Hailey
Health Code Issues: In the city of Emporia, the health and safety of food places matter a lot. Recently, three local businesses—a grocery store and two restaurants—were found to have several health code violations by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
In this article, we’ll explain what went wrong, why it matters, and what that means for you as a customer.
What Happened at Each Place
Bruffs Sports Bar and Grill
This bar and grill at 2640 West 18th had 10 health violations. Some of the issues included:
- Food that was outdated (past its safe date).
- Sliced fruits stored in wrong places.
- A broken unit on the dishwasher dispenser.
- The hand-washing sink at the bar had no cold water.
- The food preparation hand-washing sink had no soap.
These problems can lead to unsafe food and poor hygiene, putting customers at risk.
Palermo’s Italian Restaurant
4.4•Italian restaurant•Closed
At Palermo’s, located at 2002 West Sixth, inspectors found a dozen violations. Highlights include:
- Incorrect food storage temperatures—some food was not kept cold or hot enough.
- Food buildup on the can opener (not cleaned properly).
- Opened foods not dated—so staff couldn’t tell how old they were.
- No written clean-up plan for incidents of vomiting or diarrhoea.
These are serious issues that can lead to food spoilage and spread of illness.
Mi Super Mercado
At Mi Super Mercado (1324 Industrial), inspectors recorded eight violations. The key problems:
- Wrong use of gloves while cleaning (contamination risk).
- Weak or missing procedures for dish-washing.
- No hot water in the meat-department sink and meat-cutting room’s hand-washing sink.
- A leaky drain line.
- A hand-washing sink being used for a wiping bucket (not intended for that).
In a store selling meat and food products, these issues raise big concerns about hygiene.
Why These Violations Matter
Let’s break down why each kind of issue is important:
| Type of Violation | Why It’s A Problem |
|---|---|
| Outdated food / improper storage | Food can get spoiled or grow harmful bacteria. |
| Wrong hand-washing setup (no soap or cold water) | Staff can’t clean their hands properly, spreading germs. |
| Improper cleaning equipment / leaky drains | Dirt and moisture attract pests and bacteria. |
| No plan for vomiting/diarrhoea cleanup | Bio-hazards left unmanaged can cause illness. |
| Improper glove use / dish-washing issues | Cross-contamination risk between raw and ready-to-eat food. |
When food businesses don’t follow hygiene rules, it becomes easier for food-borne illnesses to spread. As a customer, you depend on those places doing the right thing.
What You Can Do as a Customer
Here are some handy tips:
- Always check how clean the place looks (floors, sinks, equipment).
- Look for inspection results—many food-safety departments post them online.
- Ask staff if you notice a problem (e.g., no soap at the hand sink).
- Choose businesses that are known for cleanliness and good reviews.
- Report serious concerns to your local health department.
In Emporia, two restaurants and a grocery store have been cited for multiple health code problems by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
These issues are meaningful because they affect your safety, the quality of the food, and the cleanliness of the place you’re trusting with your meal or groceries.
Being aware of these reports helps you make better choices when eating out or shopping for food. Stay alert, ask questions, and pick places that take hygiene seriously.