The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department inspects over 100 establishments weekly, using a points system for critical and non-critical violations. Red points indicate critical violations, such as improper handwashing and temperature control, which can lead to foodborne illness. Blue points are for non-critical violations, like improper cleaning. Establishments with 35 or more red points are reinspected. Repeated critical violations can lead to closure. The Health Department also grades inspections, with 'Great' indicating very few concerns, 'Okay' some concerns, and 'Needs to improve' many or repeated concerns. The following establishments received 35 or more red points in July 2020 inspections, with detailed comments on violations:
- Burger Broiler (3801 McKinley Ave., Tacoma): 60 red points, 'Great' grade. Violations included improper cooling procedures, no room temperature storage, and non-compliance with permit and procedures.
- Not Bad (1102 A St., #104, Tacoma): 60 red points, 'Great' grade. Violations included improper cooling and improper hot holding temperatures.
- Applebee’s Grill + Bar (9430 192nd Ave. E., Bonney Lake): 55 red points, 'Great' grade. Violations included missing or expired foodworker cards and improper cooling procedures.
- Puerto Vallarta of Graham (21718 103rd Ave. Ct. E., Graham): 50 red points, 5 blue points, 'Okay' grade. Violations included improper hot holding temperatures and improper cold holding temperatures.
- Subway (10909 Portland Ave. E., Tacoma): 45 red points, 5 blue points, 'Great' grade. Violations included inadequate hand washing facilities and improper cold holding temperatures.
- The Grillin’ Gorilla food truck (109 E. Stewart Ave., Puyallup): 45 red points, 'No grade yet'. Violations included improper cold holding temperatures and non-compliance with cooling procedures.
- Sumo Sushi (21109 State Route 410, Bonney Lake): 45 red points, 'Great' grade. Violations included inadequate hand washing facilities and improper cold holding temperatures.
- Safeway - Deli (1302 S. 38th St., Tacoma): 45 red points, 'Great' grade. Violations included inadequate hand washing facilities and improper hot holding temperatures.
- TJ’s Pub (16701 Pacific Ave. S., Spanaway): 35 red points, 10 blue points, 'Okay' grade. Violations included improper cooling procedures, improper cold holding temperatures, and issues with warewashing facilities.
- Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar (4102 S. 56th St., Tacoma): 35 red points, 5 blue points, 'Great' grade. Violations included improper hot holding temperatures and improper cold holding temperatures.
- Meconi’s Tacoma Pub (709 Pacific Ave., Tacoma): 35 red points, 'Great' grade. Violations included improper disposition of returned food and improper hot holding temperatures.
- Safeway - Deli (900 Meridian E., #12, Milton): 35 red points, 'Great' grade. Violations included improper cooling procedures and improper cold holding temperatures.
- Berliner Beer Hall (2401 Pacific Ave., Tacoma): 35 red points, 'Great' grade. Violations included improper cooling procedures and a nonfunctional chef base cooler.
- The Mill Steakhouse (900 Meridian Ave. E., #50, Milton): 35 red points, 'Great' grade. Violations included improper cooling procedures and improper cold holding temperatures.
- Kinza Teriyaki (22219 Mountain Highway E., Spanaway): 35 red points, 'No grade yet'. Violations included inadequate hand washing facilities and improper cooling procedures.
