UPDATE: A series of alarming food safety violations have been reported at multiple restaurants in the Santa Fe area between October 14-17, 2023. The New Mexico Environment Department conducted inspections, revealing critical health hazards that demand immediate attention.
Santa Fe Bite, located at 1616 St. Michael’s Drive, faced a slew of violations on October 14, including an employee handling food without gloves, improper thawing of chicken, and a dirty dishwasher. Shockingly, inspectors noted mold and a hole in the wall, raising serious concerns about food safety practices.
Yamas Greek Rotisserie at 2411 Cerrillos Road was also cited on October 14. Violations included a personal drink found among ready-to-eat foods and missing internal thermometers from coolers. The lack of sanitizer in the food preparation area was especially troubling.
The Wrap Santa Fe, at 113 E. Water St. Unit 102, received multiple citations on October 15 for no date markings in its refrigerator, a dirty ice machine, and blocked hand-wash sinks—critical for maintaining hygiene standards.
In stark contrast, several establishments, including Tortilla Flats Catering and Crave at 1606 Paseo de Peralta, reported no violations during inspections on October 15 and October 16, respectively.
However, the situation worsened for Salazar Elementary School at 1231 Apache Ave., which was cited on October 16 for storing food on the floor of walk-in coolers and freezers, compromising student safety.
Santa Fe Preparatory School, also inspected on October 16, faced dire findings. Inspectors reported pests, dirty equipment, and employees failing to wear hair restraints, highlighting a significant lapse in food safety protocols.
The situation escalated on October 17 for Jaripeo Grill And Beer at 3565 Cerrillos Road, where inspectors found no soap at hand-wash sinks, improper thawing practices, and employees cooking without gloves. A reinspection is now required due to these serious violations.
Santa Fe Capitol Grill at 3462 Zafarano Drive was similarly cited for multiple infractions, including food residue in hand-wash sinks and uncovered food items. This pattern of negligence raises urgent concerns about public health.
Both Walmart grocery and Walmart meat market, located at 3251 Cerrillos Road, were cited for failing to maintain sanitizer levels and other critical hygiene practices during inspections on October 17.
Next steps: These establishments must address the reported violations within three business days, with some requiring a detailed corrective action plan. The community is urged to stay informed about which restaurants are maintaining adequate health standards.
As health concerns mount, it is crucial for diners to be aware of these violations and demand higher safety standards in their local food service establishments. The New Mexico Environment Department continues to monitor these situations closely, ensuring that public health remains a priority.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the ongoing efforts to ensure food safety in Santa Fe.
