Whole Foods Market

601 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904

Grocery / Market

License: Cash Registers - 6 or more

Last inspected: Jan 29, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Whole Foods Market has a thin inspection record, with only two visits on file so far. On Jan 29, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.

Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around nine violations per visit lately, up from roughly five violations before.

“Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.

By comparison, the average Providence facility scores 80, putting Whole Foods Market on the weaker side. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 29, 2025

Food Complaint

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 9 violations

Hands not washed when required (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The dishwasher failed to wash his/her hands between loading soiled and unloading clean dishes from the dishwasher. Food employees must clean their hands after handling soiled equipment or utensils. PIC notified.

2-301.14

Thermometers provided & accurate (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Thermometers are lacking in the sandwich prep refrigeration unit. Cold holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must have at least one thermometer that is located to allow easy viewing of the temperature display.

4-204.112

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: Leaf litter and debris buildup were observed around the back outside staircase. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Mops not properly air-dried after use

Inspector notes: Mops must be allowed to air dry after use.

6-501.16

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The coving in the women's toilet area is in poor repair (pulling away from wall). The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety at all times when time temperature control for safety (TCS) food is being prepared, handled, and/or served.

2-102.12

Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Water observed in stacked food containers on clean storage rack and in a clean container storing utensils. Utensils were rewashed and sanitized. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment must be air dried.

4-901.11

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The fan covers in walk in coolers have an accumulation of dust and debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floors beneath shelves throughout the facility have an accumulation of dust, soil residue and/or debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Jan 3, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Cut melon (prepared this morning) was observed held at 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC moved all product to blast chiller.

3-501.16(A)

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: ROP fish observed thawing under water while packaging was intact. Fish was removed from packaging and placed in the walk in cooler to thaw. Fish above 38 degrees was disposed of.

3-501.13

Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly

Inspector notes: Single service items are not being stored properly in their original protective package and/or are stored on a surface that is not clean in the produce area. PIC informed.

4-903.11(A)

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the can opener have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

4-602.13

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector notes: The dumpster and its area were observed to have trash and debris.

5-501.115

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Whole Foods Market last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Whole Foods Market on file is from Jan 29, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Whole Foods Market?

Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Whole Foods Market.

How does Whole Foods Market compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Whole Foods Market most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Whole Foods Market's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Whole Foods Market have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Whole Foods Market means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

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