Thurston County Food Inspection Reports: Latest Scores and Violations

South Puget Sound Community College Food Service Center Draws 80 Red Points in Thurston County Inspections

South Puget Sound Community College Food Service Center accumulated 80 red points during an October 28 inspection, according to records released by Thurston County Public Health and Social Services. Red violations highlight practices most likely to cause foodborne illness and require immediate correction or a strict compliance schedule.

Inspectors documented multiple critical violations at the Mottman Road campus kitchen in Olympia. Staff stored prepared raw meatloaf above raw steak in a walk-in cold hold. Hot held sous vide steak measured 100 degrees, while hot held mashed potatoes registered at 119 degrees, falling short of the required 135-degree threshold for time-control for safety foods. Raw steak was cooked to an internal temperature of 130 degrees without a required consumer advisory, and the facility failed to submit or approve a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for its sous vide process.

County standards mandate a reinspection within 10 business days if red points exceed 45, or if total red and blue points surpass 65. Establishments face closure if red points exceed 100 with a lack of managerial control, or if inspectors discover an imminent health hazard. Additional Thurston County food establishments faced scrutiny during the same inspection cycle, including Taqueria La Bendicion in Olympia with 40 red points and Huicholitos II in Lacey with 40 red points.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thurston County Food Safety Inspections

What triggers a mandatory restaurant closure in Thurston County?

The county requires an establishment to shut down if red points exceed 100 alongside a lack of managerial control, or if inspectors find an imminent health hazard regardless of total points. The business may reopen only after the person-in-charge submits a written corrective action plan and passes a pre-opening inspection.

How are red violations different from blue violations?

Red violations involve practices most likely to cause foodborne illness, such as improper food temperatures, and demand immediate correction. Blue violations address overall cleanliness and facility conditions, which can be fixed according to an established compliance schedule.

Where can residents view complete inspection reports?

Residents can review detailed inspection scores and public health records at the Thurston County Environmental Health Office and their website or by contacting the health office at 360-867-2667.