Benjamin Daniels
25 May 2010
Health Department Story
Four cases of food poisoning and multiple health code violations have caused the Health
Department to recommend that a local restaurant be closed.
Deacosti’s Restaurant has been on the Heath Departments problem list for the past two
years. It was yesterday’s inspection that may close its doors for good.
According to the inspection report, the food on the buffet line was being kept at
dangerously low temperatures. To hold food that has already been prepared it must be kept
above 140 degrees. In the kitchen there were other temperature problems. The refrigerators
have no thermometers and some of the meats did not appear to properly cooled. Any of which is
dangerous on its own.
When it came to employee hygiene it did not get much better. The report mentions that a
cook coughed into his hand, took out trash and then continued to handle food without first
cleaning his hands. Other employees were seen eating, drinking and smoking while handling
and preparing food.
Cleanliness of the restaurant has also been a continuing problem for Deacosti’s
Restaurant. In the kitchen the food slicer was dirty. Dead roaches were found on the floor by
the inspector along with rodent droppings. Packages of dry goods were found that had been
gnawed through by rodents. Outside of the kitchen a leaking urinal was found in the restrooms.
The fountain drinks were being served from a dispenser that had a splash ledge.
There were a total of 15 problems found on inspection 90 days prior to this most recent
report. Seven of the issues had not been corrected and new ones were discovered, the inspection
report recommends that the restaurant should be closed and the Deacosti’s restaurant license
should be suspended.
Deacosti’s Restaurant has been owned and run by Peggy and Michael for the last two
years. “I disagree with the health inspector’s report,” said Michael Deacosti.