HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – This week’s Kitchen Cops inspections highlighted a surge of insect sightings and sanitation problems as colder weather drives pests indoors. Health officials issued violations and lower scores for a range of restaurants and food‑service locations across north Alabama.
Colbert County
Rancho Viejo on Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals received a violation for “insects in the kitchen” along with a dishwasher that failed to sanitize and several food‑temperature issues. The establishment earned a score of 83.
Jackson County
The Scottsboro FoodMart on South Broad Street was scored 81 after inspectors noted dirty soda nozzles and temperature violations.
Madison County
The Toney Food Mart at Pulaski Pike and Ready Section Road earned a 70 after inspectors found flies inside the building, an unsecured septic‑tank lid, a dirty can opener and dirty soda nozzles.
Birria and Tacos El Tio, a Huntsville food truck, was cited for hot‑water temperatures that were too low, an unlabeled chemical bottle and blocked access to a hand‑washing sink, resulting in a score of 77.
Dunkin’ Donuts on Brookridge Drive received an 84 after staff were observed dumping items in the hand‑washing sink and flies were spotted in the kitchen.
Marshall County
Taqueria Quichelense on North Broad Street in Albertville was cited for storing food products in an employee’s home, lacking a food thermometer and using unlabeled chemical bottles. The restaurant also used a three‑compartment sink for both food preparation and dishwashing.
Pasquale’s Pizza in Boaz earned a 77 due to food‑temperature violations, a dirty thermometer and a dirty can opener.
ST Nutrition in Boaz had a live roach found inside the ice maker, with additional roaches discovered elsewhere in the building. The establishment also allowed unauthorized persons in the food‑service area and stored toxic items on a prep table, receiving a score of 77.
The Village Inn on Highway 431 in Guntersville was cited for a roach found in at least one guest room, resulting in an 80.
Applebee’s in Guntersville received an 82 after a pest‑control issue was noted, along with an improperly stored unlabeled cleaner bottle.
The Home2 Suites on Paddle Wheel Drive in Guntersville faced a possible license suspension for lacking hot water in restrooms and storing cleaning chemicals too close to pancake mix, earning an 83.
Los Arcos in Boaz scored 84 despite a dirty can opener and missing date marks on some foods.
Local Joe’s in Albertville missed a passing grade by one point, also receiving an 84 for food‑temperature violations.
Other counties
DeKalb, Lawrence, Morgan and other counties reported no failing scores this week. Limestone County scores remain unavailable as the health department works to restore reporting.
These inspections underscore the importance of diligent food‑safety practices to protect families and uphold the standards that North Alabama residents expect from their local eateries.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
