Some local restaurants struggle with low scores on health inspections
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Two restaurants and one gas station in Lexington failed their health inspections over the summer, with one of the restaurants receiving one of the lowest scores ever seen by local health inspectors.
ABC36 spoke with Skip Castleman of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, who highlighted some of the issues that led to the failing scores, including insects crawling around, food being stored at improper temperatures, and unsanitary conditions like hair being too close to food.
Castleman explained that most establishments undergo a regular inspection every six months, and when they fail, it triggers additional follow-up inspections. One of the establishments, the Speedway on North Broadway, failed three consecutive inspections, resulting in a temporary shutdown.
“Three strikes you’re out, so to speak,” Castleman noted.
Another establishment currently shut down is Dumplings Noodles Incorporated, which received one of the lowest scores Castleman has seen in some time—a 52.
“That’s one of the worst ones we have,” Castleman said. “They had insects, which I believe were drain flies. They were using pesticides within the establishment, improper thawing methods, frozen packaged noodles left at room temperature, and meat left in standing water.”
In addition, improper cooling conditions were a significant issue for Dumplings Noodles Incorporated, as well as another establishment, Papi’s Palomar, which was also temporarily shut down.
“So we had them in for a conference, discussed the issues, and scheduled an opening, and they did reopen,” Castleman added.
Castleman emphasized that the health department’s goal is to help all three establishments meet passing conditions and reopen safely. His advice to the public was clear: “The pass is green—the fail is red. I’d probably steer clear of the red places.”
ABC36 reached out to all three establishments for a statement or interview, but all declined to comment.
