Jefferson City Restaurant Inspections Reveal Varied Compliance Levels
Jefferson City food service establishments underwent routine inspections in January 2026, with findings ranging from zero violations to multiple deficiencies, according to reports released by the Jefferson County Health Department and the City of Jefferson Environmental Health Division. The inspections, conducted throughout the month, assess compliance with the city’s food code, which mandates at least twice-yearly checks for all food-service businesses.
The food code categorizes violations into two main types: priority and core. Priority violations pose a direct risk of food contamination, illness, or environmental hazard – examples include improper food holding temperatures, inadequate cooking, and poor personal hygiene. Core violations, while important, relate more to general sanitation and good retail practices, such as maintenance of floors and walls, or missing paper towels at handwashing stations.
Inspectors aim for immediate correction of priority violations whenever possible, with a maximum timeframe of 10 days for resolution agreed upon with the regulatory authority. Core violations must be addressed within 90 days of the inspection date, also subject to agreement with the health department.
Inspection Results: A Mixed Bag
Several establishments received clean bills of health, with no violations reported. However, a number of businesses faced challenges in meeting code requirements.
McDonald’s, located at 1918 Jefferson St., received one core violation for debris found within the establishment. Similarly, Sonic Drive-In at 1711 E. Elm St. Was cited for the same issue.
The Salvation Army, at 927 Jefferson St., faced three core violations: debris on a three-door cooler, disrepair of base coving near a steam table and single-door cooler, and a lack of disposable paper towels at a hand sink.
New China Restaurant, 905 Eastland Drive, encountered more significant issues, including one priority violation – improperly stored cleaners on a food product roll cart rack – and four core violations: missing soap at a hand sink, a dirty shelf above a three-compartment sink, food stored directly on the walk-in cooler floor, and improper storage of personal items and kitchen utensils.
Eagle Liquor and Convenience Store, 1408 Missouri Blvd., had the most extensive list of violations, with three priority issues: a leaking water line causing mold, dead insects around freezers and equipment, and the improper storage of pesticides and cleaning chemicals alongside food products. Five core violations were also noted, including grease buildup, missing soap and paper towels, moldy floors, and an unsealed table.
Burger King, 521 Missouri Blvd., received one core violation related to needed maintenance. Pappo’s Pizzeria & Pub, 2300 Missouri Blvd., was cited for two core violations: equipment in disrepair and debris in the kitchen.
Arby’s, 2815 S. Ten Mile Drive, had one priority violation – items in hot holding not maintained at the proper temperature – along with two core violations concerning debris on exhaust vents and in the food prep area.
Love Sushi, 2201 Missouri Blvd., was issued one core violation for improperly elevated items in dry storage. JQ’s on High, 911 E. High St., received a core violation for equipment in disrepair. Schnucks Bakery, 1801 Missouri Blvd., was cited for food debris buildup on the floor and in a three-compartment sink.
Colton’s Steakhouse, 2415 Missouri Blvd., faced eight core violations, including dirty floors and walls, dust accumulation, a broken bin cover, and missing vent covers.
IHOP, 2011 Missouri Blvd., received two core violations related to equipment in disrepair and needed maintenance. Sam’s Club Chicken, 849 Stoneridge Parkway, was cited for maintenance needs in the work area.
Dunn Brothers Coffee, 3218 W. Edgewood Drive, had two core violations: a malfunctioning hot water faucet and debris on a freezer shelf.
La Raza, 1904 Missouri Blvd., received one priority violation for bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food products. Hy-Vee Deli, 3721 W. Truman Blvd., and Hy-Vee Speciality Meat, also at 3721 W. Truman Blvd., each received one core violation related to needed maintenance in the kitchen.
The Jefferson City Food Code provides detailed descriptions of both priority and core violations, and the City of Jefferson Environmental Health Division can be reached at (573) 634-6410 for further information. Residents can also search for individual inspection reports online through the city’s website.
