Health department recently closed two Lexington restaurants for presence of insects
Two Lexington restaurants were closed temporarily last month by the health department, both for the presence of insects.
Both have reopened after passing re-inspection by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department inspectors.
▪ On Oct. 15, the health department closed Maria’s Kitchen, 805 N. Broadway, after the inspector noted a cockroach in the dry food storage.
Restaurants are closed when the health department finds an imminent risk to public health such as insect or rodent infestation, lack of running water or sewage contamination.
Maria’s Kitchen was allowed to reopen on Oct. 18 after re-inspection.
▪ El Huarache, 1316 Russell Cave Rd., was closed on Nov. 13 after the inspector noted the presence of insects. The inspector also noted bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, among other issues.
The restaurant was allowed to reopen on Nov. 18 after passing re-inspection.
What happens when a restaurant is closed
When the health department closes a restaurant, a red sign is placed on the door to notify potential customers that food service has been halted. But the health department does not publicize that restaurants have been closed.
Restaurants must correct the issues pass re-inspection before they can re-open.
Establishments that score below 60 on an inspection are also immediately closed.
How Lexington health department inspections work
Restaurants and food service establishments are required to post their most recent scores at the front door; scores in green boxes indicate passage and scores in red indicate failure.
Inspection scores are available online at the Lexington health department’s web site.
The health department inspects every local food service establishment at least every six months; some restaurants are placed on enhanced regulatory enforcement and receive additional inspections. Restaurants are also inspected if the health department receives credible complaints.
In October, the Herald-Leader published an updated list of the 160 restaurants and food service providers that are under enhanced regulatory enforcement, formerly called probation, by the health department.
Any restaurant that scores 80 or below on an inspection is placed on enhanced enforcement.
Since June, the health department also temporarily closed at least five restaurants for violations.
This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
