Apex Restaurant Inspections (Mar. 1 through Mar. 14)

Includes health scores and comments for #1 China, AJ's Food Mart, China Chef, Five Guys, Foxtail Coffee, JM Apex, Mezeh Grill, Mi Cancun, Mr. Dumpling, Peak Rehab Hospital, Pizza Hut, and Zaxby's.

Mar 19, 2025

Summary of Health Inspections conducted March 1 through March 14, 2025:

See individual restaurant inspection reports’ Observations and Corrective Actions below.

Rules Governing the Sanitation of Food Service Establishments
Rule (15A NCAC 18A .2662 GRADING)

(a) The grading of food establishments is based on a system of scoring. A food establishment that earns a score of at least:

(1) 90 percent shall receive a grade A;
(2) 80 percent and less than 90 percent shall receive a grade B;
(3) 70 percent and less than 80 percent shall receive a grade C.

Permits shall be immediately revoked in accordance with G.S. 130A-23(d) for food establishments receiving a score of less than 70 percent.

#1 CHINA

Local Address: 764 W Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/04/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

33 3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Observed large tubs of cooked noodles cooling in the walk-in cooler with tight plastic wrap over the top. Quickly cool TCS foods using methods such as open/vented shallow pans, smaller portions, ice baths and active stirring/turning over. Leave foods uncovered until cooling is complete. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat.

CDI- noodles had been cooling less than an hour. Noodles transferred to smaller pans and left uncovered. Cooling rate verified.

35 3-501.13; Priority Foundation; Observed raw chicken thawing in a prep sink with no running water. TCS foods shall be thawed under running water at a water temperature of less than 70F or under refrigeration. CDI- tub filled with cold running water for chicken to thaw properly. Cold water left running over chicken on low volume. Discussed thawing practices with PIC.

41 3-304.14; Core; A wet wiping cloth was left on the prep counter when not in use. Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution. CDI- cloth moved to bleach bucket. Full point may be taken for repeat violations in the future.

55 6-501.11; Core; Tile around the mop sink area is cracked and damaged. Physical facilities shall be kept in good repair so that they are easily cleanable. Please repair tile. No point taken today.

AJ'S FOOD MART

Local Address: 6204 Ten Ten Rd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/10/2025
Grade: A
Score: 99.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C) Some cleaning needed of shelving. Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood Contact Surfaces, and Utensils (C)

Additional Comments

Well sample taken form 3 compartment sink, left side. Sample passed - absent for ecoli/coliform 3/12/25.

CHINA CHEF

Local Address: 930 US 64 Hwy W, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/11/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

45 4-903.11; Core; Observed several stacks of single-use containers on a shelf above the makeline stored outside the packaging with the food-contact surface exposed. Single-service articles shall be kept in the original protective package or stored using other means that protect from contamination until used. CDI- containers inverted.

47 4-501.11; Core; Broken/torn gaskets observed on reach-in unit doors at the makeline. Equipment shall be kept in good repair so that it is easily cleanable. Replace gasket.

4-101.19; Core; Observed large pieces of cardboard being used as shelf liner in the prep area. Nonfood-contact surfaces that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that require frequent cleaning shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and smooth material. Discontinue use of cardboard lining on shelving.

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; Dust observed around fan covers in walk-in cooler. Insides of reach-in units have food residue accumulation along the bottom. Some food residue observed in gasket of reach-in unit at makeline. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris accumulation. Increase cleaning frequency of these areas.

55 6-501.12; Core; Observed grease deposits on hood vent above cooktop/wok station. Physical facilities shall be maintained in a clean condition. Facility is on the cleaning schedule with their cleaning company for service soon. No point taken.

FIVE GUYS #1797

Local Address: 1075 Pine Plaza Blvd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/14/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

10 6-301.12; Priority Foundation; Both the men's and women's restrooms did not have paper towels. Provide paper towels or approved hand drying device at each handwashing sink. CDI- towels replaced.

49 4-601.11; Core; Observed black, crusty residue underneath the prep counter of reach-in unit at the makeline. Residue observed near gasket and door hinges of same unit. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be maintained free of residue, food debris, dust and dirt accumulation. Increase cleaning frequency.

FOXTAIL COFFEE

Local Address: 76 Hunter St, Suite 112, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/14/2025
Grade: A
Score: 99

Observations and Corrective Actions

2-103.11(O); Priority Foundation; No employee health policy was availalbe for review. PIC explained that their onboarding system was not yet set up. He verbally told employees not to come to work while sick. Ensure food employees are informed of their responsibility to report required symptoms, illnesses and exposure. CDI- provided employee illness action chart and Form 1-B for use. Explained these forms and their purpose. No points taken.

5 2-501.11; Priority Foundation; No bodily fluid clean-up procedures were avaiallbe. A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. CDI- provided educational material and instructed PIC to obtain a clean-up kit or necessary supplies in the event they are needed. No point taken today. Ensure these written procedures are retained in the food establishment and easily accessible to avoid future demerits.

28 7-201.11; Priority; Observed oven cleaner and another caustic cleaning agent stored above an open box of hot sauce packets and a container of sprinkles. Store toxic materials to avoid contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service articles. CDI- cleaners were moved to an appropriate location.

JM APEX #3028

Local Address: 922 US 64 Hwy W, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/10/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96

Observations and Corrective Actions

2 2-102.12 (A); Core; No CFPM was present upon arrival. The person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager (CFPM) who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. Have a CFPM present during all hours of operation. CDI- manager with ServSafe certificate arrived at the end of the inspection.

8 2-301.14 (H); Priority; Observed an employee arrive for work, don an apron and proceed to the makeline to work with food. Hands shall be washed before donning gloves to initiate a task that involves working with food. Employees shall wash their hands upon arriving for work and before working. CDI- employee was stopped and hands were washed. Provided handwashing education.

33 3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Observed a large container of tuna salad prepared almost 4 hours prior to inspection in the walking cooler. The middle measured 48F. A tight lid was observed on top. Quickly cool TCS foods using methods such as open/vented shallow pans, smaller portions, large ice baths or rapid cooling equipment such as the freezer. Cold air must flow around product for effective cooling. CDI- tuna salad was portioned into two containers and placed in the freezer to rapidly finish cooling. Tuna is already cold when salad is prepared but increases in temperature during the preparation process. Ensure effective cooling methods are followed.

47 4-501.11; Core; Coated metal wire shelving in the display cooler is peeling and chipping. This is a cleanability issue and peeling paint may contaminate food. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Replace this shelving in the near future. Spoke with PIC about replacement options and ways to make shelving last longer such as placing a piece of smooth acrylic on top of shelving to prevent abrasions. No point taken today.

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; Observed old food residue accumulation on the shelving inside the display case. The nonfoodcontact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. Increase cleaning frequency.

55 6-501.11; Core; Framing around back door is damaged and rusting. Metal AC vent on ceiling above warewashing area is in poor repair. Physical facilities shall be kept in good repair. Repair these items. No point taken today.

MEZEH GRILL

Local Address: 1286 W Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/11/2025
Grade: A
Score: 95

Observations and Corrective Actions

10 6-301.12; Priority Foundation; No paper towels available at all handwashing sinks, with the exception of the handwashing sink closest to the fryers. All handwashing sinks shall be provided with a hand drying device. CDI - Towels provided by PIC.

21 3-501.16(A)(1); Priority; Three containers of chicken holding less than 135 F. One container stored in the hot box, and the other two containers stored on prep surfaces at room temperature. Refer to temperature chart. Hot foods shall maintain 135 F or above for safety. Do not leave foods out for extended periods of time. CDI - Two containers of chicken reheated to 165 F+. The other container of chicken voluntarily discarded by PIC due to time cooked/time stored at room temperature unknown and unable to be evaluated by EHC.

33 3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Cooked quinoa and cooked eggplant cooling at room temperature and wrapped tightly with plastic. Refer to temperature chart. Once 135 F or less is reached active cooling shall begin. Loosen the wrap to facilitate cooling. CDI - Wrap loosened and foods moved to cool rapidly in the walk-in cooler.

41 3-304.14; Core; Sanitizer buckets registered 0 ppm of Quat. Quat shall register 200-400 ppm for effective sanitization, unless otherwise specified by manufacturer instructions. Additionally, sanitizer buckets observed with wet wiping cloths filled to the brim and not fully submersed in the sanitizer solution. Do not overfill sanitizer buckets. Fill cloths up to the sanitizer line to ensure cloths are saturated with the sanitizer solution. Buckets dumped and re-filled.

56 6-403.11; Core; An employee cell phone stored with clean food-contact surfaces and with/above facility food. Employee items shall be stored in a designated area to prevent contamination. Phone re-located to a designated area where contamination will not occur.

MI CANCUN

Local Address: 809 E Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/13/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

16 4-601.11(A); Priority Foundation; A veggie slicer was observed on the clean equipment shelf with visible food residue along the slicing grates. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI- slicer removed for cleaning.

23 3-501.18; Priority; Beef soup prepared on 3/6 was observed in the reach-in cooler. Ready-to-eat TCS (time/temperature controlled for safety) foods shall be discarded after 7 days in refrigeration. The day of preparation shall count as day 1. CDIsoup voluntarily discarded.

28 7-202.12(A); Priority; A can of Raid household insecticide was observed in the kitchen near the back door. When asked, PIC indicated Raid is used outside the building to control bugs. Label states indoor household use only. Use poisonous or toxic materials according to manufacturer's label. Use pesticides approved for use in commercial food service only and follow label instructions/restrictions. CDI- use discontinued and spray can brought home with employee. No point taken today.

47 4-502.11(A); Core; A metal food strainer on the equipment rack was observed rusting with broken metal wire. This poses a risk of food contamination and is no longer easily cleanable. Maintain utensils in good repair. CDI- strainer voluntarily discarded. No point taken today.

49 4-601.11; (B) and (C); Core; Observed grease and food residue accumulation on the outside of the hot box at makeline. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of food residue, dust, dirt and other debris accumulation. Increase cleaning frequency.

MR. DUMPLING

Local Address: 5470 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/12/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

15 3-302.11; Priority; Observed raw chicken stored above ready-to-eat foods like spam and cooked beef in the reach-in cooler. Raw animal foods shall be arranged in equipment to prevent cross contamination. Store foods according to final cook temperature and keep ready-to-eat foods above raw animal foods. Refer to educational organization chart on freezer door which shows pictures of proper food storage. CDI- food rearranged.

35 3-501.13 (A), (B), (C); Priority Foundation; Observed lamb in a prep sink thawing at room temperature with no water flowing over product. Bags of raw fish that had been thawed overnight at room temp were observed at 54F in the walk-in cooler. TCS foods shall be thawed under refrigeration or under running water with a water temperature of no more than 70F. TCS foods shall not be allowed to rise above 41F for more than 4 hours including the time it takes to cool back down. CDI- lamb was moved to a sink with cold running water. Raw fish was voluntarily discarded. Explained the dangers of temperature abused raw meat to PIC. Thawing procedures will be changed going forward.

43 3-304.12; Core; Plastic cups without a handle were being used to scoop rice from the rice cooker and left in the rice cooker. Use dispensing utensils with handles that can be kept out of the food and above the inside of the container when used on TCS foods. CDI- cups discarded.

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; Observed extensive food residue inside handles of sugar and salt bins. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of food debris and residue accumulation. Clean handles of this equipment. All other surfaces observed clean.

55 6-501.12; Core; Observed food scraps on walk-in freezer floor. Some dust accumulation observed behind reach-in units against the wall. Physical facilities shall be kept clean. Clean these areas. All other areas observed clean. No point taken.

56 6-403.11; Core; Employee drink observed on the shelf above the prep line and fliptop unit. Utilize designated areas for employee food and drink where contamination of facility food, clean equipment, single-service articles and clean linens cannot occur. CDIdrink removed. Full point may be taken for repeat violations.

Additional Comments

ChefMaster FD&C food coloring is used on certain dumplings.

PEAK REHAB HOSPITAL

Local Address: 1401 Zeno Rd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/13/2025
Grade: A
Score: 97.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

5 2-501.11; Priority Foundation; No bodily fluid clean-up procedures could be presented during inspection. A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. CDI- emailed educational material to kitchen staff. No point taken

10 5-205.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Observed metal food lids stored in the basin of the handwashing sink behind the serving counter. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. 5-205.11 (B); Priority Foundation; A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. CDI- lids were removed from sink and sent to be washed.

6-301.12; Priority Foundation; No paper towels were available at prep area handwashing sink near walk-in cooler. Provide paper towels or approved alternative device for hand drying at each handwashing sink. CDI- towels provided.

15 3-302.11(A)(1); Priority; Observed repackaged raw pork and raw burger patties outside their original box stored above individual containers of ice cream in the reach-in freezer. Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat (RTE) foods to prevent cross contamination. Raw animal foods shall be stored according to final cook temperature when removed from original packaging in the freezer and never above RTE foods. CDI- raw meat was moved to a lower shelf.

48 4-302.13 (B); Priority Foundation; No Dishtemp thermometer or temp stickers were availalbe to test the utensil surface temperature in the hot water sanitizing warewashing machine. Provide an approved Max/Min thermometer for testing sanitizing temperatures in hot water warewashing machines. The thermometer must be readily accessible. Facility just started operating this week and has ordered a thermometer. Text a photo of thermometer when it arrives to EHS number listed on this report. Machine was tested using EHS's Dishtemp thermometer and measured 165F. No point taken today.

Additional Comments

Text a photo of Dishtemp thermometer to 919-500-6269 when it arrives

PIZZA HUT #42455

Local Address: 760 W Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/12/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

22 3-501.16(A)(2); Priority; Observed cut lettuce and cut tomato on the salad bar between 42 and 45F. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. CDI- cut tomato was voluntarily discarded. Bowl of cut lettuce was less than 4 hours old and brought to walk-in cooler to cool down. Salad bar unit temperature was lowered.

45 4-903.11(A)(C); Core; Observed pizza boxes stored on a shelf directly next to handwashing sink with no splash guard. Store single-use and single-service articles in a clean, dry location and where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination. Install a splash guard or do not store boxes this close to the sink. No point taken today.

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; Observed food debris and residue along the bottom frame of the glass doors that open to walk-in cooler. Black and gray residue present near these door hinges. Residue accumulation present on sprayer arm handle and around bottom of nozzle at three comp sink. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris accumulation. Clean these areas/pieces of equipment.

Additional Comments

All transitional permit repair items have been completed.

ZAXBY'S #69201

Local Address: 1171 Pine Plaza Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/03/2025
Grade: A
Score: 97.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

28 7-202.12(A); Priority; Observed cans of Raid household insecticide in the storage closet. When asked, PIC indicated Raid is used outside the building, not in the kitchen. Label on can says for indoor household use only. Use poisonous or toxic materials according to manufacturer's label. Use pesticides approved for use in commercial food service only. CDI- use will be discontinued. Cans were removed from storage closet and brought home with an employee. No point taken today.

43 3-304.12 (A); Core; Observed dispensing utensil handles falling into containers of food like cut tomato and boiled egg on the makeline. In-use utensils in TCS food must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. CDI- handles were removed from food.

47 4-501.11; Core; Coated metal shelving was observed cracking, chipping and rusting in the makeline reach-in unit. Equipment shall be kept in good repair so that it is easily cleanable. Replace shelving soon. Half point taken today.

49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Cleaning needed on sides of equipment at the grill and fryer station where grease accumulation is present. The exterior of the ice machine has a crusty residue along the top and sides. A loose screw was observed on the top of the ice machine. This could get into the ice machine and contaminate ice. Screw was removed. Grease was observed dripping from the top of the shelf above the makeline. This was wiped down during inspection. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris accumulation. Increase cleaning frequency.

55 6-501.12; Core; The wall along and near mop sink is soiled with crusty residue. The closet door adjacent to mop sink has a crusty residue along the bottom. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Increase cleaning frequency. Full point may be taken for repeat violations in the future. All other areas observed clean.

Holly Springs Update

Discussion about this post