Apex Restaurant Inspections (Mar. 5 through Mar. 31)

Includes Amgen Cafeteria, Baan Thai, Basil N Spice, Bojangles, Carrabba's, Fratelli's Deli, JM Peak Plaza, Panda Express, Sabatino's, Schlotzsky's, Skipper's, Tacos Mexico, The Reserve at Mills Farm

Apr 03, 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.

AMGEN CAFETERIA – FRIENDSHIP FOOD HALL
4130 Friendship Rd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/24/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

15 3-302.11(A)(1); Priority; Observed an employee place partially cooked sausage above ready-to-eat lamb in the walk-in cooler.

Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables. CDI- food rearranged.

18 3-401.14; Priority Foundation; Observed sausages being par-cooked during inspection. When asked, employee stated that sausages are partially cooked, cooled and then peeled for further processing into a ground form and combined with other ingredients to cook further. If a facility is using a non-continuous cooking process, the permit holder shall obtain prior approval and have written procedures that specify how the food is cooled, separated from other ready-to-eat foods and marked to identify the food as being raw. CDI- discussed preparation procedures with PIC who will alter the preparation process to avoid parcooking.

Sausages are partially cooked to make peeling them easier. In the future, sausages will only be heated to a temperature that is well below the final cook temperature to avoid partial cooking and then cooled within 4 hours. No points taken today.

Partially cooked sausages were moved to an appropriate location away from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross contamination.

43 3-304.12 (A); Core; Observed a food scoop handle laying in tuna salad at the serving line. In-use utensils in TCS food must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. CDI- scoop removed.

BAAN THAI RESTAURANT
758 Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/25/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

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

44 4-903.11 (A), (B), and (D); Core; Observed metal pans stacked wet on the clean equipment shelf. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying. CDI- pans separated for drying. No point taken today.

47 4-501.11; Core; A wire metal cart in the kitchen was observed badly rusting. This is no longer a cleanable surface. Maintain equipment in good repair. Replace metal cart. Half point taken today. Full point may be taken for repeat violations.

54 5-501.114; Core; Garbage receptacle is missing a drain plug. Drains in dumpsters and waste containers shall have drain plugs in place. Replace drain plug. Garbage receptacles are in better condition than previous inspection. Full point not taken.

BASIL N SPICE
8753 Holly Springs Rd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/19/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

10 6-301.12 Provide paper towels or approved alternative for hand drying at each handsink. -Pf Placed at time of inspection.

39 3-305.11 Food containers stored on floor of walk in cooler. Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination.

Keep at least 6 inches above the floor.

BOJANGLES #39
1581 E Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/26/2025
Grade: A
Score: 97

Observations and Corrective Actions

10 5-205.11 (A); Priority Foundation; The prep area handwashing sink was blocked by a ladder and a large brush was observed in the basin. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. CDI- ladder and brush removed.

20 3-501.14; Priority; Observed cut tomato cooling in the walk-in since 7:00am at 45 - 46F. At the end of inspection, cut tomato was still measuring 44 - 45F (nearly 6 hours). TCS foods shall be cooled within 4 hours to 41F or less if prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature. PIC indicated that restocking this morning likely contributed to the slow cooling rate and cut tomato was near the door. Ambient air measured 41F and tomato was placed in the proper container to cool. CDI- cut tomato was voluntarily discarded.

43 3-304.12 (A); Core; Observed food scoop handles falling into the food on the serving line. In-use utensils in TCS food must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. CDI- scoops removed from food. No point taken today.

54 5-501.113; Core; Outdoor recycling receptacle cover in refuse enclosure is missing, therefore receptacle cannot be covered.

Receptacles for refuse and recyclables shall have tight fitting lids. PIC has ordered a repair. No point taken today.

55 6-501.11; Core; The FRP wall covering damage behind the drive thru serving area was filled with caulking. This is a temporary

fix. This area had been caved in and badly damaged on last inspection. Floors, walls and ceilings, light fixtures and heat/ac vents shall be maintained in good repair. Replace FRP wall covering so area is smooth and easily cleanable. Full point not taken today.

CARRABBA'S ITALIAN GRILL #8412
1201 Haddon Hall Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/26/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

16 4-501.112; Priority Foundation; The high-temperature dish machine unable to reach 180 F (160 F at the plate) for the final rinse temperature, and unable to reach the minimum wash temperature (150 F per data plate). It shall reach a minimum of 150 F for the wash cycle, and 180 F (160 F at the plate) for the final rinse cycle. Additionally, the booster heater above the machine is leaking. VR - PIC put in work orders for repair. EHC will return to ensure the dish machine reaches the proper wash and rinse temperatures as required. In the meantime, facility may wash, rinse and sanitize at the 3-compartment sink.

4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Various metal containers and ladles stored as clean soiled with food and debris. A few containers stored as clean soiled with old sticker residue. Stickers shall be removed prior to/during the cleaning process.

Equipment, food-contact surfaces, and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI - Items moved for thorough cleaning.

4-602.11; Core; The lid itself and the area behind the lid covering ice at the soda machine in the expo area soiled with black accumulation. Additionally, the top part of the ice machine baffle soiled with black accumulation. Ice machines and enclosed compartments of equipment such as ice makers shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.

22 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Multiple TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods holding above 41 F. Refer to temperature chart. TCS foods shall maintain 41 F or below. CDI - Foods moved to cool in the walk-in cooler rapidly.

47 4-501.11; Core; No ice buildup present in the walk-in freezer at time of inspection. However, the handle to the deep freezer has

broken and has been taken off. Loose screws are exposed and are used to lift up the freezer's lid. Equipment shall be maintained in a state of good repair. Replace handle.

49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Cleaning has improved overall. However, more thorough and frequent cleaning is needed, but not limited to the following items: salad cooler interior, walk-in freezer gasket, and vents in the expo area. Food, debris, dust, and accumulation present.

55 6-501.12; Core; Walk-in freezer floor soiled with food and debris. Wall to the right of the walk-in cooler soiled with debris.

Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

FRATELLI'S DELICATESSEN
1481 Richardson Rd, Suite 107, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/17/2025
Grade: A
Score: 91.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

16 4-601.11(A); Priority Foundation; Multiple metal food containers were observed on the clean equipment shelf with visible food residue and stacked together. A meat slicer was observed with food residue around the blade and PIC was unsure exactly how long it had been since it was used. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Deli slicers shall be cleaned at least every 4 hours if used. CDI- All affected equipment was removed for cleaning. Slicer was cleaned and sanitized.

20 3-501.14(A); Priority; Marinara sauce in the walk-in cooler had been cooling since yesterday and was observed at 44F in the middle. Sauce was in a large container with a lid. Quickly cool TCS foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. CDI- marinara sauce was voluntarily discarded.

3-501.14(B); Priority; Observed cut tomato cooling since 11:00am in the walk-in cooler at 52F. Tomato was stacked high in a large container with a lid. Quickly cool TCS foods that are prepared from room temperature ingredients. Food must be cooled to 41F within 4 hours. CDI- tomato was voluntarily discarded.

22 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Some TCS food items in the grill cooler drawer (see temp chart) were observed above 41F.

Sliced tomato was stacked too high on the makeline to stay cold. TCS foods shall be held at 41F or below in refrigeration. CDIbags of ice were placed on product in grill cooler so top of food stays cold during busy times. Extra tomato was moved to the reach-in portion of the makeline unit. None of these foods were out of temperaure for more than 4 hours accoring to PIC.

Equipment is in working order. Full points may be taken for repeat violations in the future. All other food observed in compliance.

23 3-501.18; Priority; A container of pimento cheese dip with a prep date of 3/10 was observed in the display case and a cut chub of ham with a prep date of 3/10 was observed in the reach-in cooler behind counter. Ready-to-eat TCS foods shall be discarded after 7 days in refrigeration. The day of preparation or opening from a sealed package shall count as day 1. CDI- foods voluntarily discarded. There was some confusion about how to count the days. All other foods were observed within proper date.

Full points not taken today.

33 3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Observed recently cut (<4hrs) turkey and ham in the reach-in cooler at 45F stacked high in containers with lids. Cut tomato in the walk-in cooler was also stored in this manner. Marinara sauce did not meet the cooling time/temperature parameters due to ineffective cooling methods. Quickly cool TCS foods using methods such as open/vented shallow pans, smaller portions, ice baths, cooling wands, active stirring and leave uncovered until cooling is complete if protected from overhead contamination. Cold air must flow around product to remove heat. CDI- sliced turkey and ham were uncovered and placed near walk-in vent to cool quicker. Cut tomato and marinara were voluntarily discarded for not meeting cooling time requirement.

39 6-404.11; Priority Foundation; Observed a severely dented can of tomatoes on the canned goods rack. The button top was popped indicating contents inside had become adulterated. Designate a separate area for items that are not for use and are being held for credit, such as dented cans or recalled products. CDI- can was removed by PIC and discarded after documenting the damage for supplier credit.

3-305.11; Core; Observed water condensing on the walk-in cooler vent and pooling in spots where drips were forming. A speed rack of food was directly below. Store food in a clean, dry location and where it is not exposed to splash, dust or other contamination. CDI- water was wiped up and rack of food was moved from under the vent.

41 3-304.14; Core; Observed a wet wiping cloth stored on a countertop upon arrival. Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. CDI- cloth was placed in dirty cloth bin. No point taken.

44 4-901.11(A): Core; Several metal containers were stacked wet on the clean equipment shelf. Air dry equipment and utensils after cleaning and sanitizing and store in a manner that allows self draining. CDI- pans separated for drying. Some were removed for additional cleaning.

45 4-903.11; Core; Observed a stack of single-use food trays stored on the counter with the food-contact surface exposed. Singleservice articles shall be kept in the original protective package or stored using other means that protect from contamination until used. CDI- trays were inverted. No point taken

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; Observed food residue and debris along the tracks and gaskets of grill cooler drawers. Food debris present under the grill on counter. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris accumulation. Increase cleaning frequency.

JM PEAK PLAZA #3080
1761 NC-55 Hwy, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/25/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

16 4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize (P) Quaternary ammonia sanitizing solution in 3-compartment sink had a concentration below 200 PPM. Quaternary ammonia sanitizer shall have a concentration of 200-400 PPM or according to manufacturer's instructions. CDI: Sanitizing solution was replaced and tested to be 300 PPM.

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C) Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood Contact Surfaces, and Utensils (C) Meat display lower cooler was soiled with food residues. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Clean lower cooler.

PANDA EXPRESS #1352
1000 Beaver Creek Commons Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/28/2025
Grade: A
Score: 99.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

47 4-501.11; Core; The interior side of the walk-in cooler door has paint flaking, chipped, peeling, and is rusty. Equipment shall be maintained in good repair. A work order for the door was placed prior to inspection. Replace/repair walk-in cooler door.

56 6-303.11; Core; One light bulb in the walk-in freezer has burnt out. Lighting shall be sufficient in areas where employee safety is a factor. Replace light bulb.

SABATINO'S ITALIANO
1001 Davis Drive, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/21/2025
Grade: A
Score: 99

Observations and Corrective Actions

1 Establishment has 210 days to obtain a certified food protection manager certification.

33 3-501.15 Cooling Methods (Pf)Trays of pasta and tray of eggplant on speed rack cooling at 72F. (A) Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under § 3-501.14 by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of FOOD being cooled: (3) Using rapid cooling EQUIPMENT; (4) Stirring the FOOD in a container placed in an ice water bath; or (6) Adding ice as an ingredient. The PIC is advised to rapidly cool foods using an approved method. The pasta and eggplant were cooled to 41F during inspection using ice baths. ***CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION (CDI)***

35 3-501.13 Thawing (Pf) Shrimp and steak were thawing in containers of water nesting on countertops. TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY

FOOD shall be thawed:

(A) Under refrigeration that maintains the FOOD temperature at 5oC (41oF) or less; or (B) Completely submerged under running

water: (1) At a water temperature of 70For below. EHS educated on proper thawing and guided PIC in correcting the process.

***CDI***

47 4-501.12

The cutting boards are deeply scratched and scored. Resurface or replace cutting surfaces that can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized. PIC advised to resurface or replace.

SCHLOTZSKY'S
906 US 64 Hwy W, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/25/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

36 4-204.112 (B); Core; Small prep cooler near ovens has no working ambient air thermometer. Provide and position correctly an air thermometer in all cold holding equipment.

4-203.12 (B); Priority Foundation; Two ambient air thermometers in the small prep cooler were not working correctly. Ambient air and water thermometers shall be accurate to +/- 3F. CDI- thermometers discarded by PIC who will replace with new ones.

42 3-302.15; Core; Observed three avocados at the prep line with stickers still present on the skin. Wash fruits and vegetables prior to use and remove any produce stickers. CDI- avocado was removed for washing. No point taken.

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; Fan cover in the walk-in cooler observed with dust/debris accumulation. Some dust observed on ceiling of walk-in cooler near fan and on the back of knife block mounted to the wall. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. Full point taken for repeat violation.

56 6-202.12; Core; Dust observed on ceiling AC vents above warewashing area. Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust or debris. Clean vents. No point taken.

SKIPPER'S FISH FRY AND MARKET
1001 E Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/27/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96

Observations and Corrective Actions

16 4-501.114; Priority; Observed sanitizer solution compartment of 3 comp sink with 10ppm chlorine sanitizer solution. When used to sanitize equipment, maintain chlorine sanitizer at 50 - 200ppm. CDI- concentration adjusted.

22 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; All TCS food items in fliptop cooler at the end of the cookline were observed well above 41F. In addition, several TCS food items in walk-in cooler were above 41F. (see temp chart). TCS foods shall be maintained at 41F or below when held cold. CDI- all affected foods were voluntarily discarded. Fliptop unit is not functioning properly. Discontinue use until it can be repaired. Walk-in cooler was observed with a fluctuating ambient temperature between 38 and 48F. A technician arrived during inspection and was working on repairs. TCS foods that were at least 41F were moved into the second walk-in cooler.

43 3-304.12 (B); Core; Styrofoam cup was being used as a scoop and left inside a container of seasoning. In-use utensils for food that is not TCS must be stored with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed.

Use appropriate dispensing utensils. CDI- cup removed and discarded. No point taken.

47 4-202.11; Priority Foundation; Observed 3 plastic spatulas badly cracked and damaged on the clean equipment shelf. Multiuse food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, free of open seams, cracks, chips, pits, sharp internal angles, crevices and assembled to allow access to clean. CDI- spatulas voluntarily discarded.

55 6-501.11; Core; Ceiling tile dividers and return AC vents in the kitchen prep area are rusting. Floors, walls, and ceilings including heat/ac vents shall be maintained in good repair. Replace these fixtures in the near future. Full point not taken today.

Additional Comments

Facility only receives pre-shucked oysters from Levin's. No live Shellstock

TACOS MEXICO RESTAURANT
209 E Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/20/2025
Grade: A
Score: 95

Observations and Corrective Actions

16 4-601.11(A); Priority Foundation; Observed the can opener blade heavily soiled with food residue. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI- can opener removed for cleaning.

38 6-202.16; Core; Back screen door frame is broken and screen is displaced allowing entry of insects. Perimeter walls and roofs of a food establishment shall effectively protect the establishment from the weather and the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals. Replace door frame and repair screen. Full points may be taken for repeat violations.

43 3-304.12; Core; Utensil handle observed laying inside container of refried beans. During pauses in food dispensing, keep utensil handles out of the food and above the inside of the container when used on TCS food. Scoop was removed. No point taken

47 4-501.11; Core; Coated metal wire shelving in the walk-in cooler is corroding/rusting and paint is flaking off. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Paint chips may contaminate food. Replace shelving in the near future. Full point may be taken in the future for repeat violations.

4-101.19; Core; A piece of cardboard is being used as a lid on the chip dispensing/storage unit. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment 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. Replace chip bin lid with an approved, cleanable material.

4-202.11; Priority Foundation; A plastic food storage container was observed cracked and badly damaged. Multiuse food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, free of open seams, cracks, chips, pits, sharp internal angles, crevices and assembled to allow easy cleaning. CDI- container discarded.

55 6-501.11; Core; A floor tile in the kitchen is broken. The metal panels on the wall near the stove are buckling and debris is getting trapped inside. Ceiling damage observed to the right of the stove near the wall. Walk-in cooler door gasket is torn and door is corroding to the point of a hole opening up on the interior side of the door. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.

Repair these areas to be smooth and easily cleanable. Full point taken for repeat violation and extensive nature of needed repairs.

56 6-202.11; Core; Several fluorescent bulbs on ceiling above the steam table are missing covers. Light bulbs shall be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food, clean equipment, unwrapped single-service articles and linens. Replace light fixture covers or provide protective shielding around lights. Full point taken for repeat violation.

THE RESERVE AT MILLS FARM
1000 Mills Chase Loop, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 03/26/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

23 3-501.18; Priority; Observed an open bag of shredded mozzarella cheese with a prep date of 3/15 in the reach-in unit. Ready-toeat, time/temperature control for safety food opened from a commercial package shall be used within 7 days. The day of opening shall count as day 1. CDI- mozzarella voluntarily discarded. All other date marking observed compliant. No points taken today.

37 3-302.12; Core; A container of sugar was observed without a label. Label all working containers of food (oils, spices, salts, flour, sugar) except food that is easy to identify such as dry pasta. CDI- label added. All other containers were labeled appropriately.

No point taken today.

39 3-305.11; Core; Observed a box of crab legs on the freezer floor. Store food in a clean dry location, not exposed to contamination and at least 6 inches above the floor. CDI- box was relocated to a shelf.

43 3-304.12 (B); Core; A plastic ramekin was being used as a scoop in a container of sugar. In-use utensils for food that is not TCS must be stored with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed such as bins of sugar/salt/flour. Use appropriate dispensing utensils with handles. CDI- ramekin removed and discarded.

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; Dust observed on top of the oven. Food debris and residue accumulation observed along the back of the fliptop unit under the hood. Sides of the counter mount for can opener are heavily soiled. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris accumulation. Increase cleaning frequency of these areas.

Holly Springs Update

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