GALVESTON COUNTY — Roaches, mold-like buildup and food stored at unsafe temperatures were among the conditions documented at four Galveston County establishments in August restaurant inspection reports.

One Texas City restaurant was closed until multiple violations could be corrected and verified by the regulatory authority.

Yummy Yummy Buffet

Yummy Yummy Buffet, located in the 2300 block of FM 2004 in Texas City, was closed after inspectors documented a potential pest infestation and other food-safety concerns.

Roaches were observed in several areas of the restaurant, including near a bathroom door, on boxes and tape, and around the service sink, according to the inspection report.

Inspectors also observed mold-like buildup inside the chutes of every ice machine, creating a potential contamination hazard. Employees were not observed washing their hands when changing tasks, presenting a possible cross-contamination risk.

Before the restaurant could reopen, its kitchen air conditioning had to be repaired and the pest infestation eliminated by a pest-control operator. The restaurant was also required to develop and implement a written plan ensuring cold food is maintained at 41 degrees or below and hot food at 135 degrees or above.

The report stated that the restaurant could reopen after the corrective measures were completed and verified by the regulatory authority. KGTX 7 is working to determine whether the restaurant has since been cleared to reopen.

Hartz Chicken Buffet

At Hartz Chicken Buffet, located in the 2700 block of Palmer Highway in Texas City, raw chicken stored inside a cooler measured 54 degrees. That was 13 degrees above the maximum temperature permitted for cold-held food.

The cooler’s ambient air temperature was also not maintaining proper cold-holding conditions.

Fruit dessert on the cold-holding buffet measured 65 degrees, well above the required maximum of 41 degrees.

Inspectors also reported that no sanitizer was readily available in the kitchen or food-preparation areas for use on food-contact surfaces. Chemicals were stored above food, creating a possible chemical-contamination risk if a container leaked or spilled.

Smiley’s Meat Market

Inspectors found moldy lettuce and jalapeños at Smiley’s Meat Market, located in the 7400 block of Highway 6 South in Hitchcock.

Expired eggs, hot dogs and lunch meat were also stored inside a cooler. Inspectors described the products as adulterated and unsuitable for consumption.

A cooler in the back room was operating at 50 degrees, exceeding the required maximum of 41 degrees and placing food requiring temperature controls at risk.

Single-use cups and plates were also stored directly on the floor, exposing them to possible contamination.

Santa Fe Seafood & Grill

At Santa Fe Seafood & Grill, located in the 4200 block of FM 1764 in Santa Fe, inspectors observed mold-like buildup inside the ice machine, creating a potential contamination hazard.

No sanitizer was prepared and readily available for cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces.

Inspectors also found that stored food was not properly labeled, making it difficult to identify the contents or determine when it was prepared.

Screens were being used to prop open the kitchen doors, potentially allowing insects, pests, dust and other contaminants to enter the food-preparation area.

Kudos Report

Several establishments received some of the highest inspection scores documented in the August reports:

• Shoreline Cakes in the 800 block of 27th Street in San Leon
• Kolache Bakery in the 900 block of East Main Street in League City
• Wingstop in the 200 block of FM 518 in Kemah
• Parkwood American Grille in the 2100 block of West Parkwood Avenue in Friendswood

Restaurant inspection reports document conditions observed at the time of an inspection and may not reflect current conditions.