BREAKING: A series of alarming food safety violations have been reported across multiple Santa Fe food establishments between October 13 and 17, 2023. The New Mexico Environment Department’s inspections have raised serious concerns regarding public health and safety, with numerous establishments cited for critical violations.
Santa Fe Bite at 1616 St. Michael’s Drive received a staggering 16 violations on October 14, including employees failing to wear gloves while handling food and improper thawing of chicken. Other issues included dusty kitchen air vents, a dirty dishwasher, and an open back door. These violations could pose significant risks to customers and require immediate corrective actions.
Meanwhile, Yamas Greek Rotisserie, located at 2411 Cerrillos Road, was cited for four violations on the same day, including missing internal thermometers in several coolers and a lack of sanitizer in the food preparation area.
On October 15, The Wrap Santa Fe at 113 E. Water St. faced eight violations. Notable infractions included a dirty ice machine and a blocked hand-wash sink.
More troubling developments emerged from the Santa Fe Preparatory School on October 16, where inspectors found multiple violations, including pests in the facility and unsanitary conditions throughout the kitchen.
Jaripeo Grill And Beer at 3565 Cerrillos Road faced the most critical violations on October 17, including no soap at hand-wash sinks and employees cooking without gloves. Their inspection requires a reinspection within three business days due to the severity of the violations.
In total, other establishments like Santa Fe Capitol Grill and both Walmart grocery and Walmart meat market received citations for various health code violations, including inadequate sanitation measures and food storage issues.
These revelations underscore a pressing need for immediate action to ensure food safety in the Santa Fe community. Residents are urged to be vigilant and report any further concerns regarding food safety.
Next Steps: All establishments cited will need to implement corrective actions and undergo follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with health regulations. The New Mexico Environment Department is prioritizing these urgent matters to protect public health.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
