CHARLOTTE, N.C.– The Mecklenburg County Detention Center – Central Kitchen received a “B” grade during a recent food establishment inspection. It’s the first time in nearly a decade that the jail kitchen has gotten a low grade, according to a sheriff’s office spokesperson.
On April 18, 2021, eight critical violations were noted, including no active temperature control over products, improper date marking of food products, soapy water improperly stored and improper rehearing of food products.
“This is unacceptable and something I do not take lightly,” said Sheriff Garry McFadden. “Once we were notified of the grade I addressed it immediately with my staff as well as our partners at Aramark Correctional Services. I am pleased with the quick response but still disappointed and look forward to a re-inspection. MCSO takes pride in having received an “A” grade during our previous inspections and we will ensure this does not occur again. I have personally worked in the kitchen to gain an understanding of the process. Maintaining resident safety while in our care has always been and will continue to be a top priority for this agency.”
According to a news release sent by the sheriff’s office, Mecklenburg County Detention Center-Central staff and Aramark Correctional Services staff were informed of the violations and in the past 48 hours, the following actions were taken:
• Backflow prevention devices were installed • Smaller dish machine was repaired and meets all requirements
• Two fans in the dish machine area were thoroughly cleaned.
• All tray drying racks on-site were put into service. The current capacity will allow for (840) trays to air dry and we will cycle them, as necessary.
• Additional signage was provided for all red buckets (sanitizing solution) and green buckets (cleaning solution) to ensure compliance and accuracy in usage.
• All areas were reviewed to ensure accurate and consistent labeling/dating of food product.
• EcoLab Pest Control was contacted and on-site to spray and provide additional bait traps for pests. An enhanced program will be provided to include the treatment of all drains to bolster the efforts in addressing the current issue with fruit fly activity
• Utilized “Eco-San” (an approved chemical for on-site use) in all drains to assist in addressing the fruit fly activity and will continue to monitor.
• Several carts of excessive hotel pans, sheet pans, etc. were relocated to the Juvenile Detention Center for storage to assist in the overall organization of the kitchen.
• Began the process to address the issue of the “sticker debris” on the inmate trays, noted on the inspection. Reviewing alternate options to address the process long-term, as the current number of diet trays (400+) is a contributing factor to this issue.
• A revised documentation process was implemented to monitor the recording of delivery times/temperatures for product produced at the Juvenile Detention Facility.
The health inspector revisited MCDCC Friday morning for a spot check and was pleased with the corrections made to the kitchen facility. MCSO Facility Development has also set forth the following action plan:
• Conducting three inspections on a weekly basis with the revised inspection form at MCDCC and MCJDC. The inspection will be done at irregular times during the day.
• Ensure Aramark is maintaining and providing food service records according to the contract. Inspections will take place to will ensure Aramark has corrected all previous violations noted.
• If there are two or three repeated contract violations within a year, a warning or penalty letter will be sent.
• Debrief with Aramark following all inspections to discuss the findings.
• Once Health Inspection results are received, they will be forwarded to MCSO Chain of Command.
Aramark is expected to request a reinspection. Once the request is received a health inspector will return to the facility within 14 days. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office’s current agreement with Aramark Correctional Services, to provide food services for both detention centers, was effective July 1, 2017.
