Aussie's Poke Pitstop in Berthoud Requires Re-Inspection Following Health Department Visit
Aussie's Poke Pitstop, a counter-service restaurant specializing in poke bowls and Australian meat pies, received a score of 72 points during a health inspection conducted on September 11, 2025, requiring a re-inspection under Larimer County's food safety standards.
The inspection at the Mountain Avenue establishment found several violations related to food safety protocols and facility management. Under Larimer County's scoring system, facilities receiving scores between 50-109 points fall into the "Re-Inspection Required" category, indicating that food safety violations were found that must be addressed.
Key violations identified during the inspection included temperature control issues with food items on the service line. White rice was measured at temperatures in the low 120s Fahrenheit, while beef and chicken in the steam table registered at 133 degrees Fahrenheit. County regulations require hot foods to be maintained above 135 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent microorganism growth. The white rice was replaced with a fresh batch measuring over 135 degrees, and the beef and chicken were reheated to over 165 degrees as requested by the inspector.
Cold storage violations were also noted, with edamame measuring 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the cold wells on the service line. Food safety standards require cold items to be held below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
The inspection found that no certified food protection manager was present on-site during the visit. County regulations require at least one employee with supervisory responsibility and authority over food preparation to be a certified food protection manager present during all hours of food preparation and service.
Facility modifications created additional compliance concerns. The restaurant had rearranged its layout approximately two weeks prior to the inspection to create a new beverage and hot holding area in the front portion of the store. However, this area lacked an easily accessible hand sink, which requires approval through the county's plan review process. The inspector noted that pies were observed in the new hot holding unit and directed the establishment to contact the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment to begin plan review procedures.
Food sourcing documentation issues were identified regarding products from an Aussie Poke location in California. The inspector was unable to verify that this facility is an approved food manufacturer, as regulations require food to be obtained from sources that comply with applicable laws. The health department indicated it would follow up with the owner to verify proper documentation.
Additional violations included incomplete labeling on dessert bars in the front display area and the absence of test strips for sanitizing solutions used in sanitizer buckets.
Located at 441 Mountain Ave in Berthoud, Aussie's Poke Pitstop offers a unique combination of fresh poke bowls and authentic Australian specialties including meat pies, sausage rolls, and desserts. The restaurant operates as a quick-service establishment with limited indoor seating and outdoor options, serving customers Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Health inspections are routine procedures conducted by the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment to ensure food service establishments maintain proper safety standards. Businesses receiving re-inspection requirements must address identified violations and demonstrate compliance before receiving approval to continue normal operations.
The establishment will need to schedule and pass a follow-up inspection to verify that all violations have been corrected and that proper food safety protocols are in place.