VIETNAM CAFE
3800 MERLE HAY RD UNIT 984, Des Moines, IA, 50310
Most recent inspection
- Date
- October 30, 2025
- Type
- Routine
- Result
- Not reported
- Risk category
- Not reported
- Cited findings
- 6
- Jurisdiction
- Polk County (Des Moines)
- Source risk checklist count
- 3
- Good Retail Practices findings
- 3
Published report comment
Routine inspection for foodservice establishment due to delinquent license. License and penalty fees have been paid. License may be re-issued. SCOPE OF BUSINESS: Vietnamese food establishment located in food court in Merle Hay Mall. LIMITATIONS: no special processes (pickling, fermenting, vacuum sealing, etc) Report item #10 - Discussion with owner regarding requirement for handsink accessibility and used for handwashing only Report item #22 - Owner agrees to submit service invoice and photo to verify correction; cooler not approved for use Report item #23 - Owner states foods that are not date-marked are used within 24 hours. Follow-up will be completed on or after 11/9/2025 by Follow Up-Letter of Correction.
Violations (6)
- 2-103.11(O)Critical
Iowa food code item 3 (Risk Factors)
Observation: Facility was unable to demonstrate in a verifiable manner employee health training. Guidance document (forms) attached to report.
Risk Factors | PF | Item 3
- 3-501.16(A)(2)CriticalRepeat
Iowa food code item 22 (Risk Factors)
Observation: main maketable temping at 49-50*F Correction: Owner states foods were not in maketable overnight as all foods are stored overnight in the walk-in cooler. Owner stated they were removed from walk-in cooler approx one hour prior, when employee began prep. Owner transferred foods to another cooler and contacted service company. Cooler not approved for use until verified at 41*F.
Risk Factors | P | Item 22
- 4-302.12(A)Critical
Iowa food code item 36 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation: thin tip thermometer not operational
Good Retail Practices | PF | Item 36
- 4-302.14, 4-501.116Critical
Iowa food code item 48 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation: chlorine test strips not available
Good Retail Practices | PF | Item 48
- 6-301.13Corrected on site
Iowa food code item 10 (Risk Factors)
Observation: Water pitcher stored in handsink Correction: owner removed pitcher from sink
Risk Factors | C | Item 10
- 6-501.12, 6-501.13
Iowa food code item 55 (Good Retail Practices)
Observation: food debris in floor drains; grease and food debris built up under equipment (cook line, coolers, shelving); shelving not clean in walk-in cooler
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.