Mels Lunch
Last inspected: Mar 25, 2026
67
Score
Inspectors have visited Mels Lunch five times, with records going back to 2023. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 25, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent visits have flagged additional issues, ticking from four violations up to five.
Looking across the full record, non-food contact surfaces clean is the recurring theme, flagged four times.
Restaurants in Newport average 84, so Mels Lunch trails the local norm. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
5
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 25, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: The chlorine sanitizer concentration for the sanitizing cycle of the dishwasher was 0 parts per million (ppm). Chlorine sanitizing solutions must be between 50-100 ppm. Establishment is to sanitize all dishes and utensils in the sanitizing basin of the 3-bay sink until unit is repaired or replaced.
4-501.114
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by droppings in the kitchen space and gnawed insulation in the dining area. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies. Establishment is to work with pest control to create an action plan and treatment schedule.
6-501.111
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The mechanical dishwasher located in the kitchen area was observed not properly dispensing sanitizing solution and is not in good repair.
4-501.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gaskets were observed in poor repair on the 2-door reach-in refrigerator. Refrigerator door gaskets shall be maintained in good repair.
4-501.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following areas have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris; - Inside and outside surfaces of the 1-door freezer - Inside and outside surfaces of the prep unit - Inside and outside surfaces of the 2-door refrigerator - Inside and outside surfaces of the dishwasher - Inside and outside surfaces of the 3-bay sink - Surfaces of the cooktop and oven - Surfaces of the fryolator - Floor and walls of kitchen space Non-food contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-601.11(B)
67
Feb 13, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following areas have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris; - Inside and outside surfaces of the 1-door freezer - Inside and outside surfaces of the prep unit - Inside and outside surfaces of the 2-door refrigerator - Inside and outside surfaces of the dishwasher - Inside and outside surfaces of the 3-bay sink - Surfaces of the cooktop and oven - Surfaces of the fryolator - Floor and walls of kitchen space Non-food contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-601.11(B)
95
Feb 4, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized
Inspector notes: The chlorine sanitizer concentration for the sanitizing cycle of the dishwasher was 0 parts per million (ppm). Chlorine sanitizing solutions must be between 50-100 ppm. PIC was observed pouring liquid bleach into dishwasher prior to cycle in replacement of commercial sanitizing solution. Per PIC, service technician advised PIC to place residential dishwashing liquid and liquid bleach in dishwasher prior to cycle until unit is fixed. Establishment is to use 3-bay sink to wash, rinse, sanitize, and air dry all dishes until unit is fixed.
4-501.114
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was lacking paper towels.
5-205.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was blocked by knives within the sink basin. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use. Knives were removed from sink during time of inspection.
5-205.11
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by droppings and gnawed insulation. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.
6-501.111
Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable
Inspector notes: The cutting boards in the kitchen are very scratched and scored. Cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.
4-501.12
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following areas have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris; - Inside and outside surfaces of the 1-door freezer - Inside and outside surfaces of the prep unit - Inside and outside surfaces of the 2-door refrigerator - Inside and outside surfaces of the dishwasher - Inside and outside surfaces of the 3-bay sink - Surfaces of the cooktop and oven - Surfaces of the fryolator - Floor and walls of kitchen space Non-food contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-601.11(B)
58
May 18, 2023
Re-Inspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 14, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Equipment or utensils not clean
4-601.11(A)
Equipment or utensils not clean
4-601.11(B)
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mels Lunch last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mels Lunch on file is from Mar 25, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mels Lunch?
Across the inspection record, non-food contact surfaces clean has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Mels Lunch.
How does Mels Lunch compare to other restaurants in Newport?
Mels Lunch most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Newport average of 84.
Has Mels Lunch's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Mels Lunch have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about four per visit to around five more recently.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mels Lunch means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Mels Lunch inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mels Lunch is inspected around two times per year on average.
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