State food safety and lodging inspections in the Wichita area turned up a range of hazards last week that could affect customers and travelers, including cockroaches, mouse droppings, black mold and food kept at unsafe temperatures.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture inspection records compiled for Sedgwick County show that from June 28 to July 4 inspectors recorded 13 locations as out of compliance with state rules. The weekly roundup, compiled July 9, also noted more than 30 other locations that had few or no violations and were deemed compliant.
What residents should know
Inspections are designed to protect the public from foodborne illnesses and other health risks. Some violations can be corrected immediately while the inspector is on site; others require more time or a follow-up visit.
- Violations that can often be fixed on the spot include serving food that’s past recommended dates, improper employee hygiene and visibly dirty work areas.
- Problems that usually need additional time or resources to resolve include pest infestations, plumbing or power failures and mold.
- Businesses that fail may be reinspected, usually within 10 days, and in rare cases a location can be temporarily closed until hazards are corrected.
Examples documented in the inspection reports
State inspectors reported a variety of specific hazards across multiple facilities, including:
- Cockroaches seen crawling from a paper-towel dispenser and in food-preparation areas.
- An employee observed not washing hands after using the bathroom.
- Old hot dogs and brats present in a facility.
- Missing plans and mouse droppings found on the premises.
- Food not kept at safe temperatures and evidence of black mold.
- A sink discharging water onto a floor and other plumbing concerns.
The inspection list covers businesses across Sedgwick County and is searchable through the Kansas Department of Agriculture's public inspection database.
Noted failed inspections
One example from the reports: Antojilokos LLC, a mobile vendor at 2103 N. Broadway in Wichita, received two violations on June 30 during a licensing/operational inspection. Inspectors documented no soap at a hand-washing sink and that milk and whipped cream were not labeled with the date their packages were opened. That location's next inspection was scheduled for July 10.
The record also shows other chain and independent businesses had violations. For example, an Arby’s at 1147 S. Rock Road had two violations recorded June 29 during a routine inspection. The statewide database provides itemized findings for each inspection.
| Metric | Count |
|---|---|
| Locations out of compliance (June 28–July 4) | 13 |
| Locations deemed compliant that week | More than 30 |
Inspectors typically note whether violations were corrected during the visit. Many infractions are fixed immediately; others prompt reinspections. Residents who want details about a specific business can search the public inspection portal at the Kansas Department of Agriculture: foodsafety.kda.ks.gov.
Local consumers and travelers should pay attention to posted inspection reports and watch for visible signs of poor sanitation when choosing where to eat or stay, then report suspected hazards to state inspectors or local health authorities.
