The following restaurant inspections were conducted by the Lenoir County Health Dept. from Jan. 2 through Jan. 7:

Wendy's

4535 U.S. 70 West, Kinston

Score: 95

Inspection date: 01/02

Observations:

No hand towels at hand-sink beside three-compartment sink

Salad in reach-ins, guacamole, lettuce, tomato and cheese on prep lines were above 41F - shall be at or below 41F

Flies in kitchen

Sanitizer in wiping cloth bucket was dirty - change ever four hours as needed

Some dishes were stacked wet

Hot water at hand-sinks in restroom and in kitchen was in and out - needs to be repaired

Cracked tiles in drive-thru area needs to replaced - repeat violation

Hibachi Express

2405-C North Herritage Street, Kinston

Score: 97.5

Inspection date: 01/03

Observations:

No certified food protection manager present - person in charge must have Serv Safe certification

Thermometer reads 20F in ice water - shall be calibrated to 32F in ice water

Dishes were stacked wet - let dishes air dry before stacking tightly

La Fuente Mexican Restaurant

107 North Central Avenue, Pink Hill

Score: 90.5

Inspection date: 01/04

Observations:

Food employees change tasks without washing hands

In prep refrigerator (eggs), raw meats stored above cooked and ready-to-eat foods - immediately rearranged

Several utensils stored on shelving beside reach-in refrigerator are soiled

Carnitas and beef tips exceed date mark

Chemicals stored close to clean utensils - immediately separated

Jessie Bell's

106 East Vernon Avenue, Kinston

Score: 96.5

Inspection date: 01/07

Observations:

Rice in warmer was 117-125F - should be at or above 135F - repeat violation

Boiled chicken from Thursday in reach-in did not have a date mark

Was water in three-compartment sink was soiled

Cracked/broken wall tile beside stove needs to be repaired