Recent health inspections conducted across Lewis County throughout July and August have revealed a wide range of sanitary conditions in local dining establishments. While many businesses earned perfect marks, several others faced warnings for critical violations categorized by the public health department as red risks, which are issues most likely to lead to foodborne illnesses. According to county guidelines, these severe infractions require immediate correction, whereas blue violations involve general cleanliness and operational upkeep that can be addressed over a longer timeframe.
Among the more concerning results was Punjabi Dhaba on Barnes Drive, which accumulated 85 total points including a staggering 75 red points. Inspectors noted widespread fly infestations and serious failures in temperature control and managerial oversight, resulting in the disposal of yogurt and milk. Similarly, the I-5 Shell on Hamilton Road hit the threshold for high risk with 40 red points due to inadequate egg cooling methods and a lack of soap at handwashing stations, triggering a mandatory re-inspection.
Other regional spots also struggled with refrigeration standards during the summer heat. Mead Family Market and Silver Creek Buck Stop both received citations for refrigerators operating well above the required forty-one degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, Royal Sushi and Teriyaki was flagged for improper chicken cooling techniques, and xMART faced penalties for unpermitted operators alongside cooler temperature issues. Even smaller concerns were noted at the Chehalis Livestock Market regarding pest activity in storage areas.
Despite these lapses, the vast majority of Lewis County food providers demonstrated excellent compliance. A long list of establishments ranging from popular coffee shops like Dutch Bros and Starbucks to local favorites such as El Tejano and Mountain View Wood Fired Pizza passed their inspections without a single violation. This contrast highlights a stark divide between top performing kitchens and those currently under pressure to overhaul their safety protocols to protect public health.
