Village Park Fayetteville Scores 53 on Food Safety Inspection

Village Park Fayetteville, an assisted living facility on West Lanier Avenue, received a failing food safety score of 53 during an initial Georgia Department of Public Health inspection on September 9.

The facility’s permit was not issued following the inspection. Because of the score, DPH stated that Village Park Fayetteville will receive a reinspection within the required time frame and requested a risk control plan aimed at long-term compliance.

Inspectors cited problems involving food temperatures, food protection, sanitation, handwashing supplies, equipment, and waste disposal.

Among the most serious findings, cold-held time and temperature control for safety foods were found above the required maximum temperature of 41 degrees. The affected food was discarded during the inspection.

Inspectors also found dark mold- or mildew-like buildup inside an ice machine on surfaces that come into contact with ice. The machine was taken out of service, and the ice was discarded so the equipment could be washed, rinsed, and sanitized.

Numerous dented cans were also found in the facility. After identifying 12 dented cans, the inspector directed management to check the remaining cans, and affected cans were removed during the inspection.

Raw beef and other foods were stored uncovered in freezers and coolers. Those foods were covered during the inspection.

The report also cited a lack of adequate active managerial control, noting multiple violations involving food protection, temperatures, food-contact surfaces, thawing procedures, and other requirements.

Several handwashing violations were documented. Three hand sinks, including the employee restroom sink, had no soap available, while the bar hand sink had no hand-drying supplies. Soap and drying supplies were restocked during the inspection.

An employee’s screw-cap water bottle was also found on a food-preparation counter and was removed during the inspection.

Other violations included unlabeled food containers and squeeze bottles on the line, wet wiping cloths stored at the bar in water without sanitizer, and reduced-oxygen-packaged fish being thawed under refrigeration while still sealed despite labeling directing that it remain frozen until use.

Inspectors also cited maintenance and cleanliness concerns. Kitchen equipment and shelving had accumulations of dust and food debris, while food, dirt, and other debris had accumulated beneath shelving in food-storage and warewashing areas.

The bar’s three-compartment sink faucet was dripping, and the main kitchen’s three-compartment sink had a leak around the faucet handles and base. Fixed counters and sinks in the dish-machine and line areas were also not adequately spaced for cleaning or sealed to the wall.

Outside, the dumpster and refuse area was overflowing, with trash bags, large debris, and rubbish on the ground around the dumpsters. Inspectors also found a gap between exterior dining-area doors when they were closed, creating a potential entry point for pests.

Several hand sinks, primarily in quick-service areas, were missing required handwashing signs.

Inspection scores do not necessarily equal the total of individual point deductions listed in a report because multiple violations within the same category may only be deducted once, while repeat violations may carry additional weight.

All inspection scores are reported by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

This reporting is part of a partnership between The Citizen and Eat Safe Fayette. For up-to-date Fayette County health inspection scores as they happen, visit Eat Safe Fayette’s Facebook page or Instagram @eatsafefayette.