News Summary
Recent inspections by the Wayne County Health Department have revealed significant health violations in several Westland restaurants. Establishments such as Biggby Coffee, Glass House Kitchen, and Tim Hortons were flagged for concerns regarding food safety and hygiene. While past violations don’t guarantee ongoing issues, these findings highlight the importance of diners being informed about the safety practices of their favorite eateries.
Westland Restaurants Under the Microscope: Health Department Inspections Reveal Violations
Residents of Westland, brace yourselves. Recent reports from the Wayne County Health Department have unveiled quite a few health violations lurking in several local restaurants, and it’s important to take note. Between February and April, inspections flagged multiple establishments for serious concerns that could potentially impact your dining experience.
Does This Mean Ongoing Problems?
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s worth mentioning that just because a restaurant had violations in the past doesn’t mean there are still issues currently. Changes can be made, and many places work hard to correct any problems as soon as they pop up. Want to do some detective work yourself? Inspection reports are available for public viewing at swordsolutions.com/inspections.
What’s Cooking? Specific Violations by Restaurant
Biggby Coffee (Feb. 5)
At Biggby Coffee, the inspection revealed a few red flags. There were spray bottles of cleaner carelessly stored on counters right next to food areas. To make matter worse, some bottles weren’t even labeled—yikes! The inspection team provided a choking hazard poster that didn’t reside there before. Other violations included a box of single-use cups on the floor, a mop left sitting around instead of being hung up to dry, and a small reach-in cooler gathering water at the bottom while another cooler was out of commission.
Glass House Kitchen (Feb. 4)
Over at Glass House Kitchen, things were not looking too rosy either. The faucet for the mop sink was improperly installed, raising contamination risk alarms. Cold food items measured above the critical 41°F mark, and raw burger patties and kebabs were spotted improperly stored over ready-to-eat foods—definitely a big no-no. Employees were noted handling ready-to-eat food with bare hands and unlabelled toxic material was found in the dishwashing area. It’s also important to point out that this establishment suffered from some ongoing maintenance issues, including damaged tiles and ice buildup in freezers.
Tasty Kabob (March 7)
Things at Tasty Kabob weren’t great either. The dishwashing machine failed to meet the required sanitizer concentration during testing. An employee was observed repackaging pita bread with bare hands, though immediate corrective action was taken. Other issues included loose tiles in the dishwashing area, leaks observed in plumbing, and unclean ventilation systems and non-food contact surfaces.
Tim Hortons (March 7)
Over at Tim Hortons, employees seemingly forgot some key hygiene practices, as they were not following proper handwashing procedures. During the inspection, expired food items were discarded, but several handwashing sinks were blocked or improperly used for food prep. A malfunctioning temperature measuring device on the wash machine was also noted, accompanied by multiple plumbing leaks that need urgent attention.
Golden Chopstick (Feb. 24)
Lastly, Golden Chopstick had its share of issues too. During the inspection, a pest strip was found improperly stored in the kitchen area and was swiftly removed. Food items were being stored in grocery bags, posing contamination risks, while the hand sink was completely obstructed by equipment. The ice machine had significant debris accumulation, and hazardous food cooling methods were deemed inadequate.
The Common Thread
Across the board, similar problems were spotted. Improper food storage and handling remained a common theme, exposing meals to potential contamination risks. A lack of proper labeling for cleaning chemicals was another concerning factor, with repeated violations hinting at a greater need for risk control plans and potential enforcement actions.
What Does This Mean for Diners?
As a diner, it’s essential to stay informed about the facilities where you enjoy your meals. While many restaurants strive to provide safe, delicious options, these inspection results remind us all to pay attention to food safety. So, next time you’re out in Westland, a little awareness could go a long way!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Plymouth Welcomes a New Brunch Spot: Plymouth Brunch House
Digital Silk Enhances Miami’s Hospitality Industry with Innovative Web Design Solutions
East Lansing Hosts 28th Annual Super Bowl Ad Watch Party
Additional Resources
- Detroit News: Restaurant Inspections in Westland
- Detroit News: Mold and Misleading Menus in Westland
- Hometown Life: Inspecting Food Establishments
- Kansas.com: Restaurant Insights
- Google Search: Food Safety Inspections
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
