Recent inspections by the Lubbock Health Department have uncovered a series of concerning health and safety violations at several local restaurants. The most egregious case involved Hub City Brews, which was forced to close temporarily due to 44 critical violations. Other establishments, including Raider Burrito and The Catch, also faced significant issues that required immediate attention. This report highlights the importance of stringent food safety practices and underscores the need for continuous monitoring and improvement in the restaurant industry.

Hub City Brews: A Wake-Up Call for Food Safety Standards

The closure of Hub City Brews has sent shockwaves through the community, revealing an alarming lack of adherence to basic hygiene protocols. The establishment was cited for numerous violations, including moldy food items and improper storage practices. These infractions not only jeopardize customer health but also highlight systemic failures in maintaining cleanliness and safety standards.

In-depth inspection revealed that containers of peppers and lemons were visibly molded, with discard dates dating back to December. Several sauces lacked proper labeling and date marks, some even containing crusty residues. The ice machine deflector plate was contaminated, and raw bacon was improperly stored above ready-to-eat lemons. Additionally, prep tables and serving trays were covered in dust and dirt. The facility's restrooms were in disarray, with missing soap dispensers and blocked hand sinks. The severity of these violations necessitated a 24-hour shutdown and thorough cleaning before reopening.

Broader Concerns Across Local Establishments

Beyond Hub City Brews, other local eateries like Raider Burrito and The Catch also faced notable health and safety challenges. These inspections underscore the broader issue of inconsistent adherence to food safety guidelines across the restaurant sector. Immediate corrective actions were taken to address the identified problems, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and compliance.

Raider Burrito was cited for 23 violations, including serving beef and chicken fajitas well past their discard dates. Raw meats were improperly stored, and essential kitchen tools like knives were found to be unhygienic. The Catch, with 17 violations, had issues with raw fish temperature control and inadequate sanitizer levels in dishwashers. Employees' handwashing practices were subpar, lasting only five seconds instead of the required 20. Single-use containers were improperly stored on the floor, and clean utensils were left wet, compromising sanitation. Despite these findings, most violations were corrected during re-inspection, highlighting the importance of swift action and continuous improvement in maintaining public health standards.