PEPPERCORN FOOD COMPANY

426 1st NW AVE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52405

8 cited findings

Most recent inspection

Date: October 17, 2025
Type: Routine
Result: Not reported
Risk category: Not reported
Cited findings: 8
Jurisdiction: Linn County (Cedar Rapids)
Source risk checklist count: 4
Good Retail Practices findings: 3

Published report comment

Today's visit is a routine inspection and follows up on an online complaint regarding cleanliness and date-marking procedure, including improper food storage in coolers, dirty work areas, and food waste in sinks, etc. (see the notes and about singatnure) Is the manager on-site J.A is aware of the complaint. We discussed date marking, FIFO, LIFO, cleaning procedures, and the importance of using hair nets and aprons to prevent cross-contamination. Inspetor noticed several whole marinated meats on shelves at temperatures of 79*F to 89*F during the preparation (marinating) for Gallena Catering, and frozen meat stored on the prep table in cardboard boxes. The manager indicated the meat would be placed in the cooler soon,bc just delivered, and the other meat would be ready to be cooked in the oven for 6 hrs. We discussed active management control, especially when there is a lack of staffing The complaints are PARTIALLY VERIFIED, and corrective actions will be verified during the next inspection in three months. Follow-up will be completed on or after 10/27/2025 by Physical Recheck.

Violations (8)

2-103.11(O)CriticalRepeat
Iowa food code item 3 (Risk Factors)
Observation: Unable to verify if part-time employee illness reporting is offered to a new employee. If it is, the forms must be on-site. for us to verify understanding of symptoms. This is a repeat violation
Risk Factors | PF | Item 3
4-601.11(A)CriticalCorrected on site
Iowa food code item 16 (Risk Factors)
Observation: Prep sink is soiled and has soiled wiping cloths stored there. Prep tables, push carts, shelving, and refrigerators inside nd outside have debris built up and not cleaned at a frequency The three-compartment sink is filled with dirty dishes Corrected by: Employees started cleaning
Risk Factors | PF | Item 16
3-501.18CriticalRepeat
Iowa food code item 23 (Risk Factors)
Observation: Date marking improved, but some items exceeded their shelf life of 7 days: Cream garlic cheese (09/18), heavy cream (09/26), and open containers of milk, juice, garlic in oil mayonnaise 09/26. Corrected by: Discarded the food and will check the cooler for ready-to-eat items older than 7 days in open containers.
Risk Factors | P | Item 23
4-602.12
Iowa food code item 16 (Risk Factors)
Observation: Cooking equipment, oven, grill, and the area around all has debris and buildup
Risk Factors | C | Item 16
IAC 481-30(8-304.11)
Iowa food code item 57 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation: A license from 2024, and an inspection report are not posted visibly to consumers.
Good Retail Practices | C | Item 57
6-501.111(A)(B)(D)
Iowa food code item 38 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation: Many flies in the comisary kitchen
Good Retail Practices | C | Item 38
2-401.11Corrected on site
Iowa food code item 6 (Risk Factors)
Observation: the employee's bottle of water has been stored /kept on a cutting board while chopping garlic, alongside the garlic peels and an oil container. Corrected by: provided on-site education emphasizing that cutting boards should only be used for food preparation, ensured the board at other items are removed and cleaned to maintain proper food safety, and prevent contamination
Risk Factors | C | Item 6
6-201.11-13, 6 -201.15-18
Iowa food code item 55 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation: Floors in the kichen are with dark debris and not cleaned every day
Good Retail Practices | C | Item 55

Source: Linn County (Cedar Rapids) health department. Data refreshed October 16, 2026. Results are shown in the health department's own wording. This record is provided for general information; confirm current status with the health department before relying on it.