Bowling alley food facilities pass Harris County test, though some problems noted

A restaurant in a local bowling alley passed its January inspection by Harris County, though some problems were noted.

The inspection of AMF Willow Lanes at 19102 SH 249 occurred on Jan. 4. Health officials gave the restaurant six demerits out of a possible 100. An establishment must earn 20 demerits to be considered "of concern" and in need of a follow-up visit.

According to their report, the inspectors awarded the demerits because of problems with hand-washing facilities and food contact surfaces (meaning there may have been chips and cracks in places that could come into contact with preparers' hands as well as food). The latter violation is among those commonly associated with the spread of food-borne illness by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The bowling alley did somewhat better than it did on its last inspection in September 2010, when it scored nine demerits. It also earned six demerits in April 2010.

For more information on how Harris County conducts health inspections, visit www.hcphes.org.