Each month, the Visalia Times-Delta will share which Tulare County restaurants aced inspections, as well as those that didn't pass muster.

Tulare County's best restaurant inspections

These restaurants met all standards during their February inspections, and no violations were found. Their scores were considered perfect.

• Sweets 4 Treats, 2031 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

• ColdStone Creamery, 4128 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

• Jimmy Johns, 5223 W. Walnut Ave., Visalia

• Carl’s Jr., 85 S. Tower Sq., Tulare

Restaurants that did not pass inspection

These restaurants were found to have major or critical risk violations as well as good retail violations.

Lindsay Donuts

264 N. Highway 65, LinsdayRoutine Inspection on Feb. 1Inspection Score: 88.0Violation Count: 7.0

Critical Risk Violations: 

Minor – Observed kitchen handwash sink being used for ware washing purposes. Observed a lack of paper towels in the employee restroom and at the kitchen hand wash station.

Major – Observed scoop located inside the flour bag was not clean to sight and touch. Observed sanitizing solution at the two-compartment sink measuring 0 PPM for chlorine.

Major – Observed water at the two-compartment sink measuring 115 degrees. Observed water at the hand wash sink measuring at 64 degrees.

Good Retail Violations:

Minor – Observed chemical bottles and cans located below the ice machine in the kitchen.

Minor – Observed boxes of food stored inside the employee restroom. Observed cardboard boxed and Costco muffin disposable containers used for food storage. Observed multiple large containers of frosting uncovered in the main kitchen.

Minor – Observed boba machine lacking mechanical exhaust ventilation hood. Observed soiled kitchen surfaces and food equipment.

Minor – Observed improper storage of wiping cloths throughout the facility. Observed lack of sanitizer bucket setup.

O Sushi

268 N. Highway 65, LinsdayRoutine Inspection on Feb. 1Inspection Score: 90.0Violation Count: 5.0

Critical Risk Violations: 

Major – Observed employee wearing gloves but not utilizing the designated hand wash sink. Observed a long wait for the water to reach water temperature indicating it has not been used recently. Observed missing soap and paper towel dispensers at the kitchen three-compartment sink and sushi bar hand wash sink.

Major – Observed ambient air of walk-in refrigerator measuring at 48 degrees.

Major – Observed dishwashing machine lacking sanitizer solution to properly sanitize dishes and utensils.

Good Retail Violations:

Minor – Observed an open bag of flour in the storage room. Observed food stored directly on the floor of the walk-in refrigerator. Observed food uncovered in the walk-in refrigerator. Observed cabbage, bean sprouts, and shredded carrots stored in five-gallon buckets.

Minor – Observed food debris/trash accumulation on floors, under equipment and in low-traffic areas.

Los Plebes Supermarket

592 E. Clay Ave., EarlimartRoutine Inspection on Feb. 1Inspection Score: 85.0Violation Count: 10

Critical Risk Violations: 

Major – Observed lack of proof that a current employee of this establishment holds a food safety manager class certificate that is no more than five years old.

Minor – Observed a lack of required supplies in the dispensers at the handwash stations.

Major – Observed lack of hot water at the three-compartment sink.

Good Retail Violations:

Minor – Improper thawing of frozen foods observed.

Minor – Observed food stored directly on the floor.

Minor – The installed janitorial sink is not certified NSF/equivalent. Observed meat stored in a shopping cart at the facility.

Minor – Observed lack of thermometers in refrigeration units.

Minor – Observed improper storage/sanitization of wiping cloths.

Minor – Observed no backflow prevention device at the janitorial sink.

Minor – Observed walls in disrepair. Observed unapproved coving throughout the facility.

Amigos Market & Liquor

230 S. Front St., EarlimartRoutine Inspection on Feb. 1Inspection Score: 89.0Violation Count: 9.0

Critical Risk Violations: 

Major – Observed lack of proof that a current employee of this establishment holds a food safety manager class certificate that is no more than five years old.

Minor – Observed beverage cans stored in the handwash basin. Observed a lack of required supplies in the dispensers at the handwash stations.

Major – Observed lack of warm water at the handwash sink in the restroom.

Good Retail Violations:

Minor – Observed prepackaged ice without proper labels.

Minor – Observed used sponges at the three-compartment sink.

Minor – Observed drain line extending into floor sink.

Minor – Observed used tobacco in the office/storage area of the facility.

Minor – Observed damages in several areas of the walls at the facility. Observed trash accumulation on floors, under equipment, and in low-traffic areas.

Poki Point

5115 W. Walnut Ave., TulareRoutine Inspection on Feb. 2Inspection Score: 90.0Violation Count: 6.0

Critical Risk Violations: 

Minor – Observed lack of paper towels in the paper towel dispenser at the handwash station at the register area.

Major – Observed accumulation of grime, and dirt in the interior of the ice machine.

Good Retail Violations:

Minor – Observed food items stored directly on the floor in the walk-in refrigerator.

Minor – Observed VEVOR machine in the food preparation area not kept clean. Observed milk crates being used as food storage racks.

Minor – Observed improper storage/sanitization of wiping cloths on the food preparation table in the kitchen.

Minor – Observed an employee item in an unapproved area of the facility.

Lindsay Food Center

455 S. Mirage St., LinsdayRoutine Inspection on Feb. 6Inspection Score: 87.0Violation Count: 8.0

Critical Risk Violations: 

Major – Observed lack of proof that a current employee of this establishment holds a food safety manager class certificate that is no more than five years old.

Minor – Observed kitchen hand wash sink in disrepair leaking when in active use. Observed a lack of paper towels in the paper towel dispensers located in the main kitchen and meat department.

Major – Observed poultry compartment in the meat case refrigerator with ambient air measuring 48 degrees. Observed open case produce refrigerator with ambient air measuring 45 degrees. Observed single-door preparation refrigerator with ambient air measuring 46 degrees. *Corrected on-site.

Good Retail Violations:

Minor – Observed tongs for self-service stored on the top compartment of the bread display.

Minor – Observed single-door preparation refrigerator in disrepair leaking. Observed severely scratched and scored cutting boards in the meat department. Observed accumulation of dust and mold in the fan condenser units of the beverage walk-in refrigerator. Observed an unapproved large pot in the main kitchen.

Minor – Observd inoperative lights in the meat walk-in freezer.

Minor – Observed missing or broken thermometers in the open case refrigerator containing produce, eggs, cheese, deli meats, and meat case refrigerator.

Minor – Observed an accumulation of dust, mold or food residue on the open case produce refrigerator, walk-in meat refrigerator, and beverage walk-in refrigerator. Observed food debris/trash accumulation on floors, under equipment, and in low-traffic areas.

Charley’s Grilled Subs

2243 S. Mooney Blvd., VisaliaRoutine Inspection on Feb. 7Inspection Score: 90.0Violation Count: 3.0

Critical Risk Violations: 

Major – Observed accumulation of dried soda residue around the nozzle of the soda dispensing unit.

Major – Observed water at the food preparation and three-compartment sinks measuring at 100 degrees.

Major – Observed the presence of live vermin in the facility.

Arsenio’s Mexican Food

2959 N. M St., TulareRoutine Inspection on Feb. 7Inspection Score: 90.0Violation Count: 6.0

Critical Risk Violations: 

Major – Observed employee washing gloves and immediately returning to food preparation.

Minor – Observed the handwash sink obstructed by a cart.

Good Retail Violations:

Minor – Observed sanitizing solution in ware wash sink measuring 0 PPM.

Minor – Observed milk crates being used as storage racks in the walk-in refrigerator.

Minor – Observed mechanical exhaust hood system missing some parts.

Minor – Observed improper storage/sanitization of wiping cloths on the food preparation table.

Mariscos Costa Azul

200 N. J St., TulareRoutine Inspection on Feb. 13 following a complaintInspection Score: 74.0Violation Count: 15.0

Critical Risk Violations: 

Major – Observed lack of proof that a current employee of this establishment holds a food safety manager class certificate that is no more than five years old. *This is a repeat violation.

Minor – Observed a lack of required supplies in the dispensers at the handwash stations.

Major – Observed internal temperature of french fries measuring 59 degrees and chicken nuggets measuring 64 degrees.

Major – Observed build-up on the interior of the ice machine bin. Observed black build-up on soda machine nozzles. Observed solution of dish machine measuring 0 PPM. *This is a repeat violation.

Major – Observed rodent droppings on soda syrup boxes, containers of food, and on the floor in the storage area.

Good Retail Violations:

Minor – Observed raw chicken in a container left out on the cart and shrimp in a two-compartment sink. *This is a repeat violation.

Minor – Observed food uncovered in refrigerators. *This is a repeat violation.

Minor – Observed white powdery substance and brown products on the sticky rat trap.

Minor – Observed food stored directly on the floor.

Minor – Test strips for measuring the sanitizing solution are not present.

Minor – Observed broken doors on the two-door reach-in refrigerator. Observed unapproved cooler containers used for storing food items. *This is a repeat violation. Observed dust build-up on the ceiling and fan grate in the walk-in refrigerator. *This is a repeat violation. Observed no up-to-date tags for the Ansul system.

Minor – Observed sponges being used at the facility. Observed improper storage/sanitization of wiping cloths.

Minor – Observed drain line extending into floor sinks. Observed water leaking at the three-compartment sink in the bar room.

Minor – Observed ceiling panels in disrepair/missing.

Minor – A copy f the most recent health inspection report must be maintained at the food facility and made available upon request.

Double L Steakhouse

401 E. Center Ave., VisaliaRoutine Inspection on Feb. 22 following a complaintInspection Score: 87.0Violation Count: 6.0

Critical Risk Violations: 

Minor – Observed the handwash sink obstructed or inaccessible; is unclean or being used for purposes other than handwashing.

Major – Observed soiled nozzles in the bar area.

Major – Observed mice droppings and live cockroaches in the dry storage area.

Good Retail Violations:

Minor – Observed food stored directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer.

Minor – Observed build-up of grease/dust on hood filters, Ansul system, and surrounding hood.

Minor – Observed soiled floor drains throughout the facility.

Minor – Observed food debris/trash accumulation on floors, under equipment and in low-traffic areas, and inside walk-in units. There is an accumulation of dust/grime/mold or residue on the wall/ceiling surfaces of the food preparation area.

Chilito’s

727 E. Prosperity Ave., TulareRoutine Inspection on Feb. 23 following a complaintInspection Score: 90.0Violation Count: 8.0

Critical Risk Violations: 

Minor – Observed missing paper towel dispenser at the handwash sink in the kitchen.

Major – Observed dead cockroaches at the facility.

Good Retail Violations:

Minor – Observed food uncovered in the walk-in refrigerator.

Minor – Observed containers with faded labels.

Minor – Test strips for measuring the sanitizing solution are not present.

Minor – Observed severe rust inside the utensil storage drawer. Observed build-up on fan grates of the walk-in refrigerator.

Minor – Observed improper storage/sanitization of wiping cloths.

Minor – Employee items were observed in unapproved areas of the facility.

Keep in mind as you read

Remember, in some cases, violations noted are technical issues that are not directly linked to hygiene or cleanliness. Broken refrigerators, chipped tiles, or missing paperwork may be included among the violations.

For full restaurant inspection details, visit the Tulare County Division of Environmental Health's restaurant inspections score website here.

If you notice abuses of state standards, you can file a complaint online here.

The terminology

What does the terminology used in state restaurant inspections mean?

Critical risk factors inspectors look for range from a demonstration of knowledge, like possessing a food handlers certificate, to protection from contamination by keeping contact surfaces sanitized and clean.

Other factors inspectors look at include employee health and hygienic practices, preventing contamination by hand, time and temperature relationships, food from approved sources, and more.

Some of the items inspectors check for are weighed more heavily than others, usually anywhere between two to four points.

Good retail practices include personal cleanliness as well as food storage, among other factors including signs and requirements, compliance and enforcement, and supervision.

These items are usually worth one point.

If an imminent health hazard is found, an enforcement officer may temporarily suspend the permit and order the food facility immediately closed.

Disclaimer: The Tulare County Retail Food Inspection Program inspects retail food facilities to ensure safe food handling practices, proper sanitation and compliance with the California Health and Safety Code within the county.

Please note that follow-up inspections may not be included here.

Retail food facilities include restaurants, markets, bakeries, cottage food, public and private schools, mobile food facilities, temporary events (fairs and carnivals), vending machines and caterers.

Lauren Jennings covers education and news for the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register. Follow her on Twitter @lolojennings. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: 4 Tulare County restaurants ace February inspections, 11 fall short