Columbia County Restaurant Inspections: Burrito Express Among Those Receiving Perfect Scores

Of the 17 restaurants Columbia County health inspectors visited in February, two received violations, while fifteen, including Burrito Express, earned perfect scores. The inspections, conducted on an unannounced, semiannual basis, assess compliance with health codes in three key areas: priority items, priority foundation items and core items.

Inspection Categories Explained

Columbia County’s public health department focuses on three categories during restaurant inspections:

• Priority Items: These directly impact the prevention of foodborne illness, such as proper handling and storage of food to avoid mold or contamination.
• Priority Foundation Items: These require management to implement specific actions or maintain necessary equipment and procedures to prevent potential health risks, including accurate labeling and record-keeping.
• Core Items: Generally related to overall sanitation and maintenance, these contribute to a clean and safe dining environment.

Restaurants Achieving Perfect Scores

The following restaurants and food services received a score of 100 during their February inspections:

• Beyond the Forest, St. Helens
• Big River Taproom, St. Helens
• Bridgeview Deli, Rainier
• Burrito Express, Scappoose
• Clatskanie Senior Center, Clatskanie
• Columbia County Shrine Club, St. Helens
• Longfellow’s Inn, Scappoose
• Lori’s Lounge, St. Helens
• Luigi’s, Rainier
• Mariolino’s Pizza, Vernonia
• Oriental Cafe, St. Helens
• Scappoose Brew & Thru warehouse, Scappoose
• Scappoose Cinema 7, Scappoose
• The Black Iron Grill, Vernonia
• Vinnie’s Chicago Sandwich Shop, St. Helens

Restaurants Receiving Scores Below 100

Two restaurants received scores below 100:

• Evergreen Pub, Rainier – Score: 95. Violation: Dishwasher not dispensing sufficient chlorine for proper dish disinfection. The issue was corrected following a follow-up inspection.
• Big Guy, Clatskanie – Score: 97. Violation: Dried food residue found on the meat slicer. The slicer was cleaned and sanitized during the inspection.

This information is based on Columbia County restaurant inspections conducted in February. Columbia County Spotlight provides ongoing coverage of local health and safety updates.