Chinese buffet passes health inspection despite a few demerits

A Cy-Fair Chinese buffet recently passed its Harris County food safety inspection, though several problems were observed.

On Jan. 18 inspectors paid their regular visit to E. Star Chinese Buffet and Sushi Bar at 17440 Northwest Freeway. They gave the establishment 11 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.

Four of the demerits were given in response to a "good hygienic practices" violation. This can refer to a variety of problems, including open beverage containers in the kitchen, unsafe hand-washing practices, and eating, drinking, or smoking in unapproved areas. It is one of the violations that the county website says are commonly associated with food-borne illness by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The restaurant also received demerits for issues with handwashing facilities and other problems.

The number of demerits is not so unusual for the buffet, which earned seven demerits in October 2010 and ten in July 2010, though it had a perfect score in April 2010.

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