional pass, or fail. Scores are publicly available, allowing consumers to make informed choices about where they eat.
Keeping the community informed
KRDO13’s Restaurant Roundup highlights both challenges and successes in the local food‑service sector. Residents are encouraged to review the latest inspection scores, which are posted on the El Paso County Health Department website, and to support restaurants that prioritize rigorous hygiene standards. By staying informed, families can enjoy meals out with confidence, knowing that local businesses are held accountable for the health and safety of their patrons.
For a complete list of recent health inspection scores, click the link provided by the county health department.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
