PLAIN TALK BOOKS & COFFEE

602 E GRAND AVE, DES MOINES, IA, 50309

4 cited findings

Most recent inspection

Date: October 5, 2026
Type: Routine
Result: Not reported
Risk category: Not reported
Cited findings: 4
Jurisdiction: Polk County (Des Moines)
Source risk checklist count: 1
Good Retail Practices findings: 3

Published report comment

Non-illness complaint inspection conducted in conjunction with a routine. Complainant stated potential concerns regarding poor personal hygiene, contaminated equipment/cross-contamination and general facility sanitation. Person in charge stated he was not aware of the identified complaint, nor had the firm received any additional or similar complaints since. Complaint is closed and unverifiable.

Violations (4)

4-601.11(A)CriticalCorrected on site
Iowa food code item 16 (Risk Factors)
Observation: Vegetable dicer on a storage shelf in the prep kitchen visibly soiled with what appears to be a build-up of food debris. Corrected by: Person in charge sent the piece of equipment to the dish station to be cleaned and sanitized.
Risk Factors | PF | Item 16
4-202.11CriticalCorrected on site
Iowa food code item 47 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation: A red handled rubber spatula in the prep kitchen was observed to have rough edges, was missing pieces and as a result may be difficult to clean and sanitize. Corrected by: Person in charge voluntarily discarded the spatula.
Good Retail Practices | P | Item 47
3-305.11Corrected on site
Iowa food code item 39 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation: Box of ice cream cones stored directly on the floor in the front service area. Corrected by: Person in charge moved the food item to a dedicated storage area, off of the floor.
Good Retail Practices | C | Item 39
6-501.16Corrected on site
Iowa food code item 55 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation: Mop/mop head stored directly in the mop bucket, in between use. Corrected by: Person in charge hung the mop to allow it to adequately dry after use.
Good Retail Practices | C | Item 55

Source: Polk County (Des Moines) 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.