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Insects, Rodents, and Foul Food Found in Iowa Eateries
24 Jun
Summary
- Inspectors found insects in bottled drinks and unsanitary kitchen conditions.
- Several Iowa restaurants were temporarily shut down due to major violations.
- Violations included lack of certified managers and improper food dating.
State and local inspectors have cited Iowa restaurants and stores for hundreds of food-safety violations recently, between May 15 and June 16, 2026. These findings highlight significant issues across various establishments.
Serious violations included unsanitary kitchens, insects in bottled beverages, and conditions that led to the temporary shutdown of Adelitas Mexican Grill in Cedar Rapids. Other establishments like Steve's Silver Dollar in McGregor had numerous risk-factor violations, including uncapped liquor bottles with dead insects.
Common issues reported across multiple locations involved a lack of certified food protection managers, improper date-marking of food items, and inadequate handwashing practices. Some businesses were found to have raw meats stored improperly, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
Inspectors also noted problems with temperature control, with some coolers failing to maintain safe temperatures, leading to the discarding of food. Adelitas Mexican Grill was temporarily closed due to dishwashing and refrigeration issues but was allowed to reopen after corrections were made.
Businesses such as California Restaurant, The Isle of Capri, and Gus & Lisa Pub & Pizza also received citations for various food-safety lapses. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing reminds the public that inspection reports are a snapshot in time, and violations are often corrected promptly.
