Kitchen Cops 08/02/07

Three New Hanover County restaurants get a second chance with health inspectors. But two continue struggling to make the grade. A couple weeks ago a health inspector found several problems at New Jade Garden at 3224 North College Road in Wilmington, especially with the way food was handled and stored. After scoring 85, the staff fixed those problems on a second chance, but still had problems wish hand-washing, labeling food containers, soiled multi-use containers and other cleaning issues. Seven violations on the re-inspection keep the increase to a minimum. A score of 86.5 means back-to-back low performances for New Jade Garden. Back in June the Waffle House in Monkey Junction scored an 88. It got a second chance Monday. Problems this time included condensation dripping on pickles, packages of ham and lettuce, items stored dirty and other cleaning and maintenance issues. Seven violations are tempered by a two-point bonus for workers passing a food safety course. That keeps Waffle House at 88. Finally the Health Department threatened to suspend the license for Taqueria con Sabor a Mexico in Ogden if it didn't fix a roach infestation. A couple weeks later -- problem solved. Employees still need to do a better job washing their hands and there are some other cleaning issues. But a big improvement from 72 to 94.5.