A popular doughnut shop in Lake Elsinore has been given a week to rectify violations that caused its health grade to drop from an “A” to a “B.”
The controversy arose following a video showing pop sensation Ariana Grande licking doughnuts on the premises, leading to a prompt health inspection by the Department of Environmental Health.
Spokesperson Keith Jones stated that the inspection uncovered several infractions that resulted in the establishment receiving a score of 86.
As a result, the shop’s owners have been instructed to make necessary corrections within the stipulated timeframe before undergoing a follow-up inspection.
Under California health regulations, eateries are mandated to safeguard all food items from any form of public contact.
Shop owner Ricky Marin disclosed that the doughnuts in question were sold out that night, raising concerns over potential consumption of the contaminated pastries by unsuspecting customers.
The inspection report highlighted the video evidence showing trays of doughnuts placed within easy reach of customers on the counter.
It urged the immediate cessation of sales involving tainted food products and emphasized the importance of training all staff members to handle trays of doughnuts appropriately, away from areas prone to customer contamination.
In addition to these violations, the shop was downgraded for neglecting shelf cleanliness, failing to address a broken floor and door, and lacking proper procedures for utensil washing.
According to Joe Marin, an employee inadvertently left a tray of powdered doughnuts unattended on the display as she fetched fresh supplies from the bakery at Grande’s request.
The incident unfolded during a casual game of “Truth or Dare,” where Grande and her companion engaged in the inappropriate act.
Marin reported the matter to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, alleging deliberate tampering with the doughnuts.
In the video capturing the doughnut-licking episode on Independence Day, Grande is heard making disparaging remarks about America.
Following backlash, she took to Twitter to issue an apology, clarifying that her comments were misconstrued and expressing her strong patriotism and advocacy for healthy eating habits.
Acknowledging her misstep in communication and assuming greater responsibility as a public figure, Grande pledged to improve her conduct in the future.
She emphasized her passion for promoting nutritious eating choices and her concern over societal attitudes towards food consumption.
