In response to a records request, the Lenawee County Health Department has released food safety inspections conducted in April at restaurants, schools and other facilities.
Adhering to proper safety practices is critical to preventing foodborne illness and promoting public health. The Daily Telegram is publishing regular reports on “priority” violations — ones that could directly lead to contamination of food or increase the risk of transmitting a foodborne illness, as well as corrective measures taken.
The Telegram will also report on “priority foundation” violations — ones that could lead to a priority violation. The health department notes “core” violations, but The Telegram will only report on those if there’s a significant accumulation at a single eatery.
Six establishments met those criteria in April. They include:
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
105 McKenzie St. in Hudson
Priority: Raw eggs were stored above ready-to-eat foods in the walk-in cooler. To prevent cross-contamination, raw animal products must be stored below and away from ready-to-eat foods.
Priority Foundation: No thermometer was observed on-site. Thermometers are required to ensure foods are cooked, reheated and cooled to proper temperatures.
Chateau Aeronautique Winery
12000 Pentecost Highway in Onsted
Priority: The winery is currently served by a Type III Well. Based on the current operation and population served, the well must be reclassified as a Type II Well.
Danley’s Country House
8495 N. Adrian Highway in Tecumseh
Priority: Housemade sauces, cooked noodles, cut tomatoes, diced chicken, cooked ground beef, cooked onions, raw shrimp, meatloaf, ribs, raw chicken and spinach dip were holding above 41 degrees in the grill prep cooler. The person-in-charge indicated temperatures had been checked around 11 a.m. The items were discarded. The person-in-charge adjusted the prep cooler settings and contacted a provider for service.
Johnnie’s North
124 W. Michigan Ave. in Clinton
Priority: A bottle of degreaser and three wire scrubbers were observed in the bar handwashing sink. A metal pan was observed in the dish area handwashing sink. To encourage proper handwashing, such sinks must be accessible at all times.
Priority: Raw beef was stored above carrots in the walk‑in cooler. Raw eggs were stored above jalapeno sauce and carrots. To prevent cross‑contamination, raw animal products must be stored below and away from ready‑to‑eat foods. The items were relocated.
Lotus Palace Restaurant
134 N. Main St. in Adrian
Priority: The restaurant has been closed since 2022. There was frozen food observed in a chest freezer and canned and dry foods observed past their expiration dates. Since the restaurant has remained closed, the foods haven’t been served to the public. Prior to reopening, however, all expired, spoiled, or temperature‑damaged food must be discarded.
Priority Foundation: The chlorine test strips for the three‑compartment sink were expired.
Tip Top Restaurant
814 W. Maumee St. in Adrian
Priority Foundation: Bean soup, cooked ground beef, cooked shredded chicken, refried beans, cooked potatoes, cut lettuce, and boiled eggs lacked proper date marking.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Long-shuttered restaurant inspected for reopening in Lenawee County
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, The Daily Telegram / The Daily Telegram
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