CDC Issues Massive Melon Recall As Salmonella Outbreak Spreads

Steve
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CDC Issues Massive Melon Recall As Salmonella Outbreak Spreads

US Health officials have just announced a massive melon recall after a salmonella outbreak across the Midwest and Southeast.

According to the CDC, a total of 60 people have already gotten sick from the infected melons, with symptoms including diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.

“Recalled products were distributed to Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. Recalled products were sold in clear, plastic clamshell containers at Costco, Jay C, Kroger, Payless, Owen’s, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Walmart, and Whole Foods/Amazon.”

The following products are included in this recall:

Customer Product Description Pack Weigh UPC Label Description/Brand Best By/Use By Date Range
Caito Foods Distribution CANTALOUPE SPEARS 6/16Z 16 oz. 81851301294 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution HONEYDEW SPEARS 6/16Z 16 oz. 81851301300 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution MELON MIX 6/10Z 10 oz. 81851301331 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT MIX 6/10Z 10 oz. 81851301348 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution HONEYDEW CHUNKS 6/10Z 10 oz. 81851301362 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 6/10Z 10 oz. 81851301379 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON CHUNKS 6/9.5Z 9.5 oz. 81851301386 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT MIX 6/5Z 5 oz. 81851301393 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT BURST 4/20Z 20 oz. 81851301409 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT MIX 3/48Z 48 oz. 81851301416 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution MELON MIX 6/16Z 16 oz. 81851301430 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT MIX 6/16Z 16 oz. 81851301447 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT SNACK TRAY 3/32Z 32 oz. 81851301454 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT PARTY PLATTER 3/64Z 64 oz. 81851301461 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution MELON MIX SPEARS 6/16Z 16 oz. 81851301478 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT BOWL 6/64Z 64 oz. 81851301485 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON SPEAR 6/16Z 16 oz. 81851301591 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON SPEAR 4/28Z 28 oz. 81851301607 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 1/80Z 80 oz. 81851301614 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution HONEYDEW CHUNKS 1/80Z 80 oz. 81851301621 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT MIX 1/5LB 80 oz. 81851302079 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON CHUNKS 1/5LB 80 oz. 81851302147 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution FRUIT BURST 6/10Z 10 oz. 81851302215 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON TRAY 1/5LB 80 oz. 81851302239 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Caito Foods Distribution WATERMELON CHUNK 4/18Z 18 oz. 826766260317 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Costco FRUIT BOWL 8/48Z 48 oz. 826766241125 Garden Highway Label 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Gordon Food Service WATERMELON CHUNKS 4/5Z 5 oz. 826766009800 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Gordon Food Service CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 4/5Z 5 oz. 826766009817 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Gordon Food Service MELON MIX 4/5Z 5 oz. 826766009886 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Gordon Food Service FRUIT MIX 6/4.5Z  4.5 oz. 826766257676 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Gordon Food Service WATERMELON CHUNK 4/10Z 10 oz. 826766260041 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Caito Foods 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger WATERMELON QUARTER 6/36Z 36 oz. 826766139903 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger CANTALOUPE HALF 6/24Z 24 oz. 826766139927 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger WATERMELON SLICE 1/55Z 55 oz. 826766139941 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger WATERMELON CHUNK 1/5LB 80 oz. 826766896011 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger HONEYDEW CHUNKS 1/10Z 10 oz. 49022558632 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger MELON SPEAR TRIO 1/16Z 16 oz. 826766139590 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger MIXED SPEARS 1/16Z 16 oz. 826766139606 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger WATERMELON SPEAR 1/16Z 16 oz. 826766139620 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger FRUIT TRAY LRG W/DIP 1/63Z 63 oz. 826766145393 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger WATERMELON SPEAR 1/4LB 64 oz. 826766181704 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger FRU TRAY LG W/WATMLN 1/64.75Z 64.75 oz. 826766185498 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger SALAD FIESTA FRUIT 1/18Z 18 oz. 826766185641 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Kroger CANTALOUPE CHUNK 1/5LB 80 oz. 826766896578 Clear Generic Label Distributed by Renaissance Food Group 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution FRUIT MIX 6/5Z 5 oz. 884853630610 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 1/80Z 80 oz. 884853631266 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution WATERMELON SPEAR 4/28Z 28 oz. 884853630672 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution CANTALOUPE SPEARS 6/16Z 16 oz. 884853630856 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution FRUIT BURST 6/10Z 10 oz. 884853630887 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution MELON MIX 6/10Z 10 oz. 884853630894 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution FRUIT MIX 6/10Z 10 oz. 884853630900 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution HONEYDEW CHUNKS 6/10Z 10 oz. 884853630924 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 6/10Z 10 oz. 884853630931 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution WATERMELON CHUNKS 6/9.5Z 9.5 oz. 884853630948 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution FRUIT BURST 4/20Z 20 oz. 884853630955 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution FRUIT MIX 3/48Z 48 oz. 884853630962 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution MELON MIX 6/16Z 16 oz. 884853630986 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution FRUIT MIX 6/16Z 16 oz. 884853630993 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution FRUIT TRAY 3/32Z 32 oz. 884853631006 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution FRUIT PARTY PLATTER 3/64Z 64 oz. 884853631013 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution WATERMELON SPEAR 6/16Z 16 oz. 884853631068 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
SpartanNash Distribution HONEYDEW CHUNKS 1/80Z 80 oz. 884853631273 Open Acres 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Sprouts WATERMELON CHUNK 6/18Z 18 oz. 646670522406 Sprouts Farmers Market 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Sprouts MELON MIX CHUNK 6/20Z 20 oz. 646670522437 Sprouts Farmers Market 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Sprouts WATERMELON CHUNK 6/9.5Z 9.5 oz. 646670522444 Sprouts Farmers Market 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Sprouts FRUIT BURST 6/10Z 10 oz. 646670522482 Sprouts Farmers Market 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Sprouts FRUIT PARTY PLATTER 3/64Z 64 oz. 646670522499 Sprouts Farmers Market 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Sprouts WATERMELON SPEAR 6/16Z 16 oz. 826766893850 Sprouts Farmers Market 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Trader Joes CANTALOUPE SLICE Trader Joe’s 12/16Z 16 oz. 00952668 Trader Joe’s 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens MELON MIX 1/10Z 10 oz. 49022519114 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens WATERMELON CHUNK 1/5Z 5 oz. 49022519138 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens CANTALOUPE SNACK CUP WAG 1/5Z 5 oz. 49022519169 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens SEASONAL FRUIT SALAD 1/10Z 10 oz. 49022519183 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens TROPICAL MEDLEY 1/10Z 10 oz. 49022536999 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens MANGO PINE LOPE SPEAR WAG 1/5Z 5 oz. 49022537019 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens FRUIT BURST 1/10Z 10 oz. 49022558625 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens WATERMELON SPEAR 1/16Z 16 oz. 49022588219 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens CANTALOUPE SPEAR WAG 1/16Z 16 oz. 49022588240 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens FRUIT SALAD SEASONAL WAG 1/32Z 32 oz. 49022637764 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens FRUIT TRAY 1/22Z 22 oz. 49022683129 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens WATERMELON CHUNK 1/9.5Z 9.5 oz. 49022804586 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens FRUIT SPEAR ASSORTED 1/16Z 16 oz. 49022813823 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens CANTALOUPE CHUNK 1/10Z 10 oz. 49022822436 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens FRUIT MIX 1/10Z 10 oz. 49022822443 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walgreens WATERMELON CHUNK 1/18Z 18 oz. 49022923331 Delish 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart CANTALOUPE SPEAR 4/10Z 10 oz. 681131180146 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart CANTALOUPE SPEAR 4/16Z 16 oz. 681131180153 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart FRUIT TRAY 2/48Z 48 oz. 681131180207 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart FRUIT BOWL 2/40Z 40 oz. 681131180238 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart SEASONAL BLEND 4/10Z 10 oz. 681131180481 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart SEASONAL BLEND 4/16Z 16 oz. 681131180498 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart SEASONAL BLEND 2/32Z 32 oz. 681131180504 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart WATERMELON CHUNK 2/42Z 40 oz. 681131180658 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart WATERMELON SPEAR 4/16Z 16 oz. 681131180665 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart WATERMELON SPEAR 4/10Z 10 oz. 681131180672 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart WATERMELON SPEAR 2/32Z 32 oz. 681131180689 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart SEASONAL TRIO 2/32Z 32 oz. 681131180696 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart WATERMELON QUARTERS 4/44Z 47 oz. 681131221719 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart MELON BERRY MIX 4/10Z 13 oz. 826766254248 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Walmart SALAD SEASONAL FRUIT 4/10Z 13 oz. 826766254262 Freshness Guaranteed 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Whole Foods/Amazon MELON COMBO 20 oz. 82676681120 Whole Foods Market Label 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Whole Foods/Amazon FRUIT TRAY SMALL 36 oz. 826766811274 Whole Foods Market Label 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Whole Foods/Amazon FRUIT SALAD SEASONAL 20 oz. 826766810987 Whole Foods Market Label 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Whole Foods/Amazon CANTALOUPE CHUNKS 10 oz. 826766811199 Whole Foods Market Label 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Whole Foods/Amazon WATERMELON CHUNKS 9.5 oz. 826766810956 Whole Foods Market Label 4/27/18 – 06/16/18
Whole Foods/Amazon Watermelon Spears, 16 oz. 826766810970 Whole Foods Market Label 4/27/18 – 06/16/18

Car Crashes Into Local Five Guys

Charlotte Stories
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Car Crashes Into Local Five Guys

Last night emergency crews responded to one an extremely bizarre car crash in Concord.

At about 11:45pm, a tan Mercury drove directly into the front of a Five Guys Burger restaurant off Gateway Lane NW just off I-85;

The restaurant was closed at the time of the crash, and no one has yet been reported injured.

The windows were boarded up and the car was towed from the scene early this morning.

Concor police are now investigating the cause of the crash.

New Poll Reveals NC Voters Support Teacher Pay Increase And President Trump

Charlotte Stories
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New Poll Reveals NC Voters Support Teacher Pay Increase And President Trump

Trafalgar Group conducted a statewide poll of 1,217 likely North Carolina voters on May 16-17, 2018, measuring support for the public school teacher pay increase, President Trump and the Convention of States. Republicans, Democrats and Independents were part of this survey.

Constitutional Amendments to Limit Federal Power:  Almost two-thirds of North Carolina voters—64%–favor the state calling for an Article V convention to propose constitutional amendments that limit federal spending, limit federal power, and establish term limits for Congress and/or federal judges.

Commenting on the survey, Citizens for Self-Governance President Mark Meckler said, “North Carolina voters see that Washington, D.C. will never control itself. So they support a state-led initiative to put permanent limits on the federal government, even as the majority continue to support President Trump. North Carolina voters apparently recognize that the final check and balance against federal power is the people, working through their state legislatures.”

2018 NC Increase in Public School Teacher Pay: Almost 44% of voters support the proposed 5% increase in public school teach pay, but one-third (31%) believe the increase is NOT enough. Just 14% say it is too much, while 12% say teachers are overpaid.

Trump Approval:  Trump’s job performance receives approval from a majority of North Carolina voters – 54% approve, 41% disapprove and just 5% have no opinion. Disapproval is much more intense, with 32% “strongly” disapproving and just 25% “strongly” approving.

Methodology:  A total of 1,254 online interviews were conducted May 16-17, 2018 and selected at random from a list of registered voters based on specific election participation in North Carolina.  The potential sampling error is plus or minus 2.77, with a response rate of 3.10% and a 95% confidence level. 

North Carolina Introduces Voter ID Amendment To State Constitution

Steve
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North Carolina Introduces Voter ID Amendment To State Constitution

Several North Carolina House Republicans have just introduced a new constitutional amendment that would essentially require all voters to show specific forms of ID when voting in the State of North Carolina.

House Bill 1092 states that the following language would be added to Section 2 of Article VI of the state constitution if approved:

“Photo identification for voting in person. Every person offering to vote in person shall present photo identification before voting in the manner prescribed by law.”

According to WRAL, “Voters wouldn’t necessarily see more details, including what sorts of ID would qualify, before voting to approve HB 1092. That would be laid out later by the General Assembly in a separate bill. Moore, R-Cleveland, said North Carolinians can look to other states with voter ID is already in place examples of what the legislature would approve.”

This could become problematic if North Carolina selects legislation similar to states with very few forms of acceptable ID, such as in Kentucky where the only valid forms are; a driver’s license, a social security card, or a credit card.

Back in 2013, the GOP-led General Assembly passed a photo ID law, but a federal appeals court found the new laws to be restricting with specific racial discriminatory intent and struck them down.

According to a 2016 ruling by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals;

“The district court found that not only did SL 2013-381 eliminate or restrict these voting mechanisms used disproportionately by African Americans, and require IDs that African Americans disproportionately lacked, but also that African Americans were more likely to “experience socioeconomic factors that may hinder their political participation.” This is so, the district court explained, because, in North Carolina, African Americans are “disproportionately likely to move, be poor, less educated, have less access to transportation, and experience poor health.”

In order for HB 1092 to make the ballot this November, it would have to be agreed to by both the NC Senate and House.

What do you think of the new bill? 

Save Your Ash Campaign Launches in Charlotte

Charlotte Stories
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Save Your Ash Campaign Launches in Charlotte

Over the next few weeks, you might see signs like this in various locations throughout Charlotte. They’re part of the “Save Your Ash” campaign, made possible through a grant from the North Carolina Forest Service.

The City is actively treating several ash trees to protect them from the emerald ash borer, a metallic green beetle that bores into ash trees and eats the tissues beneath the bark. While cankerworms weaken trees, making them vulnerable to other pests and disease, emerald ash borers kill ash trees. This non-native insect was first discovered in the United States in 2002 near Detroit, and it has spread to at least 30 states, including North Carolina. It was first found in Charlotte in May of 2017.

Here is a map of all of the ash trees in Charlotte (Zoom in to see ash tree locations and click on a tree to send a tree care service request, ask for more information or to report possible EAB detection);

The City of Charlotte just released this video explaining more about the invasive beetle and how to stop it;

If you have an ash tree on your property, the city recommends treating it with either Merit granules for soil injection around the tree, or Safari sprayable insecticide for periodic bark spray. 

Please report any possible sighting of EAB to 800-206-9333 or newpest@ncagr.gov

Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores in May

Steve
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Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores in May

Even though Charlotte’s restaurant selection continues to grow, so does our population, and some restaurants are taking advantage of this growing customer base by letting their health standards slide.

Some of the most common reasons for low scores were food handlers not washing their hands properly, contaminated food containers, and improper food temperatures (many restaurants are starting to use infrared thermometers to avoid this). You can see exactly what the inspectors look for on this blank copy of an inspection report.

These are the top 10 worst currently standing inspection scores in Mecklenburg County (some restaurants scored lower in May but were reinspected with higher scores before June 8th):

#10 Red Sea Ethiopian Cuisine

4301 MONROE RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28205
Scored 91 (A) on 5/3/2018

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed scrub brush being stored in hand sink.
  • Observed raw beef being stored over cooked ready to eat foods (chicken and lamb).
  • Observed raw lamb being thawed above stove while cooked ready to eat foods were being held (uncovered).
  • Observed beets hot holding on stove below 135 degrees.
  • Observed raw beef being held at room temperature above 45 degrees.
  • Observed bottle of sanitizer not labeled.

#9 Dim Sum

2920 CENTRAL AVE, CHARLOTTE NC 28205
Scored 90.5 (A) on 5/29/2018

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed employee contact ready to eat crepe noodles with bare hands and begin to served.
  • Observed raw beef and eggs over lo mein in prep unit.
  • Observed raw chicken stored above raw shrimp and beef.
  • Observed knives and cleaver stored between prep unit and prep table with visible food debris and cleaver stored as clean on magnetic strip with visible food debris.
  • Observed lo mein cooling covered in prep unit at insufficient rate to meet cooling parameters.

#8 Diamond Restaurant

1901 COMMONWEALTH AVE, CHARLOTTE NC 28205
Scored 90 (A) on 5/25/2018

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed salmon served undercooked on menu and no parasite destruction letter available.
  • Observed slicer in need of cleaning.
  • Observed feta cheese, milk and greens with no date labels in walk in cooler.
  • Observed salmon for add in at salad portion of menu and eggs on side section of late night menu in need of asterisk linking to consumer advisory.

#7 Fortune Cookie II

8943 S TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28273
Scored 88.5 (B) on 5/16/2018

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observe employee handle raw chicken and fail to wash hands after.
  • Observed improper handwashing from multiple employees including not using soap, not washing for 15 seconds.
  • Multiple containers of food such as brocc., mushrooms not covered/protected from physical contaminants.
  • Many food items recorded above 45F (see chart).
  • Multiple containers of cooked shrimp/lo mein/cabbage not dated.

#6 Rock Bottom Brewery

401 N TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28202
Scored 86.5 (B) on 5/3/2018

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed hand sink near 3 compartment sink with food debris on bottom of basin.
  • Observed a whisk stored in the handsink near the drink station in the back area.
  • Observed ice in the bottom of the handsink in the front area drink station.
  • Observed handsink in the bar area without paper towels.
  • Observed cut melon stored under unwashed mushrooms and peppers in the walk in.
  • Observed cooling cut lettuce that was uncovered under unwashed mushrooms and peppers in walk in.
  • Observed sanitizer in 3 compartment sink at 50 ppm quat in basin set up for sanitizing.
  • Observed containers, tongs, and scoops stored as clean with debris on the items.
  • Observed ice machine with black build up inside near the chute.
  • Observed ice box in back drink station area with black build up.
  • Observed mash potatoes in steam well at less than 135F.
  • Observed items in 3 flip top/prep coolers in the grill line area holding items at less than 45F.
  • Observed honey mustard sauces dated 4/25.
  • Observed blue cheese dressing dated 4/29 holding at 44F.

#5 Zaxby’s #70

7508 S TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28273
Scored 85.5 (B) on 5/9/2018

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed food employee not washing hands after handling personal phone and touching face. Food employee handled ready to eat bread using with same gloves.
  • Observed hand washing sink obstructed. Many dirty dishes and trash were left on the floor around hand sink.
  • Observed paper towel dispenser jammed, not dispensing paper towels.
  • Observed sanitizer concentration at sani buckets below 50ppm quat.
  • Observed lids stored as clean, with heavy debris.
  • Observed mixed salad above 56F at 6:10 pm. Food employees stated salad was prepared at 1:40 pm. Salad was in large covered containers and in a barrel.

#4 DoubleTree Restaurant

2600 YORKMONT RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28208
Scored 83.5 (B) on 5/8/2018

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed food employee putting gloves on without washing hands after returning into the kitchen.
  • Observed food employee re-contaminate hands by closing faucet with bare hands, not using barrier.
  • Observed no paper towels provided at one of the two sinks (hand sink near grills).
  • Observed unwashed produce stored above cut, ready to eat fruit.
  • Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef.
  • Observed sanitizer concentration at sani bucket below 50ppm quat.
  • Observed potatoes hot holding below 135F.
  • Observed several foods at flip top and at customer self service line holding temperature above 45F.
  • Observed several items in walk in cooler without date mark. Items were prepared more than 24 hours prior to inspection.
  • Observed absence of consumer advisory for lox.
  • Observed bottle with clear liquid without label.

#3 Madras Cafe

3130 DRIWOOD COURT, CHARLOTTE NC 28208
Scored 82.5 (B) on 5/31/2018

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed employee cooking Naan bread on flat grill, remove and handle cooked bread with bare hands.
  • Observed some black build up in ice machine.
  • Observed three 5 gallon buckets of Sambar (cooked vegetables stew) cooling approx. 3 hrs in walk in cooler at 74-76 degrees.
  • Observed fried cabbage dish on buffet at 119 degrees.
  • Observed spinach and cut tomatoes on buffet line at 66 degrees.
  • Observed a number of date mark required foods said to have been cooked 5 days ago and several foods cooked yesterday that were not date marked including but not limited to: tofu, spinach chutney, stewed vegetables, cooked potato dishes.

#2 Los Reyes Supermarket

4416 CENTRAL AVENUE, CHARLOTTE NC 28205
Scored 79.5 (C) on 5/18/2018

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed PIC failing to met provision of code related to temperatures, date marking etc.
  • Observed raw ribs and pork over ready to eat food in walk in cooler and raw chicken stored over pork in walk in.
  • Ice machine in need of cleaning.
  • Observed rice reheated for hot holding at less than 135 degrees in steam table.
  • Observed rice in lower prep unit two , yellow rice and chicken pieces in walk in cooled from last night and over 45 degrees see temperature chart above.
  • Observed carnitas in meat area hot holding at 110 degrees.
  • Observed salsa roja and salsa verde in front prep unit greater than 45 degree.
  • Observed requeson cheese in meat case , ham, head cheese, queso fresco with no date labels.
  • Observed no date on requeson cheese and date packaged could not be determined and one chub of ham dated 05-07-18 still in use in meat case.

#1 La Romero Taqueria and Juice Bar

6301 SOUTH BLVD, CHARLOTTE NC 28217
Scored 76.5 (C) on 5/24/2018

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed no control over handwashing, storage, cooling methods, temperatures, and allow worker from next door come in kitchen to make personal drink.
  • Observed employee with expired servsafe certificate.
  • Observed employees with little to no knowledge of the major illnesses and symptoms.
  • Observed employee wash hands in 3 comp sink.
  • Observed employee rinse hands in handsink and return to food prep.
  • Observed employee clean countertops and continue put on gloves to prepare food.
  • Observed employee handle cabbage with bare hands.
  • Observed employee rinse plastic container and aloe plant stored in handsink.
  • Observed no handwash signs at handsinks.
  • Observed raw hamburger stored above raw steak.
  • Observed crab legs, lengua, hot dogs, and other food items uncovered in facility.
  • Observed employees using gloves for more than one task.
  • Observed facility reheat rice in rice cooker and temperature only increased 30F after 1 hour.
  • Observed cabbage at 50F from the night before.
  • Observed prep top holding TCS items above 45F.
  • Observed hotdogs, cut cantelope, diced watermelon, cabbage, spinach, corn, milk, ham, shrimp, and yuca not dated.
  • Observed raw eggs that were undercooked on the menu and not asterisk. Also facility missing disclaimer (These items are raw or undercooked)
  • Observed soapy water, sanitizer, degreaser, window cleaner and other chemicals not labeled.
  • Observed corn in rice cooker that was stored on the floor.

As of June 8th, the above scores have not changed, but they can be increased (or decreased) at any time, as soon as they have a re-inspection.

If you’d like to monitor health scores, or do a quick search for a restaurant you’re about to eat at, check out North Carolina’s health inspection database here.

Finalists For 2020 Republican National Convention Down To Charlotte and Vegas

Charlotte Stories
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Finalists For 2020 Republican National Convention Down To Charlotte and Vegas

Charlotte now has an even stronger chance of hosting the 2020 Republican National Convention after a Texas city was removed from the running.

Sources told WBTV this past Tuesday evening that members of the 2020 RNC site selection committee had whittled their decision down to just two potential host cities – Charlotte and Las Vegas.

The decision came just 2 weeks after the committee visited many of Charlotte’s top attractions and met with city leaders to discuss why Charlotte would be the best fit.

The City of Charlotte officially submitted their bid to host the 2020 Republican National Convention 2 months ago.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support and assistance of our many City of Charlotte partners, hotels, venues and others who helped to craft this thorough response on behalf of our region,” commented CRVA CEO Tom Murray.

The convention would be a huge economic boost for our city, considering that the Democratic National Convention that we hosted in 2012 had an estimated economic impact of over $163 million.

What are your thoughts on Charlotte hosting the RNC?

YouTube Star Jake Paul Reportedly Kicked Out Of Carowinds For Motorized Scooter Incident

Charlotte Stories
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YouTube Star Jake Paul Reportedly Kicked Out Of Carowinds For Motorized Scooter Incident

Famous YouTuber Jake Paul abruptly left Carowinds this past Monday after getting reprimanded by security for causing chaos in the park and possible damage to a senior citizen motorized scooter.

Moments after chaos ensued, videos of Paul and his “Team 10 Crew” began surfacing on social media, showing him taking hard turns, racing, and attempting flips on the rented scooter. Paul and his crew also seemingly encouraged kids to chase the scooter and “punch” the rider “in the head.”

Here was the view from one of Jake’s fans;

The incident quickly spread around the internet, especially by Jake’s 15 million+ YouTube subscribers, and it was soon being reported on by Fox News, Newsweek, and dozens of other national and local news agencies.

Jake’s VLog for his Charlotte trip has already received over 1.5 million views (he doesn’t include footage of abruptly leaving Carowinds);

Carowinds officials told The Blast that they “do not condone” the behavior of Jake Paul, who they say left the property after park security “insisted” that he follow the clearly posted safety rules.

A representative for Paul, however, argued that the Vlogger and team decided to leave due to the overwhelming number of fans, adding that the park gave him the scooter to begin with.

U.S. Department of Education Approves North Carolina’s ESSA School Plan

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U.S. Department of Education Approves North Carolina’s ESSA School Plan

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction announced that the U.S. Department of Education has approved the state’s plan to implement the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). In development for more than a year, the plan is intended to guide the state’s continuing efforts to improve the quality of all schools and the educational outcomes of all students while closing gaps in achievement among them.

ESSA became law in December 2015, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. ESSA requires federal review and approval of each state’s consolidated plan, which details how states will use federal funds to advance their goals for students and schools.

Underpinning North Carolina’s plan is its “theory of action,” which aims to promote new strategies that translate into emerging initiatives. Once shown to improve outcomes for students, such promising practices will be scaled and replicated into proven programs across the state. By continuously innovating and improving at each step, North Carolina will create adaptive environments for personalized, digital-age learning.

“Our ESSA plan is consistent with our efforts to transform our education system to allow every student to follow the path to success that they decide best fits them,” said North Carolina State Superintendent Mark Johnson. “We are changing our industrial-age practices of providing the same inputs and opportunities to all and moving to digital-age practices in which all students and educators have access to individualized learning experiences.”

Since the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), N.C. Department of Public Instruction has engaged numerous stakeholders in the development of its plan to implement the requirements of the law beginning in the 2017-18 school year.

The plan calls for the state to support individualized instruction and learning for both students and educators and continues to explore and promote emerging initiatives for personalized learning. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides the state with this opportunity via the commitment in the plan to continuous innovation for students and educators.

“Through the implementation of its ‘theory of action,’ ” the state’s ESSA plan explains, “North Carolina will prepare every student ready to follow their own path to success. North Carolina’s plan, along with its accountability model in response to the Every Student Succeeds Act, describes the long-term goals and interim progress measures that will be used to monitor how successful the state is in accomplishing its goals. The emerging initiatives, promising practices, and proven programs within the ESSA plan will continue to provide North Carolina students with adaptive environments for personalized learning.”

The state’s plan includes these key elements:
• Provides a concise statement of the innovation the state expects for students, including using adaptive environments, personalized learning, and empowered educators.
• Establishes 10-year goals for student performance using end-of-grade and end-of-course exams and goals for closing achievement gaps
• Continues the School Performance Grades model, in which schools earn a A-F grades based on proficiency measures and student-growth targets.

See the state’s complete ESSA plan here.

Code Orange Alert Issued For The Charlotte Region Today

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Code Orange Alert Issued For The Charlotte Region Today

A Code Orange Alert has just been issued today for the Charlotte region, with an Air Quality Index expected to exceed 105 today, according to the EPA.

The alert notes that “Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.”

Today’s high temperatures, along with the low air quality increases everyone’s chance of heat exhaustion and heat stroke – make sure to stay hydrated at all times;

If you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time outside today, make sure you wear breathable clothes and consider getting a small fan, personal air conditioner, or evaporative cooling towel.

Stay safe out there!

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