Hailey
Live Cockroach And Smelly Oysters: Eating out is something many families enjoy. Whether it is a quick meal at a gas station, a buffet dinner, or grocery store food, we trust restaurants to serve safe and clean food. That is why regular restaurant inspections are so important.
These inspections help protect customers from unsafe food, poor hygiene, and unhealthy kitchen practices.
In the latest Kansas City–area restaurant inspections, health officials found several serious problems.
These included live cockroaches, spoiled oysters, unsafe food temperatures, and unclean equipment. While many restaurants fix problems quickly, some inspections raised real concerns for customers.
Below is a clear and easy breakdown of what inspectors found, who is responsible for inspections, and which restaurants were affected.
Who Conducts Restaurant Inspections in the Kansas City Area?
Restaurant inspections are handled by different agencies depending on location.
Inspection Authorities
- Kansas City, Missouri: Inspections are handled by the city health department
- Kansas (Johnson & Wyandotte counties): Inspections are done by the Kansas Department of Agriculture
All inspection reports are public. This means customers can look up food safety records before choosing where to eat.
What Do Inspection Violations Mean?
During inspections, officials look for problems called priority and priority foundation violations.
- Fewer violations = better food safety
- More violations = higher health risk
Most restaurants correct issues on the spot or shortly after. Some, however, need follow-up inspections to confirm fixes.
Restaurants in Johnson County With Serious Violations
From December 14 to December 20, several Johnson County restaurants received seven or more serious violations. No restaurants in Kansas City, Independence, or Wyandotte County reached this level during this period.
Inspection Summary Table
| Restaurant Name | Location | Inspection Date | Major Issues Found | Follow-Up Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Principe (Don Chuy’s Fresh Mex & Cantina) | Overland Park | Dec 16 | Smelly oysters, old food, blocked sinks | Follow-up pending |
| Touch of Asia – Indian Cuisine | Overland Park | Dec 17 | Live cockroaches, dirty paneer, warm freezer | Follow-up pending |
| Hen House (College Blvd.) | Overland Park | Dec 16 | Black growth on bread, unsafe salad bar temps | Follow-up pending |
| Joy Wok | Overland Park | Dec 16–17 | Chipped paint, food timing issues | All issues corrected |
Details From Each Restaurant Inspection
El Principe (Don Chuy’s Fresh Mex & Cantina)
This Mexican restaurant received 13 serious violations during its first inspection after licensing.
Key problems found:
- Two buckets of raw oysters were shriveled, cloudy, and smelled bad
- Beans and salsa were stored for over a week
- Handwashing sinks were blocked with items
A follow-up inspection has not yet taken place.
Touch of Asia – Indian Cuisine
This restaurant received 7 serious violations, including one of the most alarming discoveries.
Key problems found:
- More than 10 cockroaches, including a live one in a food prep sink
- Unwrapped paneer with visible dirt
- Walk-in freezer was not cold enough, forcing staff to throw away food
A follow-up inspection is still pending.
Hen House (College Boulevard)
This grocery store received 7 serious violations during a routine inspection.
Key problems found:
- Black growth on a bag of sandwich rolls in the deli
- Salad bar food was not kept cold enough
Health officials have not yet completed a follow-up inspection.
Joy Wok
Joy Wok also received 7 violations, but handled the situation better than others.
Key problems found:
- Chipped paint inside a cement mixer used for raw chicken
- Staff did not record exact food placement times on the buffet
Good news:
All issues were fully corrected by the follow-up inspection on December 17.
Why These Inspections Matter to Customers
Food inspection reports help people:
- Avoid food poisoning
- Choose clean and safe restaurants
- Understand how seriously restaurants take hygiene
Seeing problems like live cockroaches or spoiled seafood can be shocking, but inspections exist to catch these issues before customers get sick.
What Customers Should Know Going Forward
Restaurant inspections are not meant to scare people but to protect public health. The recent Kansas City–area reports show why inspections matter so much. While some restaurants had serious food safety problems, others fixed issues quickly and responsibly.
As a customer, checking inspection reports can help you make smarter dining choices. Clean kitchens, safe food temperatures, and good hygiene are not optional—they are essential. Staying informed helps keep you and your family safe every time you eat out.