How it works

Each month, The Herald-Mail publishes the findings of initial food establishment inspections by the Washington County Health Department. Food service facilities are inspected on a regular basis to make sure they are following the regulations that govern such establishments.

Inspectors also conduct follow-up inspections and monitoring inspections, and investigate complaints and food-borne outbreaks.

Potentially hazardous food means any food rich in protein that will support the rapid growth and reproduction of food-borne disease microorganisms.

Inspections are conducted at restaurants, nursing homes, schools, grocery stores and other places that serve food, including those that only are temporary such as fairs and carnivals.

Critical violations such as contaminated or spoiled food, improper temperatures of foods, improper cooking or no running water must be corrected immediately. Those items are marked with *.

Other violations must be corrected within 30 days. Follow-up inspections will be conducted as needed.

Those violations corrected on day of inspection are indicated as (corrected).

The following food service establishments were inspected by the Washington County Health Department in May and found to have critical violations that needed to be corrected immediately.

AC&T-Boonsboro Exxon, 725 N. Main St., Boonsboro - * food items kept at improper temperature (corrected); trash container must be kept covered; insufficient air gap at soda dispenser; soda dispenser drain and exhaust vents in restroom must be cleaned; hot water at hand sinks must be adjusted; hole in restroom must be sealed; walk-in freezer must have lighting; choking poster must be displayed.

Dolce Pizza Gourmet Restaurant, 792 Frederick St., Hagerstown - * spoiled packet of shredded cheese observed (discarded); * salad dressing kept at inadequate temperature (corrected); * shredded cheese and bacon kept at inadequate temperature (moved to another refrigerator); lights must be shatterproof; improper air gap at three-compartment sink (corrected); improper mop storage (corrected); back screen door must be repaired; restroom doors must be self-closing; ventilation exhaust must be cleaned; single-serve items stored unprotected (corrected); hazard plan must be available; thermometers needed to check temperatures.

Dutch Country Kitchen, 1583 Potomac Ave., Hagerstown - * string beans kept at improper temperature (reheated); surfaces must be smooth and cleanable; light bulbs must be shielded; improper washing and sanitizing procedures; potatoes cannot be stored on floor.

Edible Arrangements, 222 E. Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown - * spoiled pears seen in walk-in cooler (corrected); food scoop must have handle; food contact utensil improperly stored; hole above cooler must be sealed; thermometers needed in all units; choking poster must be displayed.

Fuji Chinese and Sushi Cuisine, 11205 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Hagerstown - * noodles cannot be stored in colander on table (discarded); food cannot be stored unprotected or improperly in walk-in; wiping cloths must be kept in sanitizer; nonfood-grade containers cannot be used for food; hot water must be restored to hand sink; ceiling tiles must be replaced; dishwasher sprayer leak must be filed.

Funkstown Elementary School, 3 Funkstown Road, Funkstown - * dented cans of pineapple and salsa (corrected); hand sink timing must be adjusted; exhaust vents must be cleaned.

Highland View Academy, 10100 Academy Drive, Hagerstown - * dented cans of vegetables and fruits (corrected); ceiling around heating vents must be cleaned; insufficient light in walk-in freezer; insufficient air gap at kettle; leak in ceiling must be repaired; serving trays cannot be stacked wet; floors, walk-in cooler and condenser must be cleaned.

Maugansville Elementary School, 18023 Maugans Ave., Maugansville - * no hot water at the school (May 21); improper temperature of walk-in freezer; choking poster must be displayed.

Potomac Heights Elementary School, 301 E. Magnolia Ave., Hagerstown - * dented can of pineapple observed (corrected); sanitizer at improper level.

Quiznos, 222 E. Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown - * dented can of sliced olives observed (corrected); hand sink cannot be obstructed (corrected); paper towels improperly stored; thermometers needed in all units; lights needed inside walk-ins; box of food items cannot be stored on floor (corrected); floors in walk-ins and exhaust vents must be cleaned; restroom doors must be self-closing; excessive mold on drain lines; inadequate sanitizer in three-compartment sink.

Rockland Woods Elementary School, 18201 Rockland Drive, Hagerstown - * dented can of pineapple observed (corrected); hole in wall near mop storage must be sealed.

Ruby Tuesday, 1645 Wesel Blvd., Hagerstown - * salad bar items not kept at proper temperatures (discarded); surfaces must be smooth and cleanable; walls and floors must be cleaned; wall covering under preparation sink must be reattached; preparation sink and dishwasher must be resealed to wall; walk-in freezer must be defrosted; freezer gasket must be replaced; holes in wall under exhaust hood must be sealed; improper air gap at ice machine; handle of ice scoop cannot touch ice.

Safron Bakery, 11205 John F. Kennedy Drive, Hagerstown - * soft-serve unit and cheesecake on display at improper temperature (corrected); floors must be cleaned; doors cannot be braced open (corrected); water on floor (corrected); hole in ceiling over water heater must be sealed; sanitizer must be available; improper wash, rinse and sanitizing procedures (corrected); boxes of food cannot be stored on floor of walk-in freezer.

St. Maria Goretti High School, 1535 Oak Hill Ave., Hagerstown - * salad, sandwiches and dressing at improper temperatures (discarded); floor under equipment and inside of cooler doors must be cleaned; missing ceiling tiles must be replaced.

Sanders Market, 25451 Military Road, Cascade - * dented cans of fruit cocktail stored with usable cans (removed); surfaces must be smooth and cleanable; evidence of leak near loading dock; insufficient lighting in walk-ins.

Schmankerl Stube Bavarian Restaurant, 56 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown - * beef pasta salad and tomatoes kept at improper temperature (corrected); * refrigeration unit at improper temperature (all food items removed and stored in other unit); hand sink cannot be obstructed (corrected); thermometers needed in all units; boxes of food, containers and cooking pot cannot be stored on floor of cooler; exhaust vent in restroom must be cleaned.

Shoney's, 17301 Valley Mall Road, Hagerstown - * all cold items on salad bar not cold enough (all items changed and then every 90 minutes); grill hood filters, area around hood, outside of paper towel dispenser, floors, walls and ceilings must be cleaned.

Smithsburg Market, 48 S. Main St., Smithsburg - * cake refrigeration unit at improper temperature (corrected); * potato salad stored at improper temperature (discarded); walk-in freezer must be defrosted; area around meat cooler must be cleaned.

Subway, 1201 Dual Highway, Hagerstown - * must have hot water in restrooms (corrected); * food items not kept at proper temperature (corrected); insufficient air gap at three-compartment sink and soda dispenser; insufficient lighting in various locations; chemical test strips must be available; leak near cooler must be repaired; thermometers needed in all units; bag of food cannot be on floor of walk-in freezer (corrected); sanitizer needed in three-compartment sink (corrected); surfaces must be smooth and cleanable; current license must be displayed; restroom door must be self-closing;

Subway, 11 N. Main St., Boonsboro - * grilled chicken, sliced beef and ranch dressing at improper temperatures (corrected); paper towels improperly dispensed at hand sink; insufficient lighting in walk-ins; improper mop storage; thermometers needed in all units; proper trash receptacle needed (corrected); insufficient air gap at soda dispenser; hazard plan must be available.

Winter Street School, 59 Winter St., Hagerstown - * french fries not kept at proper temperature (remaining fries not served to children); wall penetrations must be sealed; beverage freezer and dishwasher not at proper temperatures.

The following food service establishments were inspected by the Washington County Health Department in May and found to have sanitation violations that must be corrected within 30 days.

Alex Convenience Store, 280 N. Main St., Boonsboro - improper air gap at soda and ice machines; ventilation needed in employee restrooms; hand sink cannot be obstructed (corrected); choking poster must be displayed.

American Little League, 235 Mill St., Hagerstown - volunteer seen chewing gum in kitchen preparation area; all surfaces must be smooth and cleanable; holes must be sealed; hot water needed in restrooms (corrected); ventilation needed in restrooms; chemical test strips must be provided; thermometers needed in all units; utensils stored improperly; covered trash receptacle needed in women's restroom; choking poster must be displayed.

Beaver Creek Country Club, 9835 Mapleville Road, Hagerstown - exhaust hood, restroom exhaust, area around drain and wall near chemical storage must be cleaned; open food cannot be stored on shelves; wall must be smooth and cleanable; single-serve items cannot be stored unprotected; inadequate timing on hand sink faucet in restroom; water pressure too high at restroom sink; insufficient lighting in walk-ins; improper food storage in walk-in freezer; ice scoop cannot be stored on ice; holes in ceiling must be repaired.

Bester Elementary School, 30 E. Memorial Blvd., Hagerstown - covered trash receptacle needed in staff restroom (corrected); exhaust vent in staff restroom must be cleaned.

Boonsboro Elementary School, 5 Campus Ave., Boonsboro - too much steam in dishwashing room; area around sprinkler head in dishwashing room must be sealed; leak around dishwasher must be repaired; restroom door must be self-closing; cracked floor tiles must be repaired; exhaust needed in restroom; door frame must be smooth and cleanable.

Boonsboro Middle School, 1 J-H Wade Drive, Boonsboro - single-serve items stored unprotected (corrected).

Chick-Fil-A, 1680 Wesel Blvd., Hagerstown - inside of storage bins for utensils must be cleaned (corrected); walls and floors throughout, shelf under counter, storage shelves, refrigerator and back exit door must be cleaned; missing light shield must be replaced; hand sink near grill must be resealed to wall; condensation of walk-in freezer must be removed; cracked tiles must be repaired.

Chic's Seafood, 300 Summit Ave., Hagerstown - single-serve items and food must be stored protected; insufficient air gaps at various machines; holes must be sealed; ceiling, walls and floors must be smooth and cleanable; reach-in units, slicer, exhaust fans and floors must be cleaned; gasket must be repaired or replaced; insufficient light in walk-in; bare hands cannot come in contact with ready-to-eat food; raw fish cannot be stored above steamed crabs; choking poster and hazard plan must be available.

First Choice Corporate Catering, 21140 Leitersburg Pike, Hagerstown - improper mop storage; single-serve items cannot be stored unprotected; bottom of refrigerator must be cleaned; grease barrel must be on smooth, cleanable surface.

Florida Avenue Vocational Center, 840 Florida Ave., Hagerstown - presence of mice feces observed in dry storage room (corrected); exhaust hood vents must be cleaned; light intensity not sufficient in food preparation area and in walk-in freezer; thermometers needed in all units; ice buildup in freezer must be removed.

Fountaindale Elementary School, 901 Northern Ave., Hagerstown - floor tile in dry storage must be repaired; wall and ceiling penetrations must be sealed; hand sink faucet insufficiently timed; insufficient lighting in storage closet.

Francis Murphy senior site, 20014 Rosebank Way, Hagerstown - surfaces must be smooth and cleanable; insufficient air gap at three-compartment sink.

Fratelli Pizzeria and Grill, 120 E. Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown - hand sink cannot be obstructed (corrected); soap needed at hand sink (corrected); food cannot be stored unprotected in freezer (corrected); box of food cannot be stored on floor of cooler (corrected); lights needed under grill (corrected); paper towels improperly dispensed; thermometers needed in all units; insufficient air gap at soda dispenser; exhaust vent must be cleaned; cannot have bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods; single-serve items must be protected; choking poster must be displayed.

Fraternal Order of Eagles, 18 N. Locust St., Hagerstown - floors, exhaust hood and bottom of beverage refrigerator must be cleaned; insufficient light in pot storage room; surfaces must be smooth and cleanable; insufficient air gap at ice machine, preparation sink and dishwasher; evidence of leak at beverage refrigerator; exhaust vents in restrooms must be operational; single-serve items must be protected; hazard plan must be observed.

Friendly's, 12814-A Shank Farm Way, Hagerstown - trash receptacle must be closed (corrected); pooling water seen below both Pepsi machines (corrected); bag openers cannot be inside hand sink (corrected); improper temperature of freezer.

Girls Inc., 626 Washington Ave., Hagerstown - food cannot be stored on floor of storage area (corrected); glass cabinet door must be repaired; inside of ice machine must be cleaned.

The Green Turtle, 12818-A Shank Farm Way, Hagerstown - insufficient light in walk-ins; area around trash receptacle must be cleaned.

Hardee's, 42 E. Main St., Hancock - oven mitt cannot be hung on refrigerator door (corrected); inside of storage unit must be cleaned; open grease barrel cannot be in stove; heavy fly presence in facility; inadequate lighting in refrigeration units.

Homewood at Williamsport, 16505 Virginia Ave., Williamsport - hand sink in dishwashing area must be resealed; ceiling near grill and wall near refrigerator must be cleaned.

Jerry's Subs and Pizza, 12818-G Shank Farm Way, Hagerstown - trash and grease seen around grease barrel; leak in three-compartment sink must be repaired.

Kerfoot Refectory, 17641 College Road, St. James - ceiling vent in restroom must be cleaned (corrected); wall in dish area, seal behind dishwasher and floor fan must be cleaned; hand sink by salad bar must be resealed to wall; walls must be repainted.

Leitersburg Fire Department, 21140 Leitersburg Pike, Leitersburg - floors and restroom exhaust vents must be cleaned; excessive odor in restroom; evidence of leak around exhaust vent; restroom floors cannot be wet; molding must be replaced in restroom.

Marshall Street School, 1350 Marshall St., Hagerstown - hand sink must have soap and hot water; ice buildup in refrigerator must be removed.

Maugansville Creamery, 13803 Maugansville Road, Maugansville - area under soda machine and grill fan must be cleaned; insufficient lighting in food preparation area; hazard plan must be observed.

Mike's Tavern, 638 N. Prospect St., Hagerstown - grill vents, wall behind grill and front of cabinets must be cleaned; surfaces must be smooth and cleanable; stained ceiling tiles must be replaced; men's restroom door must be self-closing; single-serve items cannot be stored unprotected; back screen door must be tight-fitting; choking poster must be available.

Moe's Southwest Grill, 12818-I Shank Farm Way, Hagerstown - trash receptacle must be covered; area around trash receptacle and exhaust hood must be cleaned; single-serve items cannot be stored unprotected; ice machine leak and gasket on cooler must be repaired; hazard plan must be observed.

Old Forge Elementary School, 21615 Old Forge Road, Hagerstown - freezer gasket must be replaced.

Pleasant Valley Elementary School, 1707 Rohrersville Road, Knoxville, Md. - improper level of sanitizer for wiping cloths (corrected).

Pollo Rico, 116 W. Franklin St., Hagerstown - hand sink needs soap and paper towels (corrected); improper storage of food in refrigerator (corrected); baking pans cannot be stored on floor (corrected); employee restroom needs covered trash (corrected); leaky restroom faucet must be repaired; fan must be cleaned.

Rita's, 17220 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown - improper level of sanitizer in bucket (corrected).

St. Mary's School, 218 W. Washington St., Hagerstown - hand sink must be resealed to wall; covered trash can needed in employee restroom; dishwasher by tray window must be sealed to wall; small table fan must be cleaned.

Salem Avenue Elementary School, 1323 Salem Ave., Hagerstown - backs of cafeteria trays must be cleaned (corrected); cart, floors of walk-ins and base of fan must be cleaned.

Subway, 11633 Greencastle Pike, Hagerstown - paper towel dispensers must be cleaned (corrected); condensation buildup must be removed from walk-in; three-compartment sink must be resealed to wall; inside of shelves, doors on front line, soda dispenser, wall behind hand sink, floor of storage area and front door of walk-in must be cleaned; choking poster must be available; hand sink needs soap (corrected); ceiling vent in restroom must be cleaned (corrected); defrosting needed in condiment storage.

Superior Ice Cream, 500 Chestnut St., Hagerstown - air gap not visible at scoop well; light bulbs must be shielded.

Turner's Dual Lanes, 1350 Dual Highway, Hagerstown - thermometer needed to test food (corrected); cutting board, exhaust vents, bottom of refrigerator, area around oil drums and bottom of freezer must be cleaned; chemical test strips must be available; holes in ceiling must be repaired; paper towels needed at hand sink; handleless scoop not allowed at soda machine; single-serve items stored on greasy cardboard below fryer; single-serve items and ice scoop cannot be unprotected; insufficient air gap at ice and Pepsi machines; improper wash, rinse and sanitizing procedures; walls must be smooth and cleanable; restroom door must be self closing; exhaust needed in restrooms, paper towels needed at hand sink; insufficient light in storage area; toilet paper needed in dispensers. Twist-N-Cream Corner, 1583 Potomac Ave., Hagerstown - leak at hand sink must be repaired; hot water needed at hand sink; improper storage of single-serve items; cutting board must be cleaned; missing baseboard must be replaced; ice in freezer must be removed; light needed at freezer.Valley Market, 13722 National Pike, Clear Spring - floor behind display cooler must be repaired; floor under fryer must be cleaned; presence of flies in food preparation area; display cooler leaking on floor; ice buildup in freezer must be removed; box of food cannot be stored on floor of freezer; improper temperature in freezer; hazard plan must be observed.

Wendy's, 1570 Wesel Blvd., Hagerstown - front hand sink must be resealed to wall; insufficient air gap at ice maker; floor behind potato oven must be cleaned; bottom of women's stall door in restroom must be repaired.

Western Heights Middle School, 1300 Marshall St., Hagerstown - insufficient light intensity inside walk-ins; floor next to garbage disposal must be repaired; hand sanitizer cannot be used at hand sink; ceiling and vents above food service area must be cleaned; inadequate temperature at dishwasher.

The following food service establishments had no violations in May:

Cascade Elementary School, 14519 Pennersville Road, Cascade; Clear Spring High School, 12630 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring; Clear Spring Middle School, 12628 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring; Doyle's Kettle Korn trailer mobile unit; Fairview Outdoor School, 12808 Draper Road, Clear Spring; Greenbrier Elementary School, 21222 San Mar Road, Boonsboro; Hancock Elementary School, 290 W. Main St., Hancock; Hancock Middle/Senior High School, 289 W. Main St., Hancock; Hempen Hill BBQ, 13701 Fountainhead Plaza, Hagerstown; Heritage Academy, 12215 Walnut Point Road, Hagerstown; Kelley's Rolling Crab Shack mobile unit, Hagerstown; Martin L. "Marty" Snook Memorial Park pool, 17901 Halfway Blvd., Hagerstown; Mount Aetna Elementary School, 10207 Crystal Falls Drive, Hagerstown; National Little League, 728 Frederick St., Hagerstown; Nutters Ice Cream, 100 E. Main St., Sharpsburg; Toppings Pizza, 11205 John F. Kennedy Drive, Hagerstown; Washington County Senior Center, 626 Washington Ave., Hagerstown; Williamsport pool concession stand, Byron Memorial Park, Williamsport; and Williamsport High School, 5 S. Clifton Drive, Williamsport.