Bugs and unwashed hands closed the Lexington restaurant. What else did the inspectors find?

A local taco restaurant has been shut down by the Department of Health for multiple violations, including the presence of insects.

Taco Stop Taqueria, 1474 Anniston Dr. Suite B1, was closed by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on May 23 after receiving a score of 55 during a regular inspection.

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Restaurants and food service establishments with an inspection score below 60 out of 100 are closed until the issues are resolved.

Taco Stop Taqueria remained closed on June 4.

According to the inspection report, Taco Stop Taqueria was noncompliant in 28 areas considered risk factors for foodborne illness.

When the Department of Health closes a restaurant, a red sign is placed on the door to inform potential customers that dine-in service has been discontinued. But the Ministry of Health does not announce that the restaurants have been closed.

Why Taco Stop Was Closed

According to the inspection report, the restaurant was cited for having unauthorized personnel in the kitchen, having personal items improperly stored throughout the kitchen, lack of hand washing, improper food storage, a lack of restraints for hair/beard, dirty surfaces and more.

The inspection report noted the presence of insects and also indicated that the food was contaminated with “a substance resembling mold.”

The restaurant is expected to be re-inspected this week, according to the Department of Health.

Taco Stop Taqueria received a score of 80 during its last inspection on February 16.

How Lexington Health Department Inspections Work

Restaurants and catering establishments are required to display their most recent scores at the front door; scores in green boxes indicate pass and scores in red indicate failure.

Inspection scores are available online at the Lexington Health Department website.

The Department of Health inspects each local eating establishment at least every six months; some restaurants are subject to increased regulatory enforcement and are subject to additional inspections. Restaurants are also inspected if the Department of Health receives credible complaints.

In February, the Herald-Leader published an updated list of the 158 restaurants and food service providers subject to enhanced regulatory enforcement, formerly called probation, by the Department of Health.

Any restaurant that scores 80 or lower on an inspection is subject to enhanced enforcement.

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