UPDATE: Major food safety violations have been reported in several Santa Fe eateries during inspections from October 13-17, raising urgent concerns for public health. The New Mexico Environment Department’s latest data highlights alarming issues at multiple establishments, prompting immediate corrective actions.
Santa Fe Bite, located at 1616 St. Michael’s Drive, faced numerous violations on October 14, including employees failing to wear gloves while handling food and not washing their hands before putting on gloves. The inspection revealed improper thawing of chicken, dusty kitchen air vents, and a dirty dishwasher among other critical infractions. A reinspection is required due to the severity of these violations.
At Yamas Greek Rotisserie on 2411 Cerrillos Road, inspectors cited the restaurant for having a personal drink stored with ready-to-eat foods, as well as missing internal thermometers and the absence of sanitizer during the inspection. These issues were noted on October 14, emphasizing the need for immediate corrective measures.
Further violations were reported at The Wrap Santa Fe, where inspectors found no date markings in the refrigerator and a dirty ice machine on October 15. Multiple establishments, including Tortilla Flats catering, Crave (SITE Santa Fe), and El Chile Toreado, were noted as compliant without any violations.
However, Salazar Elementary School was cited on October 16 for food being stored on the floor, while Santa Fe Preparatory School faced a multitude of issues, including pests and poor sanitation conditions—demanding immediate attention and a reinspection.
On October 17, Jaripeo Grill And Beer received serious citations for lacking soap at hand-wash sinks and multiple other infractions related to food safety. Meanwhile, Santa Fe Capitol Grill was noted for significant cleanliness issues, including unsealed sinks and dirty equipment, requiring urgent corrective action.
Additionally, both Walmart grocery and Walmart meat market, located at 3251 Cerrillos Road, were also flagged for lacking sanitizer and significant cleanliness concerns, furthering the call for improved food safety standards in the area.
Authorities emphasize the critical importance of addressing these violations to protect public health. Immediate corrective actions are expected from all cited establishments, with many requiring a reinspection within three business days.
Residents and patrons are urged to remain vigilant regarding food safety practices in local restaurants. The New Mexico Environment Department continues to monitor compliance closely, ensuring that corrective measures are implemented promptly.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as inspections and corrections unfold across Santa Fe.
