Imagine sitting down at your favorite restaurant, only to discover that it’s been hiding a shocking secret—like live and dead roaches in the kitchen. Yes, it’s as gross as it sounds, and it’s happening right here in Vigo County. The health department’s latest inspections have uncovered some jaw-dropping violations that will make you think twice before placing your next order. But here’s where it gets even more unsettling: some of these issues aren’t just minor slip-ups—they’re full-blown health hazards. Let’s dive into the details of what inspectors found from October 27 to October 31, 2025, and why you should care.
The Good News: Establishments in Compliance
Before we get into the messy details, let’s give credit where it’s due. These businesses passed their inspections with flying colors, ensuring they meet health and safety standards:
- Azzip Pizza (2499 S. St. Rd. 46)
- Brownstone Manor (66 S. 12th St.)
- Dreiser Square (115 Dreiser Square)
- La Quinta Inn (451 E. Margaret Ave.)
- Peddle Park Housing (1616 S. 25th St.)
- Rio Grande Elementary School (5555 E. Rio Grande)
- Rose Hulman Beanie’s (5500 Wabash Ave.)
- Rose Hulman Moench (5500 Wabash Ave.)
- Terre Town Elementary School (2121 Boston Ave.)
- Tiers of Elegance (2939 S. 7th St.)
- Wabash Activity Center (300 S. 5th St.)
- Wabash Valley Teen Challenge (1324 Eagle St.)
- Warren Village MLM (1300 N. 25th St.)
The Bad News: Establishments Out of Compliance
Now, brace yourself for the not-so-appetizing part. These businesses were found to be out of compliance, with violations ranging from minor oversights to major red flags. And this is the part most people miss—some of these issues could directly impact your health.
Taj Mahal (1349 S. 3rd St.) – 9 Non-Compliance Issues
This restaurant topped the list with a staggering nine violations, including:
- Employees storing personal food in the kitchen, outside designated areas.
- A staff member handling naan bread with bare hands—a major no-no.
- Butter sauce held at a dangerously low 90°F (should be 135°F or above).
- Ready-to-eat foods in the cooler without date markings.
- The use of unapproved pesticides, which is not only illegal but potentially harmful to customers.
- Live and dead cockroaches found throughout the kitchen—yes, you read that right.
- Broken floor tiles and accumulated debris everywhere.
Controversial Question: Should businesses face harsher penalties for repeat violations like these? Let us know in the comments.
Lemongrass Restaurant (3830 US Hwy 41) – 6 Non-Compliance Issues
This establishment had six violations, including:
- Employee food and drinks left on prep surfaces.
- Missing soap at multiple handwashing sinks—a basic hygiene failure.
- Rice in a steam cooker at 93°F (should be 135°F or more).
- Bean sprouts stored at 63°F (should be 41°F or less).
- Foods held past the 7-day limit.
Royal Mandarin Express (43 Southland Shopping Center) – 4 Non-Compliance Issues
Violations here included:
- Food items without consumption dates.
- Raw chicken and beef skewers stored together, with raw chicken resting on soy sauce—a cross-contamination nightmare.
- Dust and debris on the ceiling above the cook line.
Umi Sushi, Inc. (2002 S. 3rd St.) – 4 Non-Compliance Issues
Inspectors found:
- Improper sanitizer concentrations at the 3-bay sink and ware washing machine.
- Sushi rice containers without time markings.
- Wet, soiled wiping cloths on prep surfaces.
- Food items stored on the floor outdoors.
Coffee Cup Family Restaurant (1512 Lafayette Ave.) – 3 Non-Compliance Issues
Issues included:
- A gap in the back door, allowing pests to enter.
- Wet wiping cloths on prep surfaces.
- A rusty prep table and peeling ceiling material.
Rose Hulman Vanderschmitt (5500 Wabash Ave.) – 3 Non-Compliance Issues
Violations here were:
- Raw eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods.
- Clean food containers stacked wet.
- Debris in ovens, the ice cream freezer, and the cappuccino machine.
Tokyo Grill (2950 S. 3rd St.) – 3 Non-Compliance Issues
Inspectors observed:
- A sushi chef slicing raw fish without gloves.
- Debris in the ice machine.
- Gaps around the exterior kitchen door.
7 Brew (3492 S. US Hwy 41) – 2 Non-Compliance Issues
Violations included:
- Employee food and drinks stored improperly.
- Debris under equipment and on storage shelves.
7th St. Food Mart (3450 S. 7th St.) – 2 Non-Compliance Issues
Issues were:
- A chemical spray bottle without a label.
- Cups stored directly on the floor (should be 6 inches off the ground).
Rose Hulman Chauncey’s (5500 Wabash Ave.) – 2 Non-Compliance Issues
Inspectors found:
- Scoops without handles stored in bulk seasoning.
- Excessive ice condensation in the pizza prep cooler.
Kav Petroleum Inc. (2601 S. 3rd St.) – 1 Non-Compliance Issue
- Food debris on a slicer.
Prairie Creek Food Mart (15187 S. St. Rd. 63) – 1 Non-Compliance Issue
- Employee food, drinks, and personal items stored improperly.
Rose Hulman Rose Garden (5500 Wabash Ave.) – 1 Non-Compliance Issue
- Old food debris on a meat and tomato slicer.
Terre Haute Convention Center (800 Wabash Ave.) – 1 Non-Compliance Issue
- Employee drinks and food stored on a prep table.
Establishments Approved to Operate or Open
On a brighter note, these businesses were given the green light:
- Cross Country Meet @ LaVern Gibson (11-01-25)
- M&S Mini Pancakes
- Terre Haute Brewing Company (401 S. 9th St.)
Final Thoughts
While it’s reassuring to see many businesses maintaining high standards, the violations found at others are hard to ignore. Is it fair to assume that these issues are isolated incidents, or do they point to a larger problem in food safety enforcement? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your opinions in the comments—especially if you’ve dined at any of these establishments recently. Your perspective could spark an important conversation about accountability and public health.
