CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio – A Circleville grocery store, Discount Grocery Outlet on South Pickaway Street, was slapped with multiple critical health code violations following an inspection by the Pickaway County Health Department on March 19th, 2024.
The most concerning violations involved improper food storage and handling practices that could potentially lead to foodborne illness. Inspectors observed:
- Unrestricted access to back storage area: Customers were free to roam the back storage area, which increases the risk of food contamination.
- Damaged food packaging: Throughout the store, inspectors found numerous food packages in poor condition, including some with broken seals leaving food exposed. Dented cans were also noted.
- Improper storage of raw eggs: Raw eggs were stored above ready-to-eat products in a customer-accessible cooler. Raw animal products must be kept below cooked or prepared foods to prevent cross-contamination.
- Opened and rotting food: Several packages of food had already been opened and were left on shelves. Additionally, a rotting package of meat was found in the back storage area.
The inspectors instructed the store to discard all unsafe food products and implement procedures to ensure proper food storage and handling, including restricting customer access to the back storage area.
The report also noted the presence of live insects in the back of the store. “While the store employs a pest control service twice a week, further measures are required to eliminate the pest problem,” the inspection report stated.
The Pickaway County Health Department did not disclose the intended enforcement actions, but repeat violations can lead to fines or even closure of the establishment.