Several Local Restaurants Receive Top Marks from Health and Safety Department

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS -- A recent report from the City's Health Inspector's office showed several San Angelo restaurants receiving top marks for safety and cleanliness in the month of April. 

Restaurants are rated on a scale from 1-100 and are differentiated by being categorized between levels 1-4. Establishments at level 4 generally handle large amounts of raw meat, and are visited 4 times a year. Examples of level 4 restaurants in San Angelo include Henry’s, Fuentes, Chick-fil-a, and AFC Sushi at Market Street. 

Kevin Little, Registered Sanitarian with the City, spoke about about the new grading system and how its detailed ranking system helps the Health Department inspect restaurants in Tom Green County. There are now 47 violations to grade on, which makes Little feels more confident when giving higher scores to restaurants.

"Under the Texas Food Establishment Rules there is an inspection form that we use [that] basically looks for anything [involving] food safety," Little said. These criteria include proper temperatures, procedures for cooking, and overall cleanliness.

"The inspection form cover the basics, [but] not so much the quality or how tasteful the food is," Little said. "We are focused on public safety." 

He explained the notable signs of a low scoring restaurant starts with the employees care for cleanliness.

"If the management isn't particularly enthusiastic, or serious about producing safe foods it will show up primarily in the employees not washing their hands properly." 

Little noted that he can infer if proper procedure is being used when he surveys the stores. He says, if he notes sinks not being used or little to no paper towels in the trash cans, he knows that proper procedure is not being used. Additionally, in Texas, it is now a requirement to use gloves when touching any ready to eat foods. 

"There are still a few places where we walk in and they are scrambling for their gloves real quick, which is a direct indication that [procedures aren't being followed]," Little said.

The old inspection form was too general, according to Little. He prefers to have more criteria that allows him to nitpick with the inspections. 

"[The new form] communicates better with the management [at] the restaurant," Little added. "The old form was just too easy and everybody seemed to get hundreds." 

 The following are the top restaurants scoring a 95 or more. 

•     Asian Buffett 
•     Bodacious BBQ
•     Bobo’s Kitchen
•     Cajun Creations
•     Catfish Corner 
•     Dragonlicious
•     Fernandez Café 
•     Gil’s Restaurant
•     Joe’s Italian
•     Kozy Kitchen
•     Las Camilas Restaurant
•     Lone Star Cheeseburger
•     Los Amigos
•     Los Panchitos
•     Lotus Cafe
•     Main Street Café 
•     Mathis Cafe
•     Mesquite Bean
•     Peasant Village 
•     Rancho Grande
•     Riverview Restaurant 
•     The Wharf 
•     Tacoful 
•     Twin Peaks
•     Zero-One Ale House

For the full report, click here.