Feb 21, 2007 6:27 pm US/Central
CBS 11 News Investigates Irving Dirty Dining
by Bennett Cunningham
IRVING (CBS 11 News) ―
Dirt, insects, and food stored on the floor are all found in some North Texas' restaurants. Investigative Reporter Bennett Cunningham confronts some Irving restaurants about the dirty dining they provide patrons.
Sala Thai in Irving [4030 N. MacArthur] failed a recent regular food inspection with a 68 out of 100. The inspector found:
• Toxic items stored over food
• Dirty floors
• The re-using of "single service" items
• Missing food labels
• Eggs left outside of the refrigerator.
Twenty-four hours later, the inspector came back and Sala Thai failed again. When we went for a visit, we found things they still didn't fix, like leaving eggs out at room temperature. According to the City Of Irving, hard-boiled or not, they can't be left out.
But there is an upside. Sala Thai is doing a lot of things correctly. On our visit, its temperature control of food was perfect and employees stacked food properly to prevent contamination.
We also visited China Pavilion in Irving [2950 N. Beltline Road]. It scored a 66 on a recent food inspection. That's a failing grade. We wondered if they'd let us in their kitchen. Paul Jin, the owner/manager said, "This is my restaurant, and I can say no."
On a recent food inspection, the inspector found:
• No sanitizer being used to clean dishes
• Evidence of insect contamination
• Food like chicken wings at potential hazardous temperatures
• A repeat violation for eating or drinking in the kitchen
City inspectors have been back seven times since early January. According to the City of Irving, China Pavilion recently received a notice of violation for storing raw meat over ready to eat food. When they did it again, they were issued a citation and face up to a $400 fine. The manager says no one has complained about his food or ever became sick from eating it.
Both restaurants in this story passed a re-inspection and are open for business. If you'd like to see other Irving restaurant scores,
click here.
(CBS 11 News)
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