As I perused the latest food safety inspections in the Tri-Cities area, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of triumphs and failures. The Benton Franklin Health District has been hard at work evaluating local businesses on their food safety practices, and the results have been nothing short of a wild ride.

Let’s dive into the not-so-good news – a total of five businesses received failing grades on their food safety inspections. Donitas Tacos in Pasco, Maverik in Richland, McCorkle’s Market in Prosser, Queensgate Food Mart in Richland, and The Coffee Crush in Pasco all fell short of meeting the necessary standards. Whether it was improper food temperature control or lacking handwashing practices, these establishments missed the mark in more ways than one.

But fear not, there’s a silver lining amidst the disappointment. A whopping 57 businesses not only passed their inspections but did so with flying colours. Among them, 24 businesses achieved a perfect score. From 2K Bakery in Prosser to AFC Sushi @ Safeway in Kennewick, these establishments were shining examples of stellar food safety practices.

You might be curious about what exactly goes into these inspections. Well, businesses with serious violations scoring at least 35 points undergo additional assessments and must meet more rigorous standards. And if a business accumulates a daunting 85 or more red points, they are placed on probation until they pass two consecutive follow-up inspections. This isn’t child’s play – it’s serious business.

However, it’s not just about the food itself; the cleanliness and physical condition of the establishments come under scrutiny as well. When we dine out, we crave not only delicious food but also assurance in its safety, don’t we?

The health district takes these inspections seriously. Businesses receive no prior notice of the inspections, and different parts of their operations may even undergo separate assessments. It’s all in the pursuit of ensuring that our grocery stores and deli counters are maintaining top-notch standards.

But here’s where it gets intriguing – all inspection results are available for public viewing online. Yes, you can easily access the status and details of any violations pertaining to your favourite restaurants or any other food-selling businesses. It’s all about transparency and ensuring the excellence of the food we consume.

And to top it all off, I’ve got insider information on some of the most remarkable successes and unfortunate failures. For instance, The Coffee Crush in Pasco didn’t make the cut due to their manager’s inability to answer food safety questions accurately, and their inadequate handwashing facilities. On the flip side, AFC Sushi @ Safeway in Kennewick aced their inspection with a flawless score of zero red and blue points. Now, that’s what I call remarkable!

The next time you’re pondering where to indulge in a meal or purchase groceries, remember to peruse the inspection results. It’s all about ensuring that our local food establishments uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. After all, we deserve nothing but the best when it comes to enjoying delectable dishes!