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Durham County Health Dept
Public Health Inspections
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Premises Information

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NameNEO JAPAN
Address1125 NC 54 HWY
SUITE 401
City/State/ZIP
DURHAM NC 27707
Premise Type1 - Restaurant
CountyDurham
Inspection Date 3/31/2026
Final Score @ Grade
95 A
General CommentsThermometers calibration checked in ice bath; both read 32F EHS cleaned and sanitized thermometer and probe at start and throughout the inspection *Last three inspection reports, including the educational visit was emailed to the owner listed email address

Violations

 
CDI=Corrected During Inspection  R=Repeat Violation  VR=Verification Required 
Violation Item Demerits Violation Description CDIRVRComments
10 1 Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible No Yes No 5-205.11 Using a Handwashing Sink - Operation and Maintenance (Pf) REPEAT Sponge was stored inside of the front hank sink. Also observed a lot of food debris inside the same sink. Hand sinks may only be used for handwashing and shall be used for no other purpose. CDI, the sponge was removed and discussed the purpose of hand sink and having access to them at all times.
21 0 Proper hot holding temperatures Yes No No 3-501.16 (A) (1) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding (P) - Shrimp observed at 116F on the makeline. Other hot hold items were in proper temp range. Hot TCS food shall be maintained at 135F or higher. CDI, Shrimp reheated.
33 0 Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control Yes No No 3-501.15 Cooling Methods (Pf) Recently cut chicken was observed tightly packed in a container cooling at 46F. Foods must be cooled rapidly. Use methods such as open or vented shallow pans, large ice baths, and active stirring. Cold air must circulate around the product to remove heat effectively. CDI, The chicken was still within the allowable time parameters and was portioned into smaller amounts to allow it to cool properly and more quickly
38 0 Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals Yes No No 6-501.111 Controlling Pests (Pf) At the start of the inspection, a large size pest was observed crawling near the front counter. The PREMISES shall be maintained free of insects, rodents, and other pests. CDI, The owner was able to provide proof of service from last month. No other evidence of activity was observed during today’s visit; however, if activity appears to be increase. Please increase service frequency.
40 0 Personal cleanliness No No No 2-402.11 Effectiveness - Hair Restraints (C) None of the employee's was seen wearing any hair restraints while food handling. Use head coverings, beard guards and clothing to restrain body hair from contacting exposed food, equipment, and utensils. Hair nets or hats are acceptable.
42 0.50 Washing fruits & vegetables No No No 3-302.15 Washing Fruits and Vegetables (C) Remove the stickers from the avocados prior to washing. Head of lettuce was stored intermingled with washed produces in the makeline while still in it's original packages. Wash fruits and vegetables prior to use. Once washed, do not place back into its original container or packaging.
43 0.50 In-use utensils: properly stored No No No 3-304.12 In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage (C) - Utensil water measured at 70F and two cutting boards stored behind the faucet at the prep sink. The handles of the scooper were directly submerged in the potatoess starch. Tongs were hanging waist length on the cart at the flat top area. Store in-use utensils in a clean, dry place, in food with handles out, in 135F or greater water or in running water which quickly moves food particles to the drain.
47 1 Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used No Yes No 4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C) REPEAT Replace the torn gasket on the walk-in cooler and freezer door. The heating element on the walkin freezer gasket is no longer proprlerly working. Resulitng in ice build up on the gasket and the curtains. Curtains were completely frozen. Repair the latch on the walkin freezer to allow the door to close securely . Equipment shall be maintained in good repair. Repair the listed items 4-101.19 Nonfood-Contact Surfaces- Replace the raw wood on the knife rack near the prep sink closest to the walkin. Also noted, exposed raw wood underneath the microwave used for employee's only. NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other FOOD soiling or that require frequent cleaning shall be constructed of a CORROSION-RESISTANT, nonabsorbent, and SMOOTH material.
51 1 Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices No Yes No 5-205.15 (B) Leak pipe etc. not imminent threat REPEAT Observed two separate leaks during today's inspection. One coming from the right cold faucet at the front thand sink and another coming from the faucet at the food prep sink next to the walk-in cooler. Plumbing shall be maintained in good repair.
55 1 Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean No Yes No 6-201.11 Floors, Walls and Ceilings - Cleanability (C) - REPEAT- Observed floor tiles cracked inside the walk in cooler and walk in freezer. Also noted, cracked floor tiles near the mop sink. Establishment must provide floors, floor coverings, walls, wall coverings, and ceilings that are designed, constructed and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Replace cracked floor tiles in the walk in cooler 6-501.11 Repairing - Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures - Methods (C) REPEAT The bottom of the walk-in cooler door is corroding. Missing ceiling tile above the water heater. Facility recently made repairs to the ceiling due to the recent rain and snowy month. Floors, walls, and ceilings including the attachments such as soap and towel dispensers; light fixtures; and heat/ac vents shall be maintained in good repair.
56 0 Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used No Yes No 6-403.11 Designated Areas - Employee Accommodations for eating / drinking / smoking (C) - A lot of employee's items were observed intermingled throughout the kitchen. Areas designated for employees to eat, drink, and use tobacco shall be located so that food, equipment, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are protected from contamination. Label all employee's personal items and stored on the bottom shelf and separate and away from all food and food contact surfaces.