The Cheyenne-Laramie County Health Department recently released its latest round of inspection results for the final week of October, revealing a mixed bag of compliance across local dining establishments and educational facilities. While many sites passed with flying colors, others struggled with basic sanitation requirements. The department utilizes a system of red critical violations, which pose immediate risks of foodborne illness, and black non-critical violations focused on general upkeep. Most issues are handled on the spot or fixed within twenty four hours to ensure public safety remains a priority.
Most school kitchens performed exceptionally well during this period, with Anderson Elementary, Central High School, and PODER Academy reporting zero violations. However, some academic settings saw minor slips. Carey Junior High was cited for two violations involving pink mildew on an ice machine shield and a severely dented can found in dry storage. These findings highlight the constant vigilance required even in institutional kitchens to prevent contamination and maintain equipment standards.
The commercial sector saw more significant struggles, particularly at 307 Horse Racing at Pershing, which recorded eight separate violations. Inspectors noted several concerning lapses including the lack of a certified food protection manager on site and employees preparing food without hair restraints. More troubling were reports of black mildew growth on an ice shield in the casino bar area and missing sanitizer test strips in the cafe kitchen. Other local spots like Central Cafe also faced scrutiny for allowing gaps under back doors that could permit animal entry and improperly storing plates.
Despite these failures, health officials emphasize that their primary mission is education rather than punishment. By guiding business owners through safe practices, they aim to raise the overall standard of hygiene across Laramie County. Residents interested in the specific details of their favorite local spots can find comprehensive reports on the health department’s official website, providing transparency into how every facility manages its daily operations from soda gun maintenance to chemical alkalinity levels.
