The West Virginia Department of Health’s Kanawha-Charleston Health Department conducted inspections on two local eateries on May 29, 2025. Both restaurants must correct violations and complete follow-up inspections to remain in compliance with health regulations.
Highlights
- Both restaurants lacked employee food handler certification.
- Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine had equipment temperature control issues with food stored at unsafe temperatures.
- Follow-up inspections are scheduled within two weeks for both facilities.
Cozumel Mexican Grill
- Where: 49 Olde Main Plaza, Saint Albans, WV 25177
- When: May 29, 2025
Fewer violations were noted during a 45-minute inspection at Cozumel Mexican Grill. The restaurant received one priority foundation violation but none of the core violations.
The single violation included the lack of food handler certifications. Inspector Laura Wyatt mentioned in the report that none of the four employees at the restaurant had food handler cards. The Person in Charge was cited for failing to ensure proper food safety training for the employees.
However, temperature readings at Cozumel showed compliance. All refrigeration equipment was within appropriate temperatures, with coolers operating between 36°F to 42°F. Hot food temperatures were also appropriate, with beef at 153°F, beans at 136°F, and rice at 150°F.
Sanitizing systems were working correctly, including both mechanical and manual stations.
Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine
- Where: 200 35th Street SE, Charleston, WV 25304
- When: May 29, 2025
Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine was cited for a total of seven violations during an 85-minute inspection. The restaurant accumulated one Priority Foundation violation and six Core violations.
The report mentioned that a key violation involved the absence of food handler certification among employees. Inspector Matthew Smoot identified that the Person In Charge failed to ensure that all employees had valid food handler cards.
Furthermore, equipment issues were present within the facility. A reach-in prep cooler did not maintain a temperature of 41°F or below but instead operated at 51°F. Food in this cooler was stored at unsafe temperatures.
Other violations included the presence of pests in the kitchen and dry stock area. Sanitation issues were observed in multiple areas by the inspector, who advised proper pest control measures.
Sanitation issues were noted in several areas of the facility. Shelving in the majority of areas was not cleaned regularly, and floors throughout the restaurant required general cleaning. The inspection report cited areas of the walls and floors in need of repair.
Other observations included employees storing personal cell phones in the kitchen and mops stored in the mop sink rather than having them air dry properly. The back door was also propped open, which may allow pest entry into the facility.
Follow-Up Scheduled
Both establishments must undergo follow-up inspections. Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine is set for reinspection on June 12, while Cozumel Mexican Grill is scheduled for June 13.
The health department inspections revealed violations primarily related to employee certification and equipment maintenance. Both establishments should correct the issues before their follow-up inspection to meet food safety standards.
