Springfield grocery store cited for selling food past sell-by date
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department's recent inspection reports have revealed a concerning issue at Price Cutter No. 35, located at 1260 E. St. Louis St. in Springfield. During an inspection on August 12, multiple violations were noted, with the primary issue being the sale of food items past their sell-by dates.
The deli and salad bar at this store had several packages of pre-sliced ham and turkey with sell-by dates of August 11, as well as packages of hot wings and hot boneless wings with sell-by dates of August 5 and 10, respectively. These items were promptly discarded to address the priority violation.
Priority violations are critical as they directly impact food safety. These violations include cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat food, improper food temperature control, and poor personal hygiene and employee health. Non-priority violations, while not directly affecting food safety, can still lead to potential health risks if left unaddressed.
Food inspections are conducted regularly, typically one to three times a year, depending on various factors such as the type of food served, the population served, the difficulty of food preparation, and past inspection history. Restaurants preparing food from raw ingredients are inspected more frequently compared to convenience stores that primarily serve non-potentially hazardous foods.
The inspection reports provide valuable insights into the conditions at each establishment during the inspection. Consumers can refer to previous reports to understand whether violations are isolated incidents or recurring issues. This transparency ensures accountability and helps maintain food safety standards in the community.
In summary, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department's inspection reports highlight the importance of regular food inspections to ensure the safety and quality of food products. By addressing priority violations promptly, food establishments can maintain high standards and protect public health.
