Mediterranean restaurant passes county inspection, though several violations reported

A Mediterranean restaurant in the Cy-Fair area recently passed an inspection by Harris County officials, though several violations were observed.

Inspectors paid a regular visit to the Aladin Buffet & Grill on Feb. 21. The officials 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.

According to the inspectors' report, five demerits were given for a "cold hold" violation, meaning that food that needed to stay cool was held over 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours. According to the Harris County website, this problem is among the kinds of violations most associated with food-borne illness by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other reported violations included a failure to post consumer advisories and issues with hand-washing facilities.

This is the worst score Aladin has received on an inspection in the past year. In October 2010 and May 2010, the restaurant was given seven demerits each. It earned four demerits in an April 2010 visit.

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