Fort Collins Pizza Restaurant Requires Re-Inspection After Multiple Food Safety Violations
Anthony's Pizza & Pasta at 2550 East Harmony Road in Fort Collins failed a recent health inspection and must undergo re-inspection after inspectors documented multiple food safety violations, including improper food handling and equipment failures that could lead to foodborne illness.
The November 18 inspection resulted in a score of 52 points, placing the establishment in the "Re-Inspection Required" category under Larimer County health standards, according to the inspection report. The restaurant, which specializes in New York-style pizza and Italian cuisine, remained open following the inspection but must correct violations before a follow-up inspection.
Health inspectors identified several critical violations that directly affect food safety. An employee was observed handling sliced pizza fresh from the oven with bare hands before serving it to a customer. Food code requires workers to use tongs, utensils, or gloves when handling ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination.
The inspection also revealed cross-contamination risks in the walk-in cooler, where raw sausage was stored above mozzarella cheese used in ready-to-eat salads and other foods. Proper food storage requires raw animal products to be kept separate from and below prepared foods and produce to prevent harmful bacteria from contaminating items that will not be cooked before consumption.
Equipment failures posed additional safety concerns. The restaurant's dishwashing machine was not dispensing sanitizing solution at the time of inspection, registering zero parts per million chlorine instead of the required 50-200 ppm concentration needed to properly sanitize dishes and utensils. A repair company arrived to address the dishwasher during the inspection.
Inspectors found the handwashing sink in the back area lacked both paper towels and functioning soap, preventing employees from properly washing their hands. Accessible handwashing facilities with soap and towels must be available at all times to maintain basic hygiene standards.
The inspection revealed maintenance issues affecting food safety equipment. A large metal bowl used for mixing dough showed rust buildup on food contact surfaces, which can allow harmful substances to migrate into food. The microwave contained a heavy accumulation of food debris requiring cleaning.
The restaurant also lacked written documentation showing employees had been informed of their responsibility to report illnesses to management. Health authorities require establishments to maintain policies addressing when sick employees must be excluded from work and conditions for their return to prevent the spread of foodborne pathogens.
Anthony's Pizza & Pasta opened at the Harmony Road location in September 2024 as part of an established Colorado pizza brand. The fast-casual restaurant serves dine-in customers, offers takeout and delivery services, and operates seven days a week with hours extending to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 PM on weekends.
Under Larimer County health inspection standards, establishments scoring between 50 and 109 points require re-inspection to verify corrections have been made and basic food safety standards are met. The restaurant must address all violations before the follow-up inspection to return to compliance.
Larimer County residents can access inspection records and file complaints through the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment. The inspection report represents conditions observed on November 18 and may not reflect current practices at the establishment.