The GNR County Health Departments inspected restaurants on February 6 and bashed one restaurant with the “U” Grade. The restaurant located in Duluth failed the inspection as it could only score 61 points, 9 points less than 70, which is the required mark to pass the inspection. Inspectors observed a case of 3rd consecutive violation, following which the permit was temporarily suspended.
Highlights
- GNR Health Department suspended a restaurant’s permit in Duluth city after three consecutive violations of the same food code were observed.
- The permit was reinstated to the restaurant after on-site training was given to all concerned.
- The restaurant will face another inspection in 10 and permit suspension again if it does not resolve all the violations.
Fumi Hibachi and Sushi Bar Faces Temporary Suspension of Permit
Inspectors evaluated the Fumi Hibachi and Sushi Bar at 3550 Mall Blvd NW in the afternoon of February 6. They found issues with food storage, hygiene, and others, including repeat violations. The restaurant had an inspection as recently as December 2, 2024, during which it scored 88 points and a “B” grade.
The report noted that three hand sinks were missing soap in the case of a third consecutive violation. As a result of this repeat violation, the restaurant’s permit was suspended and restored after on-site training was completed.
The first observation made in the official report is that several risk factor violations observed during the inspection resulted from an overall lack of active managerial control. As the person in charge is responsible for ensuring compliance with the food code, they have failed at it, leading to the unsatisfactory score.
In a second consecutive violation, seaweed salad was seen thawing on the prep counter, violating the proper ways to thaw. Yet another 2nd repeat violation was that cardboard was used as mats in the walk-in freezer and on shelving. Again a repeat violation was noted, as the build-up of the outside of food containers in the walk-in cooler. If any of these food codes are violated again, the restaurant may face the suspension of its permit.
Blocked hand sinks and sinks without paper towels were also observed. The report also noted a build-up of debris in the soda nozzle in the bar area. There were also clean dishes stacked wet and ready-to-use plates placed face up on the hibachi tables.
Inspectors also observed sanitizer buckets with no observable amount of chlorine and had the PIC remake sanitizer with the correct concentration. They also saw two containers of degreaser and a bottle of bleach that was not appropriately labeled after being removed from the bulk containers.
Food items were seen to be stored above 41F when they were stored below the temperature.
Inspectors also saw scoops without handles stored in the sauce.
Corrections of the issues were done on-site, under the instruction of the inspectors, in most of the cases. In other cases where the corrections were not made, the deadline will be February 14.
The report also stated that three or more consecutive violations of the same food code may result in permit suspension. Two or more unsatisfactory scores may also result in a permit suspension.
The restaurant’s follow-up inspection will happen on February 14. If the restaurant has not solved the issues, its permit may be suspended. Further, a required additional inspection will occur on or before February 6, 2026. The full report for the Fumi Hibachi and Sushi Bar inspection on February 6, 2025, is available.
The health department inspected 40 establishments under the “Food 2023” code on Thursday, February 6. In addition to the restaurant mentioned above, Merryvale Assisted Living, a senior living facility, also failed the inspection. 13 restaurants scored a perfect 100, and 16 scored more than 90 points, securing the A grade. Six restaurants scored above 80, securing a B grade, and 3 got a C grade after scoring in the 70s.
