Photos of chicken hanging near dumpster at local restaurant causes health department visit

No one likes finding out that one of their favorite eateries might not be as clean as they would like, but a Houstonian made a disappointing discovery this past month.

The story of a line of chicken carcasses hanging out behind Fu Fu Café in the Bellaire area began life on Houston’s Reddit board on Nov. 24 with Redditors across the city recoiling in disgust.

A user posted two photos of the seemingly blatant health code violation which have logged some 3,000 views on photo service Imgur – rightfully so, as the chicken meat was hanging near an open door and very dingy industrial grease trap.

Soon even more pictures appeared on social media of bread buns hanging out in the open and what looked like raw beef in baggies lying in an open bin. Two employees seem to have noticed the photographer.

The Internet quickly helped the restaurant’s Yelp and Facebook pages become glutted with comments on the improper food storage technique.

PHOTOS: Houston restaurant health inspection violations for Nov. 16-30 (Story continues below ... )

Pho Quynh

1005 Blalock Rd., Ste. C, Houston, Texas 77055



Demerits: 18

Inspection highlights: Measured internal temperature of potentially hazardous food (Pork chops and fried rice) not held at 41° F. (5°C) or below or at 135° F. (60° C) or above while being stored. Observed chlorine solution for sanitizing food contact surfaces of utensils less than 50 ppm in water temp. Observed food establishment engaging in food service, preparation, and production without the person having in her possession a Food Service Manager's Certification (FINAL NOTICE).



Photo by: Yelp/Cherry A. less Pho Quynh

1005 Blalock Rd., Ste. C, Houston, Texas 77055



Demerits: 18

Inspection highlights: Measured internal temperature of potentially hazardous food (Pork chops and fried rice) not held at 41° F. ... more Image 1 of / 75 Caption Close Photos of chicken hanging near dumpster at local restaurant causes health department visit 1 / 75 Back to Gallery

This week KPRC-TV reported on the incident a spoke to the manager. She said that they had a new chef on staff was trying to chill down the fried chicken carcasses before refrigeration. She told the outlet that once she saw the photos the chef resigned the position.

RELATED: Houston restaurant health inspection violations (Nov. 23-30, 2015)

She did make sure to note that the meat didn’t make it to a customer’s plate.

The photos didn’t seem to hurt business too bad as fans of the restaurant were still posting photos of their meals there.

Judging by Houston public health records the last time the restaurant was officially inspected with Sept. 30.

KPRC-TV did learn from the City of Houston that health inspectors visited the restaurant in the days following the circulation of the photos but they didn’t release details of the visit.

The vigilance of Houston Redditors may have very well saved more than a few fellow Houstonians from spending part of their holiday season out of commission due to illness.

When the Houston Chronicle called the restaurant Wednesday we were told that the manager was gone for the day and wouldn’t be back until later this week.