“He left to run an errand.”
“I’ll handle it.” Carlita started walking toward the front.
The server stopped her. “It’s the health department. Something about a recent incident. They’re here for an inspection.”
Chapter 16
“The Health Department is here for a surprise inspection?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Carlita squared her shoulders. “Thank you for not letting me be blindsided.” Picking up the pace, she strode through the dining room to the lobby.
A woman holding a clipboard stood perusing the menu board listing the daily lunch specials.
“Hello.” She offered the woman a tight smile. “I’m the owner of this establishment.”
The woman held out her hand. “Angela Ernst from the Georgia Coastal Health District. We received a tip from a concerned citizen about a recent incident where multiple customers became ill.”
Carlita feigned ignorance. “When did this alleged incident occur?”
The woman consulted her clipboard. “During a private event.”
“You’re talking about a private party for a family friend. Those who attended were not paying customers, but guests.”
She arched her eyebrow, glaring down at Carlita. “Regardless, a complaint has been filed. The health department is required to investigate.”
“What would you like to know?”
“I’m here for an inspection.”
“I see. For the record, this claim hasn’t been proven.” Carlita led her through the dining room and into the kitchen. “The manwho became ill during the party was transported to the hospital where he was starting to recover from his symptoms.”
“But died a short time later.”
“Correct, although the cause of death hasn’t been determined.”
“An investigation into the matter has been opened.”
“I think…”
Ernst cut Carlita off. “I would like to start my inspection in the walk-in freezer.”
Biting back a snappy response, Carlita marched across the room, down the hall, and into the freezer. She stood off to the side, watching as the inspector slipped a pair of rubber gloves on. She slowly, methodically, and systematically searched every square inch of space.
Every so often she paused and jotted notes, clearing her throat multiple times with a sour frown on her face.
Finally, Carlita couldn’t stomach another “harrumph.” “My walk-in freezer, storage spaces, work areas and kitchen are inspected, checked and in compliance. In fact, I would be shocked if you found a single item to be cited.”
“It’s not bad.” The woman peered at her over the rim of her glasses. “I reviewed your previous inspection, specifically addressing food storage. The noted issues appear to have been rectified.”
“Of course.”
“There is, however, another concern.” The health department employee went into a long spiel about cross-contamination, lecturing Carlita about how the county viewed contamination issues as being a serious matter.
“I appreciate the lectu…err…letting me know what to keep an eye out for. Are there any other areas of the restaurant you would like to inspect?”
“Addressing the potential food poisoning, do you still have the food items?”
