UPDATE: A recent series of food service inspections in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from October 13 to 17, revealed alarming violations that could jeopardize public health. The New Mexico Environment Department reported multiple establishments cited for serious infractions, with some requiring immediate corrective action.
The most concerning findings were at Santa Fe Bite, located at 1616 St. Michael’s Drive, where inspectors noted an employee handling food without gloves, improper thawing of chicken, and numerous sanitation issues, including a dirty dishwasher and mold behind the dish machine. With violations spanning from employee hygiene to facility cleanliness, Santa Fe Bite faces significant scrutiny.
Other notable establishments facing citations include Yamas Greek Rotisserie at 2411 Cerrillos Road, which was cited for having a personal drink mixed with ready-to-eat foods and missing internal thermometers in several coolers. The inspection on October 14 raised serious concerns about food safety practices.
On October 15, The Wrap Santa Fe at 113 E. Water St. Unit 102 was cited for multiple violations including a blocked hand-wash sink and a dirty ice machine. These issues highlight the critical need for strict adherence to food safety standards.
In a positive note, Tortilla Flats Catering at 3139 Cerrillos Road, Crave (SITE Santa Fe) at 1606 Paseo de Peralta, El Chile Toreado Catering, and Maverick BonFire Grill all reported no violations during their inspections. These establishments exemplify the standards that others must meet.
However, inspections at Salazar Elementary School and Santa Fe Preparatory School on October 16 revealed concerning issues. Salazar reported food stored on the floor, while Santa Fe Prep faced multiple violations including pest presence and unsanitary conditions, raising alarms about student safety.
Inspections continued on October 17, where Jaripeo Grill and Beer at 3565 Cerrillos Road was cited for a lack of soap at hand-wash sinks and numerous sanitation failures. This establishment now requires reinspection to ensure compliance with health regulations.
Santa Fe Capitol Grill at 3462 Zafarano Drive also faced serious violations, including employees not wearing gloves and improper food storage practices. Similar infractions were found at Walmart grocery and Walmart meat market, both located at 3251 Cerrillos Road, which were cited for having no sanitizer prepared during the inspection.
The New Mexico Environment Department emphasizes the importance of maintaining strict food safety standards to protect public health. Violations can lead to serious health risks, and the community is urged to report any concerns related to food safety.
As inspections continue, the public is advised to stay informed about these developments. The next steps involve reinspection of the establishments cited for significant violations, ensuring corrective actions are taken swiftly. Authorities will monitor compliance closely to prevent further health risks.
Residents are encouraged to share this information and remain vigilant about food safety in their local establishments. The health of the community depends on the actions taken today.
