Fort Collins Restaurant Faces Re-Inspection After Multiple Food Safety Violations
Chulo Cuisine of Nepal & India was cited for numerous food safety violations during an October 29 health inspection, resulting in a risk score of 107 points and requiring mandatory re-inspection before continuing normal operations.
The restaurant at 1122 W Elizabeth St received citations for critical violations including improper food handling, inadequate temperature control, and sanitation deficiencies, according to the Larimer County health inspection report.
Health inspectors observed employees failing to wash hands properly before food preparation, with one worker entering the kitchen and donning gloves without handwashing, while another employee washed hands in a food preparation sink without soap. The handwashing sink near the dishwashing area lacked soap at the time of inspection.
Temperature control violations posed significant food safety risks. Inspectors found a large quantity of raw chicken at the food preparation sink measuring 56-60 degrees Fahrenheit after sitting at room temperature for one hour. Additionally, cooked lentils were cooling at 133 degrees after two hours at room temperature. Both situations created conditions conducive to bacterial growth.
Cross-contamination hazards were identified when raw chicken and beef were stored above ready-to-eat foods in the walk-in cooler. Inspectors also observed staff rinsing raw chicken-covered cutting boards and knives in the food preparation sink without properly washing, rinsing, and sanitizing the equipment afterward.
Equipment and utensils held at room temperature, including cutting boards and knives, had not been cleaned or replaced during their shift. Food safety standards require in-use equipment to be washed and sanitized at least every four hours to prevent bacterial growth.
The inspection revealed inadequate date marking practices for ready-to-eat foods. Covered containers of cooked lentils, tandoori chicken, and rice in the walk-in cooler lacked proper date labels. Proper date marking controls exposure to Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which can cause serious foodborne illness.
Facility maintenance issues included heavily soiled hood vents, equipment surfaces, floors, and walls with grease and food debris buildup. A leaking handwashing sink was discovered with a catch basin underneath.
The inspection also identified a lack of basic food safety knowledge among workers. Management could not locate the sick employee policy, and there was no documentation showing employees had been informed of their responsibility to report illness.
Under Larimer County health department scoring guidelines, establishments receiving 50-109 total risk points require re-inspection to ensure basic food safety standards are met before resuming normal operations. Scores of 110 points or higher result in immediate closure.
The restaurant offers authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine with dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering services. The establishment operates Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Several violations were corrected during the inspection, including reorganizing refrigerator storage, restocking the handwashing sink with soap, and moving improperly cooled foods to appropriate containers. The restaurant must complete a follow-up inspection demonstrating compliance with food safety standards.
Larimer County CSU Extension Food Safety Program offers training for food service workers covering basic requirements for safe food handling. Additional resources including employee illness policy templates, date marking guidance, and cooling logs are available through the Larimer County health department website.