Officials of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department carried out their routine health inspection in several Charleston eateries on April 21. Out of these, Las Trancas could not demonstrate satisfactory results due to multiple violations, including dirty food contact surfaces and the staff working without food handler cards.
Based on the nature of violations at the Mexican eatery, food inspectors have scheduled a follow-up inspection in May.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from a particular inspection conducted on April 21 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.
Highlights
- Las Trancas could not pass a health inspection by the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department.
- The routine inspection was performed on April 21 at the Mexican restaurant.
- Food inspectors will be back with a follow-up inspection on May 5.
Las Trancas Failed Health Inspection
Inside view and food items at the Mexican restaurant (Source: Google Reviews)
- Where: 121 Cross Terrace Blvd #9461, Charleston, WV 25309
- When: April 21, 2025
Las Trancas is a Mexican restaurant located in Charleston, known for its variety of dishes. The crowd relishes the mouthwatering delicacies and beverages at Las Trancas.
However, the restaurant did not meet the requirements of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department’s routine inspection on April 21. Food inspectors highlighted multiple health violations in their inspection report.
Inspectors stated that the Person in Charge did not ensure that the staff held a food handler’s card. So, they instructed the PIC to train the staff to get their valid cards. Additionally, the inspectors asked Las Trancas’ PIC to train them regarding the proper use of handwashing sinks. This is because they were using it to hold equipment.
The inspection report noted that the prep cooler holding temperature was above 41°F at the Mexican food facility. Other than this, several food items were cold-held at 55°F, which was higher than the set temperature of 41°F or below.
The food inspectors of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department reported several cleanliness issues at Las Trancas. The food contact surfaces of the ice machines were dirty. Chlorine test kits were missing at the handwash sink of the Mexican food facility. Inspectors also observed soil residue on the shelves.
The report then shed light on how raw meat was stored above the ready-to-eat food at Las Trancas. Other than this, the issue of unlabeled chemical bottles and containers of rice & beans was emphasized in the inspection report.
Food inspectors noted that there was a large gap in the rear door at Las Trancas, which could let in rodents and insects. The report also stated that food boxes were not stored six inches above the floor at the Mexican food facility.
Follow-Up Inspection Scheduled
As the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department observed a variety of food safety violations at Las Trancas, it will return with a reinspection. The follow-up inspection will be performed on May 5. Until then, Las Trancas will have to take corrective action for the noted violations in the department’s inspection report.
