Smoothie shop passes inspection despite insect problem

A Cy-Fair restaurant recently passed its Harris County restaurant inspection, but a few problems were found.

529 Smoothies and Sandwiches, located at 13180 FM 529, Suite F, was inspected Feb. 22. Inspectors gave the restaurant a score of six demerits out of a possible 100. An establishment must receive 20 demerits to automatically generate a follow-up visit, but inspectors can also request one at their discretion.

529 Smoothies and Sandwiches received its demerits for a "no evidence of insect contamination" requirement violation, which could mean live insects in food or insects inside or outside the establishment, such as weevils, ants, roaches, flies, maggots, gnats or houseflies. These violations are not among the types most commonly associated with the spread of food-borne illness by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A problems with the requirement violation "toxic items properly labeled/stored/used" was also corrected on site.

The score of six demerits is relatively worse for 529 Smoothies and Sandwiches, which received a perfect score of zero demerits on a Sep. 23 inspection. But, that inspection was received in a follow-up visit after inspectors gave the restaurant seven demerits earlier in the same month.

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