Passing score for taqueria and convenience store despite two violations

A combination convenience store and Mexican restaurant in the Cy-Fair area recently passed a Harris County food safety test, though some problems were observed.

The M & F Food Mart/Taqueria, which can be found at 6930 Gessner Road, underwent a regular inspection on Jan. 14. County officials gave the location seven  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.

Inspectors identified two violations at the establishment. The first was a violation of "good hygienic practices" rules. 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 among the violations that the county website says are commonly associated with food-borne illness by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The second problem observed was an alleged issue with handwashing facilities.

The recent score is not so unusual for the convenience store, which earned eight demerits in November 2010, seven in September 2010, and eight in July 2010.

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