Springfield fast food restaurant throws out 8 boxes of chicken due to cooler malfunction

A malfunctioning cooler meant a Springfield restaurant had to discard eight boxes of chicken, according to a May 17 inspection report from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

The walk-in cooler at Popeye's, 3195 S. Campbell Ave., was running between 44 degrees Fahrenheit and 47 degrees Fahrenheit during a May 17 inspection. Potentially hazardous foods, including chicken, should measure 41 degrees or lower when being stored in coolers. Due to the cooler not working properly, employees had to discard eight boxes of chicken that measured at 46 degrees or had fallen on the floor while they were moving the boxes, according to the report. A re-inspection on May 20 found that the walk-in cooler was back at the right temperature range.

Food inspections take place one to three times a year, depending on the type of food served, the population served, difficulty of food preparation and past history. Restaurants preparing food from raw ingredients are inspected more often "than convenience stores that serve only non-potentially hazardous foods, such as popcorn and soda," according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

Each report identifies what was happening at the establishment at that time. Consumers who want to know whether a violation is a one-time thing or a pattern are encouraged to refer to previous reports.

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Issues found during inspection fall into either priority or non-priority violations. Priority violations impact the safety of the food, such as cross contamination between raw and ready-to-eat food, improper food temperature and poor personal hygiene and employee health. Multiple priority violations can lead to an establishment being shut down. Non-priority violations alone do not directly affect food safety, such as dirty floors, sticky tabletops or outside trash cans not being covered.

Here are food inspections from the past week:

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7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, 2970 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed dumpster lid open.

AMC Theatres Springfield 11, 3200 E. Montclair St., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

Andy's Frozen Custard, 509 S. National Ave., Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed during inspection.

Arris' Pizza, 1332 E. Republic Road, Springfield. May 21 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed five unlabeled spray bottles in various locations of the restaurant, which was a repeat violation and was corrected on site. One non-priority violation: Observed salami and turkey found past discard date in fridge, which was corrected by discarding products.

Battlefield Eagle Stop, 820 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. Discussed cleaning fan covers vents in walk-in coolers more frequently. No violations noted.

Big Whiskey's Republic, 900 N. Old Town Ave., Republic. May 16 re-inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Three priority violations: Observed salad dressing at 48 degrees Fahrenheit in salad cooler; observed sliced tomatoes at 43 degrees and salsa at 44 degrees in a reach-in cooler; observed diced tomatoes at 44 degrees and lettuce at 44 degrees. No non-priority violations.

Boltons General Store, 7326 W. State Highway BB, Willard. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. Facility was putting date made or opened on refrigerated, ready-to-eat potentially hazardous foods instead of the use-by date, and plan to change that practice. One priority violation: Observed package of hot dogs with use-by date of April 19, which was corrected by discarding the items. One non-priority violation: Observed the floor dirty in back storage room where single-service items are stored.

Brown Derby No. 12, 2023 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of inspection.

Casa Bella, 4610 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. Three priority violations: Observed raw chicken stored above raw whole cuts of beef, raw chicken stored above ground beef, raw ground beef stored above raw whole cuts of beef, which was corrected on site; observed two different employee drinks stored on two separate cutting boards/food preparation surfaces, which was corrected on site; observed multiple food items such as salsa, beans, chicken and cut lettuce not date marked, which was corrected on site. No non-priority violations.

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Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen No. 2009, 1950 E. Primrose St., Springfield. May 21 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed can opener stored unclean, which was corrected by cleaning blade. No non-priority violations.

Chick-Fil-A South Glenstone, 935 E. Trafficway St., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed during inspection.

Civil Kitchen & Tap, 107 Park Central Square, Springfield. May 21 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed dish machine not dispensing proper level of chlorine sanitizer, which was corrected by changing out buckets, priming line and re-checking machine. Three non-priority violations: Observed dishes in dish machines were not properly sanitized, which was corrected on site by re-running dishes after dish machine was working; observed kitchen hand-washing station did not have paper towels, which was corrected on site by stocking paper towels; observed floor in kitchen area has hole by fryers.

Classic Rock Coffee, 1900 W. Sunset St., Springfield. May 22 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed gap at bottom of single glass exterior door and observed a gap at the bottom of the single bay garage door by back emergency.

Colorado LLC, 625 S. Kimbrough Ave., Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Costco Wholesale No. 1486 Meat, 279 N. Eastgate Ave., Springfield. May 21 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed during inspection.

Courtyard by Marriott - Bistro, 3527 W. Kearney St., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed multiple potentially hazardous foods stored above 41 degrees in four-drawer under-grill cooler, person in charge voluntarily discarded potentially hazardous foods and called for repairs.

Courtyard by Marriott - Bistro, 3527 W. Kearney St., Springfield. May 21 re-inspection – Result: active. All cold holding violations have been corrected. No violations noted.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store No. 127, 2858 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. Three priority violations: Observed 10 containers of hash browns were between 44 degrees and 45 degrees in cooler, which was corrected on site by discarding hash browns; observed three slicers stored wet under prep table and one pair of scissors with food debris stored on magnetic rack, which was corrected on site; observed three spray bottles of sanitizer stored directly above gloves used for food prep in storage area, which was corrected on site. One non-priority violation: Observed walk-in cooler walls and shelves have buildup of mold and debris.

Curbow's Barbeque and Catering. May 18 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

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Diamond Head, 1255 E. Hines St., Republic. May 15 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Two priority violations: Observed dumplings at 44 degrees; observed raw chicken stored over cooked chicken, which was corrected at time of inspection. No non-priority violations.

Domino's Pizza, 538 S. National Ave., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed during inspection.

El Poblano Grill & Cantina, 2629 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. May 21 re-inspection – Result: active. Most violations were substantially corrected at this time. there were still some issues with ice machine not having its cover in place. Employee restroom repairs were progressing but not yet complete. Issues with kitchen floor tiles still need to be completed. Inspector left four different posters in Spanish and suggested they be posted in kitchen for employees to read and follow. No violations noted.

El Sombrero, 1529 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 21 re-inspection – Result: active. Re-inspection for cold holding. All cold holding violations have been corrected. No violations noted.

European Market and Bakery, 3023 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed large container of sour cabbage and smaller portion cups from large container had no date mark, which was corrected on site. No non-priority violations.

Fast-N-Friendly No. 17, 2745 S. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. May 17 re-inspection – Result: active. Re-inspection for hot holding resolved. No violations noted.

Genesis Health Clubs of Springfield South, 1249 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 21 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed chemicals stored above food items in storage room, which was corrected on site. Two non-priority violations: Observed inside of ice machine not clean; observed improper three-vat sink set up, which was corrected on site.

Go Burrito, 2100 W. Republic Road, Springfield. May 21 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Discussed proper storage of wet mops. One priority violation: Observed salsas held at 43 degrees to 44 degrees on salsa bar. Three non-priority violations: Observed box of single-serve items stored on floor; observed no paper towels at back hand sink; observed no paper towels at bar hand sink.

Hammons Field Domino's Pizza, 935 E. Trafficway St., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

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Hardee's, 1515 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: Observed ice baths next to grill depleted of ice, so egg bath temp was 48 degrees, sausage, ham and cheese was 55 degrees, which was corrected on site; observed mushroom sauce on line at 98 degrees, which was corrected on site. One non-priority violation: Observed gap on exterior door in back of house.

Harter House Meat Shop/Seafood, 1625 S. Eastgate Ave., Springfield. May 21 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

Horrmann Meats, 1537 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

I Love Tacos Taqueria, 2724 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: Observed raw beef stored above ready-to-eat foods such as onions and cooked meat, which was corrected on site; observed two containers of refried beans tested at 89 degrees and 87 degrees, two containers of Mexican rice at 93 degrees and 94 degrees, all of which had been cooling for three hours and were voluntarily discarded. No non-priority violations.

IHOP No. 5339, 3804 S. Glenstone Outer Road, Springfield. May 17 re-inspection – Result: active. At time of violation, reach-in cooler unit was properly maintaining temperature.

IHOP No. 5436, 2647 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. Restaurant has several maintenance issues that need taken care of, mostly long-standing issues. One priority violation: Observed wiping cloths stored in solution without any measurable quaternary ammonia, which was corrected by staff. Five non-priority violations: Observed waffle iron had substantial debris on it; observed several areas of floor, coving and wall had damaged tiles in kitchen, dry storage and dish washing area, hand sink is loose and needs new caulking and one floor drain was draining slowly; observed shelving in walk-in refrigerator, walk-in freezer floor and sides of equipment were not clean; observed broken faucet in men's restroom; observed both soda fountains not clean around nozzles.

Jack's Ice Cream, 2507 W. Grand St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed motor oil, spray paint and cleaning spray bottle with soap solution stored on top of deep freezers containing ice cream, which was corrected by removing items. One non-priority violation: Observed deep freezer on back wall with plastic foam insulation falling out of lid of unit, also observed deep freezer close to door had broken hinges.

Jimmy John's No. 3549, 3233 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed two scoops in clean dishware pile had debris, which was corrected on site. No non-priority violations.

Krackin Cajun Seafood House, 3644 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed two bottles of dish soap stored directly on top of ice machine, which was corrected by relocating bottles. No non-priority violations.

La Dona LLC, 5460 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 21 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed knife being stored unclean on magnetic strip, which was corrected by cleaning knife. No non-priority violations.

Lakeland Behavioral Health System, 440 S. Market Ave., Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed during inspection.

Lakeland Behavioral Health System, 2323 W. Grand St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

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Los Michoacanos Garcias 2, 1779 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Re-inspection will occur due to multiple priority violations. Five priority violations: Observed raw chicken marinating on countertop at 60 degrees, which was corrected on site; observed multiple food items inside walk-in cooler not date marked like ground beef, shredded chicken, refried beans, which was corrected on site; observed multiple flies in kitchen, which is a repeat violation and person in charge said pest control has been contacted; observed raw chicken stored above ground beef and whole cuts of beef, and raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat vegetables, which is a repeat violation and was corrected on site; observed refried beans, white queso, steak and chorizo had all be cooling for 2.5 and were improperly cooled, which was corrected by voluntarily discarding items. Two non-priority violations: Observed raw ground pork packages and container of shredded lettuce stored on floor, which was corrected on site; observed salsa containers and plastic bins stored on top of each other with water inside the dishware, which was corrected on site.

McAlister's Deli, 1460 E. Primrose St., Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed several items on salad make table were above 45 degrees, which was corrected by discarding the items. Time control procedures were implemented. No non-priority violations.

McAlister's Deli, 1711 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

McDonald's 33174 - VR Battlefield LLC, 4022 W. Republic Road, Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Three priority violations: Observed no sanitizer residual at dish machine; observed employee not wash hands before donning new gloves, which was corrected at time of inspection; observed milk at 43.5 degrees in front under-counter cooler. Two non-priority violations: Observed lid on ice machine is in disrepair; observed mold growth inside ice machine.

Metropolitan Grill, 2931 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed several food items in walk-in cooler were at 45 degrees, which was corrected by discarding items. One non-priority violation: Observed inadequate hot water at kitchen handwashing sink due to faucet malfunction.

Popeye's No. 780 - HZ Ops Holdings Inc., 3195 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed eight boxes of chicken at 46 degrees in walk-in cooler with ambient temperature between 44 and 47 degrees, which was corrected by discarding boxes of chicken. Unit repair scheduled, re-inspection set for May 20. One non-priority violation: Observed large amount of grease buildup under and behind fryers.

Popeye's No. 780 - HZ Ops Holdings Inc., 3195 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 20 re-inspection – Result: active. Walk-in cooler now in acceptable range. No violations noted.

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Price Cutter No. 17 Starbucks, 1013 E. U.S. Highway 60 East, Republic. May 17 re-inspection – Result: active. Priority item corrected.

Price Cutter Plus No. 50 Starbucks, 3260 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

Q66. May 18 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Rapid Roberts No. 124, 1655 S. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. May 22 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed debris buildup on shield of reach-in ice machine. One non-priority violation: Observed milk/cream dispenser tube not cut at right angle.

Republic Eagle Stop, 2804 N. Brookline Ave., Brookline. May 16 re-inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Sanitizer now too strong. One priority violation: Observed sanitizer over 500 parts per million. No non-priority violations.

Residence Inn, 1303 E. Kingsley St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed butter and cream cheese not at or below 41 degrees, items were placed on time control to be discarded at end of breakfast service. A re-inspection will occur.

Residence Inn, 1303 E. Kinglsey St., Springfield. May 20 re-inspection – Result: active. Violation had been corrected prior to inspection. No violations noted.

Rise, 105 Park Central Square, Springfield. May 21 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed Hollandaise sauce below 135 degrees, which was corrected by reheating to 165 degrees. No non-priority violations.

Scramblers, 1131 E. Republic Road, Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: active. Three priority violations: Observed sausage cooling on counter at 78 degrees without time control log, which was corrected on site by notifying manager and placing sausage in refrigerator; observed employee pick up items from floor then don new gloves without washing hands, which was corrected by having employee remove gloves, wash hands and don new gloves; observed meat slicer had food debris, which was corrected by cleaning it. Four non-priority violations: Observed a bag of taco meat thawing on counter without running water or refrigeration, which was corrected by putting meat in fridge to thaw correctly; observed gloved employee pick up multiple items that fell on floor then return to prepping bread without washing hands or changing gloves, which was corrected by having employee wash hands and don new gloves, discarding old gloves and discarding bread; observed grease and food debris built-up on, under and behind kitchen equipment; observed door/kick plate missing on stainless freezer in kitchen.

Shot Shack, 302 E. Walnut St., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

Snonut LLC, 2551 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 18 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

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Sonic Drive-In, 411 S. Miller Road, Willard. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. Fire extinguisher near back door needs recharged. No priority violations. Four non-priority violations: Observed inside of ice machine was not clean; observed hand sink near ice machine had 68 degree water; observed some areas of floor have badly eroded grout; observed the floor in walk-in refrigerator, under ice machine and around racks in dry storage areas were not clean.

Sonic Drive-In Republic, 790 E. U.S. Highway 60 East, Republic. May 21 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Springfield Billiards LLC, 541 E. St. Louis St., Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed back of meat slicer blade has food buildup on it, which was corrected by breaking slicer down to clean. No non-priority violations.

St. George's Donut Shop, 3013 S. National Ave., Springfield. May 21 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Subway No. 33529, 102 W. Old Mill Road, Fair Grove. May 22 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

Subway No. 6081, 1085 E. U.S. Highway 60 East, Republic. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed cheese at 44 degrees and lettuce at 44 degrees. No non-priority violations.

Subway No. 32043, 3502 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited.

Sushi Village, 1440 W. Republic Road, Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed orange juice at 44 degrees in bar slider cooler. Two non-priority violations: Observed thawing crab at room temperature; observed wet mop stored on floor.

Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant, 1250 E. Republic Road, Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Re-inspection is scheduled May 23 to re-check dishwasher sanitizing capability. Five priority violations: Observed three bottles of hand soap stored directly above to-go containers and hand towels, which was corrected on site; observed that upon beginning inspection, person in charge was not nominated, which was corrected on site and education given; observed multiple bags and containers of unlabeled and undated meats and vegetables in walk-in cooler, which is a repeat violation and was corrected on site; observed three knives stored dirty in metal cabinet at prep table and can opener has food debris on it, which was corrected by washing items; observed employee cutting ginger without gloves on before beginning vegetable wash, which was corrected by discarding ginger and having employee wash hands and start over. One non-priority violation: Observed dish machine not sanitizing.

The Press Cafe LLC, 2710 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed raw shell eggs over ready-to-eat foods, which was corrected. No non-priority violations.

The Roost, 2025 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 20 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed two cold holding units not at 41 degrees or less, so re-inspection required. One non-priority violation: Observed debris buildup in the ice machine at kitchen and bar.

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The Roost Bar & Grill No. 2, 4216 S. Cox Ave., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. Discussed proper cooling methods. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: Observed thawing frozen spinach in hand sink; observed no hot water in game room restroom.

USA Investments MO266, 5505 S. State Highway FF, Battlefield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Waffle House No. 1431, 436 N. West Bypass, Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Observed two non-priority violations: Observed shelf under front ice bin has standing water; observed bottom of shelf in reach-in refrigerator by soda dispenser is not clean.

Walgreens No. 5286, 1930 W. Grand St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed at time of inspection.

Walmart Neighborhood Market No. 2830, 444 W. Grand St., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

Willard City Recreation Center, 233 N. State Highway Z, Willard. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed sleeves of disposable cups being stored under hand sink, which was promptly cleaned at inspector's request.

Susan Szuch reports on health and food for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Cooler problems force Springfield restaurant to discard boxes of food