Popular bakery in Greece shut down by health officials: Here’s what inspectors found
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Popular bakery in Greece shut down by health officials: Here’s what inspectors found
Jackson’s Bakery has been shut down by the Town of Greece and the Monroe County Department of Public Health. Three signs hung in its front window indicated that the structure had been deemed unsafe, unsanitary and dangerous to the public. The owner was found to be living in the establishment along with pet cats. The building was littered with mattresses, coat racks, gardening materials, cat litter and clothing. There was a sewage backup in the shower and on the floor in the employee bathrooms, and throughout the basement. The bakery’s permit was suspended and the owner is requiring the owner to discard all food and arrange for extermination services.
As of June 25, three signs hung in its front window indicating that the structure had been deemed unsafe, unsanitary and dangerous to the public.
The D&C obtained two reports from the Monroe County Department of Public Health that revealed what led up to the actions.
A report dated June 18 indicated that the Department of Public Health had received a call from the Town of Greece Code Enforcement and Fire Department pertaining to a complaint from a Jackson’s customer. The customer had arrived to pick up an order and discovered the owner sleeping on a mattress outside the side door.
The Town of Greece found evidence of the owner living in the establishment along with pet cats. They also found standing water in the basement as well as a large opening along the basement foundation wall. They requested that Monroe County Department of Public Health assist in the incident and evaluate the building for health concerns and violations.
Upon arrival, The Department of Public Health found the exterior littered with mattresses, coat racks, gardening materials, cat litter and clothing. They also found a large hole – approximately 3 feet by 4 feet – in the basement, with an exhaust vent laying beside it. The owner would not open the doors to allow the Department of Public Health to evaluate the interior.
On June 20, The Department of Public Health returned when the owner was not present and inspected the building. Among the findings:
A metal flour bin stored under the prep table in the kitchen was adulterated with mouse droppings.
An open bag of flour stored on storage shelves in the basement was torn open and adulterated with dead insects and debris.
A block of butter on the prep table in the kitchen was adulterated with animal hair.
Uncovered bins and bags of sugar and flour were stored throughout the facility.
Uncovered trays of food were stored in chest freezers, display cases, prep tables and racks.
There was a sewage backup in the shower and on the floor in the employee bathrooms, and throughout the basement.
Water was pooling on the floor in the front service area behind the display case, in front of the walk-in cooler and throughout the basement.
A cat brush and litter boxes were stored on a prep table and on the floor of a prep room.
The bakery’s permit was suspended. The Department of Public Health is requiring the owner to discard all food and arrange for extermination services by a certified pesticide applicator. Reinspection could be conducted once all violations have been addressed.
Jackson’s Bakery dates back to 1947. Matt Belk, who started working at Jackson’s Bakery at 16, purchased the business in 2021.
Tracy Schuhmacher has been food and drink reporter for the D&C for the past 10 years. Email her at TracyS@Gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram.