Health Inspection Information

The inspection history for the business you selected is displayed below. Each inspection may have zero or more violations. A health inspection report is a "snapshot" of the day and time of the inspection. On any given day, an establishment could have more or fewer violations than noted here. Inspections are based on regulations to eliminate risk factors for illness or injury. Every violation is coded indicating the degree of risk in causing an illness or injury.

  • Critical, Major, or Foodborne Illness Risk Factor Violations: These violations are more likely than other violations to contribute to illness or injury. Inspectors work with operators to make sure that these violations are corrected whenever feasible before they leave the establishment. A re-inspection may be scheduled to verify compliance.
  • Non-Critical, Minor or Good Retail Practice Violations: These violations are not directly related to the cause of illness or injury, but if uncorrected, could negatively affect the operation of the facility, such as maintenance and cleanliness.

Please Note: Tri-County converted to a new database in July 2013. Any inspections listed prior to July 2013 only display the date and type of inspection, but not the inspector comments because of the database conversion. For inspection reports prior to July 2013 please submit a written request to EHInspections@tchd.org.


Facility Details
Program Food
Facility Name Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Business Name Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Address 4510 Trail Boss Dr
Castle Rock, CO 80104-7512
Phone 303-660-2600

Inspection Details
02/04/2022 Inspection, Routine
10 - Foodborne Illness Risk Factors
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector Comments: 5-205.11 Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf) -A vacuum hose was stored on the hand sink in the produce preparation room to the right of the two compartment sink, making it inaccessible for handwashing. Corrective action: Discussed keeping hand sinks accessible at all times with the person in charge. The vacuum hose was moved to an approved location.
12/23/2019 Inspection, Follow-Up
12/13/2019 Inspection, Routine
10 - Foodborne Illness Risk Factors
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector Comments: 5-205.11 Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf) A case of basil was stored on the hand sink in the produce area. Corrective action: The case of basil was removed from the hand sink. 6-301.12 Hand Drying Provision (Pf) The hot water (84°F-90°F) at the hand sinks in the produce area, women's and men's restroom did not reach a minimum temperature of 100°F. Corrective action: Follow up to occur. Paper towel was not provided at the hand sink in the produce area and the hand sink in the women's restroom. Corrective action: The manager replaced the missing paper towel. 6-301.14 Handwashing Signage (C) A hand washing sign stating employees must wash hands was not posted at the hand sink in the produce area. Corrective action: Hand washing signs were provided. 5-202.12 Handwashing Sinks, Installation (Pf)
13 - Foodborne Illness Risk Factors
Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
Inspector Comments: 3-101.11 Safe, Unadulterated and Honestly Presented (P) Moldy green peppers were stored with wholesome green peppers in the produce walk in refrigerator. Corrective action: Follow up to occur.
56 - Good Retail Practices
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector Comments: 6-202.11 Light Bulbs, Protective Shielding (C) A protective shield on the light fixture in the produce area was not provided.
01/04/2018 Inspection, Routine
01b - Critical
Food Source: Wholesome, free of spoilage
Inspector Comments: Three containers of baby formula were observed on the customer shelves past the expiration date. The formula was moved to the back room to discard.
08b - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly labeled
Inspector Comments: Two unlabeled chemical spray bottles were stored above the three compartment sink in the break room. The chemical bottles were labeled with their contents.
11c - Non-Critical
Testing Devices: Chemical test kits provided and accessible
Inspector Comments: Chlorine test strips were not provided to test the concentration of the sanitizer.
14a - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Plumbing: installed, maintained
Inspector Comments: The break room hand sink and the mens restroom hand sink were slow to drain. The caulking around the mop sink was soiled.
02/12/2016 Inspection, Follow-Up
02d - Critical, Food Borne Illness Risk
Personnel: Hygienic practices
Inspector Comments: Two chemical spray bottles were stored in the basin of the produce preparation hand sink.
08b - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly labeled
Inspector Comments: Two chemical spray bottles in the basin of the hand sink were unlabeled as to their contents.
02/03/2016 Inspection, Routine
05b - Critical
Water, Sewage, Plumbing Systems: Hot and cold water under pressure
Inspector Comments: Hot and cold water were not provided at the hand sink in the produce preparation area.
08a - Critical
Poisonous Or Toxic Items: Properly stored
Inspector Comments: Two chemical bottles were stored directly over boxes of produce on a shelf in the preparation area.
14a - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Plumbing: installed, maintained
Inspector Comments: The sealant around the mop sink was soiled with black grime and in poor repair.
14d - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Lighting
Inspector Comments: Several lights down the produce and frozen aisle were not functioning. Several lights down the produce and frozen aisle were not shielded.
01/30/2015 Inspection, Routine
10a - Non-Critical
Equipment Design, Construction: Food-contact surfaces
Inspector Comments: A cutting board in the back vegetable preparation room was not smooth and easily cleanable.
12b - Non-Critical
Cleaning Of Equipment & Utensils: Nonfood-contact surfaces
Inspector Comments: The fan covers in the walk-in refrigerators were soiled with dust.
14a - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Plumbing: installed, maintained
Inspector Comments: The hand sink next to the three compartment sink was not draining properly.
14d - Non-Critical
Physical Facilities: Lighting
Inspector Comments: Ceiling light bulbs in the vegetable preparation room were not functioning.
02/06/2014 Inspection, Routine
02/11/2013 Inspection, Routine
02/08/2012 Inspection, Routine
02/15/2011 Inspection, Routine
02/22/2010 Inspection, Routine

Please Note: Tri-County converted to a new database in July 2013. Any inspections listed prior to July 2013 only display the date and type of inspection, but not the inspector comments because of the database conversion. For inspection reports prior to July 2013 please submit a written request to EHInspections@tchd.org.


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