Are Your Favorite Restaurants Violating Safety Guidelines?

What’s your favorite Sussex County restaurant? Are they violating health and food safety guidelines? Delaware Online’s Article “Which Sussex County restaurants have had the most violations in the past 30 days?” shares the restaurants with the most violations as of January 21, 2024. 

State of Delaware Food Code

In Delaware, restaurants, food trucks, church kitchens, grocery stores, delis, concession stands, ice cream parlors, pizzerias, schools, hospitals, bakeries, fitness centers, hotels, and golf clubs are all permitted to serve food. This means they must adhere to the State of Delaware Food Code. The purpose of the State of Delaware Food Code is to safeguard public health, reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, and provide consumers with food that is safe. To ensure compliance with the code, Delaware establishments are inspected twice per year.

Click here to read the State of Delaware Food Code. 

Inspection Process

According to the Delaware Office of Food Inspection, during inspections, inspectors observe kitchen worker’s food handling practices, make sure equipment is working properly, take food temperatures, inspect refrigerators and storage areas, and measure water temperatures and sanitizer levels. If there is a problem, the manager will be shown the correct procedure. 

Learn more about Inspection Reports.

Restaurants with the Most Violations

Which Sussex County restaurants had the most violations as of January 21, 2024? Find the list of food establishments below:

1. M L Country Store: 28 violations
2. Milford Pizza Palace: 15 violations
3. Xiao’s Mt Fuji Japanese Restaurant: 14 violations
4. Hunan Royale Chinese Restaurant: 13 violations
5. Amore Pizza & Subs: 12 violations
6. Mini Mart: 12 violations
7. Milford Moose #2316: 12 violations
8. K & K Gas & Deli: 11 violations
9. Coho’s Market & Grill: 11 violations
10. The Dairy Bar Family Restaurant: 10 violations

Further details about the specific violations can be found here. This database is intended to be used as a tool by consumers and is updated frequently.

Prioritize Health and Safety

Health and safety are important no matter the industry! Let’s break down the importance for the food service industry:

Poor food handling can result in foodborne illnesses, which can affect the entire community. Outbreaks can lead to widespread illnesses, hospitalization, and in severe cases, fatalities. By prioritizing health and safety, food establishments play a vital role in safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of disease.

Employees have a higher risk of workplace injuries and illnesses. Inadequate safety safety protocols increase the likelihood of workers facing various hazards. These hazards can include burns, cuts, ergonomic strains, chemical exposure, and fall hazards. Prioritizing health and safety measures can improve employee well-being.

3. Reputation and Customer Trust

A positive reputation helps a business achieve success. Health and safety standards play an important role in shaping public perception. News of health code violations can tarnish a restaurant’s reputation, whereas establishments that prioritize health and safety earn customer trust.

4. Business Sustainability

Beyond its immediate impact on public health and reputation, prioritizing health and safety contributes to the long-term sustainability of food establishments. By investing in health and safety measures, businesses can eliminate risks, reduce liability, and enhance efficiency leading to long-term success.

In conclusion, the recent report on Sussex County restaurants with the most violations emphasizes the importance of adhering to health and food safety guidelines outlined. Beyond compliance, prioritizing health and safety not only safeguards public health but also ensures the well-being of employees and contributes to the long-term sustainability of food establishments in the community. It's important for both businesses and consumers to prioritize these standards to maintain a safe and thriving dining environment.