Food inspection report: Springfield restaurant sells escolar as tuna

During a May 12 food inspection, a Springfield restaurant was found to be advertising white tuna, but selling another fish, according to the Springfield-Green County Health Department's food inspection report.

Kim Dynasty Sushi Bar & Grill, 3637 E. Sunshine St., was advertising escolar as white tuna, according to an inspection report.

Escolar is not among the species recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as tuna. Additionally, escolar contains high levels of an indigestible substance called wax esters, which can have a laxative and purgative effect if more than 6 ounces are consumed at a time, according to Sea Grant, a costal science organization.

The restaurant also was cited for not including consumer advisories on its menu and not holding egg drop soup at the proper temperature. The soup was reheated and then held in a hot-holding pot.

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.

More:Frequent reader of Greene County food inspections? Here's what inspectors want you to know

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 last week:

More:Springfield restaurant closes temporarily when fire breaks out during food inspection

Aldi Food Store No. 72, 1645 E. Kearney St., Springfield. May 12 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Three non-priority violations: Observed mops stored in mop bucket, which is a repeat violation and education was given; observed trash cans in women's restroom had no lid, education provided; observed light shield in walk-in dairy cooler and walk-in freezer were damaged.

Amazin Buffet, 2501 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Four priority violations: 1. Observed person in charge say plastic food container was clean, but it contained grease and white foreign substance build-up. Dishware was sent to wash pit to be correctly washed, rinsed and sanitized. Education provided. 2. Observed noodles prepped the day before tested at 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Ambient air temperature of walk-in cooler was 38 degrees. Noodles were voluntarily discarded and education was provided on cooling processes. 3. Observed two-door reach-in cooler near oven not holding at 41 degrees or below. Chicken tested at 48 degrees and the cooler's ambient temperature was at 52.3 degrees. All potentially hazardous food items inside cooler were voluntarily discarded. Re-inspection required. 4. Observed multiple food items such as noodles, chicken, shrimp and fish were not date marked. Items without a date mark that required one were then correctly date marked, and education was provided. Two non-priority violations: 1. Observed raw chicken stored directly over the top of ready-to-eat vegetables and above raw fish, and raw pork was stored above ready-to-eat vegetables. Items were moved to be stored in the correct manner and education was provided. 2. Observed multiple food items such as shredded lettuce, shrimp, raw meat and eggs in buffet and hibachi area were not marked for time as control. Sushi in buffet area was not marked for time as control. Sushi rice not marked for time as control. Items were marked with the correct time to be disposed. Education provided that all food items in temperature danger zone shall be marked for time as control when removed from holding temperature. Any items found without a correct marking for following inspections will be immediately disposed of.

AM PM Food Mart - Phillips 66, 2720 W. Kearney St., Springfield. May 18 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. A reinspection will be made on or after May 23 to check priority and some of the core violations for correction. See violations with dates for correction for details. One priority violation: Observed bottles of cleaners sitting on top of ice machine, as well as shampoo, disinfectant and hand-washing solutions stored above bags of rice. Only one employee at this time, so will check at re-inspection. Seven non-priority violations: Observed bags of rice and boxes of food being stored on floor of dry storage area and walk-in freezer; observed several bags of ice lacked name, address or phone number of where they were packaged, which is a repeat violation; observed inside of ice machine had slim mold on surfaces, which is repeat violation; observed hot water faucet at kitchen hand sink was not operation and drain under sink leaks; observed the soap dispenser in the restroom was empty; observed the fan covers in beer coolers were dirty; observed a few boxes of cups and food trays sitting on floor near restroom.

American Legion Post No. 676, 2350 N. Clifton Ave., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed a few containers of ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods in refrigerator that lacked "use by" dates. Promptly corrected. Three non-priority violations: Observed carbon dioxide tank and dish rack blocking hand sink; observed drain line leaking under three-vat sink; observed floor in dry storage area, lower portion of beer dispenser and small fain were all dirty.

More:Man charged with assault said he is 'capable of wrath he cannot contain in human form'

Archie's Italian Eatery, 1410 E. Republic Road, Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed potentially hazardous foods not being kept at or below 41 degrees. Corrected on-site. No non-priority violations.

As You Like It Catering, 3253 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. May 11 re-inspection – Result: active. Previous inspection's violations were corrected before the inspection.

Bambino's, 1141 E. Delmar St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Two priority violations: 1. Observed bechamel sauce at 123 degrees in the steam table. Bechamel had been in the steam table for more than three hours. Employees were unsure what temperature bechamel was when it went into the steam table. Bechamel voluntarily discarded. Discussed that foods need to be heated on stove or in microwave to 165 degrees before being placed in steam table. Be sure steam table hold potentially hazardous foods at 135 degrees or higher. 2. Observed dish machine testing zero parts per million of chlorine. Bucket was empty. Switched sanitizer solution out and ran cycle several times, but still tested at zero ppm. Person in charge stated they will call company that services machine for repairs. Re-inspection is required to verify the violation has been fixed. Facility can wash in dish machine and sanitize in sink until the dish machine has been fixed. No non-priority violations.

Basilico Italian Cafe, 306 E. Commercial St., Springfield. May 11 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Four non-priority violations: Observed seal on fridge by the stove was not closing tightly, education given; observed no paper towels by employee hand-washing sink; observed one restroom door was not self-closing, education provided; observed employee drinks without a lid and straw or lid and handle, education provided.

Blue Heron, 206 E. Commercial St., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. Three priority violations: Observed double-door stainless fridge holding potentially hazardous products above 41 degrees, education was given and corrective action was taken; observed potentially hazardous products outside of cold holding equipment with no time stamp, education was given and corrective action was taken; observed food stored in non-food-grade containers, education was given and corrected during inspection. Three non-priority violations: Observed mops stored in mop sink; observed employee drinks without a lid and straw or lid and handle; observed wicker baskets on back room storage shelf had flour residue on them, education provided.

Cowden School, 2927 S. Kimbrough Ave., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted at time of inspection.

Cox Walnut Lawn - MORH, 3535 S. National Ave., Springfield. May 12 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted at time of inspection.

Creasian, 501 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. May 12 compliance check 1 – Result: in compliance. No violations noted.

Creasian, 501 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. May 12 food school – Result: inspection passed. No violations noted.

Dairy Queen, 4150 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 12 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed handwashing sink with water leak at underneath discharge piping, repair leak.

Dairy Queen 11131, 2300 W. College St., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Discussed the very heavy build-up of ice on floor of walk-in freezer. One priority violation: Observed ice cream mix in hopper holding at 49 degrees, which was discarded. Three non-priority violations: Observed door of walk-in cooler is wood, and the varnish is worn off exposing raw wood, which needs to be re-varnished; observed no toilet paper in women's restroom; observed paper towel dispenser is empty in men's restroom.

Domino's Pizza, 407 E. Walnut Lane, Willard. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed.

Druff's, 331 Park Central East, Springfield. May 18 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

El Paraiso Kitchen - Springfield, 610 W. College St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited.

More:Springfield Brewing Company expands with new production facility, tasting room in Willard

El Taco, 316 W. Kearney St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed vegetable slicer was not stored clean, education was given and corrected during inspection. Three non-priority violations: Observed old date labeling sticker residue on the outside of food containers, which is a repeat violation; observed walls by hot-hold units and kitchen fans were dirty; observed area behind the soda nozzles on soda machine were dirty, which is repeat violation.

Eugene Field School, 2120 E. Barataria St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Fairgrounds Eagle Stop, 2959 N. Grant Ave., Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Four non-priority violations: Observed daylight visible along bottom of door at front entrance; observed seal falling apart on door to enter walk-in; observed trash can in women's restroom had no lid; observed area behind soda nozzle of soda machine was dirty.

Harvest Restaurant, 8011 E. State Highway AD, Rogersville. May 11 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: Observed raw meat above ready-to-eat foods; observed rubber spatulas were cracked, chipped. One non-priority violation: Observed no hot water at hand sink in women's bathroom.

Heitz House, 811 S. Holland Ave., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations.

Hog Tide Bar-B-Que - Willard, 304 E. Jackson St., Willard. May 16 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed prep refrigerator running about 53 degrees and numerous potentially hazardous foods were voluntarily discarded by staff. Re-inspection will be made on or after May 19. One non-priority violation: Observed hand sink had covered container of food sitting in it, which was promptly relocated at inspector's request.

Honey Baked Ham Company, 1416 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 12 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed open energy drink in food prep area. Employee drinks must have lid and straw. No non-priority violations.

Hong Yen, 2922 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. May 12 re-inspection – Result: active. On-site for reinspection due to prep cooler not holding 41 degrees or below, and plumbing backup at mop sink. Both items have been corrected. No violations noted.

Kim Dynasty Sushi Bar & Grill, 3637 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 12 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Discussed proper storage of in-use utensils and cleaning frequency of ice machine. Two priority violations: Observed restaurant only has online menu, and that online menu lacks consumer advisory; observed egg drop soup held at 106 degrees on stove-top burner, which was corrected at time of inspection by reheating to 165 degrees and will be held in a plugged-in hot-holding pot. One non-priority violation: Observed restaurant selling escolar as white tuna.

Kum & Go No. 1554, 2885 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. May 12 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed accumulation of lime on soft drink machine ice dispenser and soda syrup residue on the soda dispensing units.

Kum & Go No. 498, 104 N. Missouri Blvd., Rogersville. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed numerous food items in walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer stored on floor.

La Paloma Mexican Grill, 3014 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Provided hand washing stickers. Discussed covering cooked foods in coolers and freezers and providing a self-closer on restroom door. Four priority violations: Observed foods in drawer cooler held at temperatures above 41 degrees, with shrimp at 54 degrees and beef at 47 degrees; observed raw meats stored over cooked sauces and raw vegetables in the walk-in cooler; observed beans cooked at 10:30 a.m. in pot sitting in room temperature water still 95 degrees at 5 p.m., which was corrected with education and discarding beans; observed pico and cooked chicken not marked with discard date. Two non-priority violations: Observed baby in a carrier on floor of kitchen, which was corrected at time of inspection; observed hot beans being placed in 8-inch deep pan for cooling, which was corrected at time of inspection by placing beans in shallow pans that are placed on ice.

More:How disrespect fueled Catholic baseball to district title win over Logan-Rogersville

Logan Elementary Cafeteria, 7297 E. Farm Road 164, Rogersville. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted at time of inspection.

Mama G's Kitchen, 2463 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 11 re-inspection – Result: active. Priority item corrected, with all foods properly date marked.

Maple Lane Bakery and Cafe, 601 E. Wells St., Ash Grove. May 12 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One refrigerator was running at 49 degrees. Promptly relocated potentially hazardous foods that had been delivered that morning. Also determined that compressor was coated with lint and debris, which was cleaned within 15 minutes. A reinspection will be made later this afternoon to check on refrigerator. One priority violation: Observed one refrigerator in back was running at 49 degrees. Potentially hazardous food items made or delivered that day were relocated. Compressor was cleaned and a re-inspection was scheduled for later that day.

Maple Lane Bakery and Cafe, 601 E. Wells St., Ash Grove. May 12 re-inspection – Result: active. The back refrigerator was 42 degrees and still running. Please monitor it closely and ensure that it is operating properly.

McDonald's, 3320 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 12 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited at time of inspection.

Mercy Springfield Cafeteria, 1235 E. Cherokee St., Springfield. May 16 food school – Result: inspection passed.

Missouri Mike's BBQ & More, 1724 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 11 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

Muncy's Supermarket, 112 E. Boone St., Ash Grove. May 12 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violation. One non-priority violation: observed at least three unpainted wooden shelves in milk walk-in refrigerator.

Muncy's Supermarket - Meat Dept., 112 E. Boone St., Ash Grove. May 12 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed packages of raw beef and pork being stored above cooked chicken in the display cooler, which was promptly reorganized to prevent possible cross-contamination. Three non-priority violations: Observed the light in meat department's walk-in freezer did not work; observed walls and shelves of walk-in refrigerator were dirty; observed the walls in meat department's walk-in refrigerator is in poor repair and plans should start being made to improve the situation.

Nicola's Ristorante, 3631 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted at time of inspection.

Nonna's Italian American Cafe, 306 S. South Ave., Springfield. May 11 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed multiple potentially hazardous food not discarded were past their due dates and not labeled properly, education was given and corrected on-site by staff labeling the incorrect items and discarding those past the due dates. Two non-priority violations: Observed clean utensils being stored with the food contact surface up; observed mold on prep cooler shelving.

Oasis Conference Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed handwashing sink not functioning properly, sink repair needed, which is a repeat violation.

Ohana Japanese Steakhouse, 310 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield. May 11 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed open employee drink in food preparation area when drinks are required to have a lid and straw, which was removed and education provided. No non-priority violations.

Pershing School, 2120 S. Ventura Ave., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted at time of inspection.

More:Group plans to protest GOP leaders, TLC properties during anniversary dinner Friday

Popeye's No. 779 - HZ Ops Holdings Inc., 1231 W. Kearney St., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection. No priority violations. Three non-priority violations: Observed chute on ice machine found dirty, education provided; observed the top of hot hold shelves found not clean, education provided; observed vents in walk-in cooler found not clean, education given.

Republic High School, 4370 Repmo Drive, Republic. May 12 routine inspection – Result: active. Discussed cleaning fan covers in walk-in cooler more frequently. No violations noted.

Rerico Brazilian Grill, 3371 E. Montclair St., Springfield. May 11 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed numerous potentially hazardous foods not being held at or above 41 degrees. Three non-priority violations: Observed walls, floors, shelves and ceilings not clean; observed sunlight visible through back door, weather stripping on back door missing or torn; observed floors, walls, shelves need to be repaired, repainted, replaced or resealed.

Rice House Restaurant, 625 S. Kimbrough Ave., Springfield. May 11 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: 1. Observed leak from roof onto floor of kitchen by walk-in cooler and in corner storage area across from walk-in cooler door and lights by walk-in cooler not working. Restaurant must repair leaks and maintain in good repair, fix lights and maintain in good repair. 2. Observed walk-in cooler is not functional. Walk-in freezer is located in walk-in cooler and has door permanently propped open to maintain a temperature of 41 degrees or below. Walk-in cooler fans are broken. Fix walk-in cooler to hold at 41 degrees or below.

Rocco's Pizza, 834 E. Division St., Springfield. May 12 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Discussed cleaning slicer to sight and touch, replacing test strips that have been dropped in water and keeping nails trimmed so they do not poke through end of gloves. Three priority violations: Observed manager unable to answer questions regarding cold holding, hot holding and date-marking requirements; observed foods held at temperatures above 41 degrees, sausage at 45 degrees, ham at 49 degrees and sliced tomatoes at 50 degrees; observed cooked pasta and open package of ham not marked with discard date. Two non-priority violations: observed no hair restraints on employees making pizzas; observed in-use knives stored in crevice between prep cooler and Pepsi cooler in kitchen.

Sonic Drive-In, 3525 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Three non-priority violations: Observed some areas of grout in kitchen is badly eroded, plans should start being made to make repairs; observed inside of ice machine was not clean; observed the ceiling around air vents and vent covers in walk-in refrigerator were not clean.

Springfield Brewing Company, 305 S. Market Ave., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Two priority violations: 1. Observed one-door prep table's ambient air temperature at 58 degrees and ground sausage tested at 54 degrees. All potentially hazardous foods in prep table were discarded voluntarily. Person in charge stated RICE would be out to fix the equipment. Education was given and re-inspection required. 2. Observed two large tins of melted cheese tested at 120 degrees. Ambient air tested at 135 degrees. Both tins of cheese voluntarily discarded and education was provided, and person in charge adjusted machine. No non-priority violations.

Starbucks Coffee Company, 2817 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. May 17 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed six packages of cheddar/salami snacks with use-by dates of May 15, 2023. These were promptly removed from customer service. No non-priority violations.

Sunshine Elementary, 421 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations.

University Plaza Hotel, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed dish machine with no active sanitizer solution. A re-inspection will be performed.

More:SPS: Glendale teacher who uttered racial slur in classroom 'no longer employed' at school

University Plaza Hotel, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield. May 16 re-inspection – Result: active. At the time of re-inspection, the dish machine was properly sanitizing. No violations.

USA Investments MO216, 1894 S. State Highway 124, Rogersville. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

USA Investments MO217, 1550 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. May 12 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Three non-priority violations: Observed missing ceiling tiles in dry storage; observed empty syrup bags in hand sink in dry storage area; observed lime build-up on back-splash walls of the soft drink machine.

Whatburger No. 1254, 3880 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. May 15 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed employee on raw hamburger side grill removed their top blue glove and removed a pan of lettuce from the cooler. Manager provided education to employee and voluntarily discarded lettuce in pan. Employee then removed clear gloves, washed hands and re-gloved. Corrected on-site. One non-priority violation: Observed pans stacked wet on air-drying shelf. Manager corrected on-site by spreading pans out and providing education to dishwasher.

Ziggie's Cafe North, 2515 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. May 16 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: Observed roast beef without proper date labeling, education was given; observed vegetable slicer stored dirty, education given. Four non-priority violations: Observed cook preparing food on cook like without hair restraint on; observed daylight along bottom of back kitchen exterior door, which is a repeat violation that was discussed with owner and should be corrected by next routine inspection; observed employee hand-washing sinks had washcloths in them, which is a repeat violation; observed soda nozzles and area behind soda nozzles in server station were not clean, which is repeat violation.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].