State, city and county inspectors cited Iowa restaurants and stores for hundreds of food-safety violations in recent weeks, including issues involving moldy food, expired meat, cockroaches and rodents.
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing reported the findings, overseeing food establishment inspections at the state level.
Below are some of the most serious violations identified at restaurants, stores, care facilities and other businesses between Feb. 28, 2026, and April 3, 2026. (Last year, DIAL began withholding inspection reports from public release for eight days after inspections.)
Inspectors emphasized that these reports reflect a “snapshot” in time, and staff often correct violations before inspectors leave. For a full list and more details, visit the department’s website.
Gog Dynasty Buffet, 5388 Elmore Ave., Davenport
During an April 2 inspection, a Scott County inspector cited the restaurant for 16 risk-factor violations, including several repeat issues. Management failed to ensure proper food temperatures and staff training on food safety practices.
“Staff observed not washing hands after returning to the kitchen after taking out the trash,” the inspector noted. “Staff observed transporting raw shrimp in a strainer and trailing raw shrimp liquid onto the floor. Staff observed taking plastic wrap from the garbage and then going to place it back on chicken wings. Inspector intervened.”
The restaurant failed to maintain shellstock identification tags, workers did not change gloves between tasks, and raw shrimp was cooked to only 128 to 130 degrees instead of the required 145 degrees.
Hot buffet items such as chicken wings, wontons and dumplings measured below 135 degrees, while cooked chicken sat at room temperature at 78 to 82 degrees. Refrigeration units also held food above the safe limit of 41 degrees, including a walk-in cooler at 48 degrees. All affected food was discarded.
Sushi products exceeded safe temperature limits, and the restaurant failed to track preparation or discard times — a repeat violation. The dishwashing machine lacked chlorine sanitizer, some sinks had no soap, and storage bins contained dead insects.
The inspection followed a complaint from a customer who reportedly “found a worm in their food.” The owner confirmed the incident, though inspectors found no additional worms.
Steak ’n Shake, 5229 Elmore Ave., Davenport
During an April 3 visit, inspectors reported staff could not confirm the presence of certified food protection managers. Food stored near the grill measured 48 degrees and was discarded.
Sanitizing solutions lacked proper concentration, and “clean” pans still had food residue. Equipment and shelving showed grime buildup, and a handwashing sink leaked onto the floor.
Trattoria Fresco, 511 Fourth St., Sioux City
During an April 2 inspection, rice prepared days earlier measured 52 degrees instead of cooling to 41 degrees and was discarded. Mozzarella, raw chicken and veal also exceeded safe temperature limits and were thrown out.
Prepared foods lacked date markings, the dishwashing machine had no sanitizer, and the ice machine was visibly dirty. Inspectors also found an unapproved can of Raid insect killer.
Comfort Inn & Suites, 1630 W St., Grinnell
An April 1 inspection cited nine violations. Refrigerated items such as waffle mix and whipped toppings were held far above safe temperatures and discarded.
Sanitizing solutions lacked effectiveness, equipment was unclean, and the facility lacked soap and paper towels at handwashing stations. Storage areas were also reported as dirty, and inspection reports were not posted.
Maloney’s Pub, 239 N Second St., Eldridge
On March 31, inspectors found raw eggs stored directly against lettuce, risking contamination. Hot foods like baked chicken and macaroni and cheese were held below safe temperatures and discarded.
Several food items lacked date markings or exceeded their discard dates. Kitchen equipment and floors were covered in “dust, debris and gunk.”
Subway, 801 S Riverside Drive, Iowa City
During a March 30 inspection, the restaurant lacked a certified food protection manager. Staff failed to wash hands before handling food, and several food items were stored above safe temperatures.
The dishwashing machine lacked sanitizer, and the handwashing sink had no hot water. Required licenses and inspection reports were not posted.
Ohana Grill, 207 E Second St., Ottumwa
On March 27, inspectors cited multiple violations, including improper food temperatures, lack of date marking and poor sanitation practices.
Spam and rice wraps held at 88 degrees and flan at 68 degrees were discarded. The facility lacked soap and paper towels, and chicken thawed in a sink. The storage area was reportedly used as sleeping quarters, and the kitchen lacked proper ventilation.
Acapulco Mexican Bakery #2, 1937 Keokuk St., Iowa City
During a March 26 inspection, inspectors found inadequate food-safety oversight. Eggs were stored at room temperature, and tamales were held above safe temperatures.
Food items lacked date markings, and pork products thawed in standing water. The facility also lacked a working thermometer.
Rudy’s Tacos, 3111 Devil’s Glen Road, Bettendorf
On March 26, inspectors observed a worker handling ready-to-eat food with bare hands. Food items lacked date markings, and the dishwashing machine was not functioning.
Kitchen equipment and surfaces showed heavy buildup of debris and residue.
F B & Company, 4185 Whittier Road, Central City
During a March 25 inspection, staff failed to wash hands properly, and eggs were sourced from an unapproved supplier. Inspectors also found rodents in traps in the kitchen area.
Azteca #4, 3566 N Brady St., Davenport
During a March 19 inspection, inspectors found live and dead cockroaches in multiple areas. Food was stored at unsafe temperatures, and some items lacked proper storage or labeling.
Kitchen equipment and surfaces were dirty, and raw food was improperly handled. A complaint about cockroaches was verified.
Basil and Vine, 1025 Utica Ridge Road, Bettendorf
On March 19, inspectors observed bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods. Food items in hot holding units were below safe temperatures and required reheating.
Several refrigerated items exceeded safe temperatures and were discarded. Food containers lacked date markings, and equipment showed food residue.
El Fredo Pizza, 523 W 19th St., Sioux City
During a March 18 inspection, inspectors found mold growing on ravioli and improperly stored lasagna. Multiple food items exceeded safe temperature limits.
Expired foods remained in storage, and insects were present in the dishwashing area.
Los Portales #2, 1012 E Kimberly Road, Davenport
During a March 11 inspection, inspectors found moldy sauce and contaminated food storage practices. Food items were stored at unsafe temperatures, and kitchen equipment was dirty.
Raw foods were improperly handled, increasing the risk of contamination.
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