Mishawaka restaurant remains closed after health code violations

The Shakin’ Crab in Mishawaka was the focus of a hearing Monday after being cited by the St. Joseph County Health Department for eight “critical” and 14 “non-critical” violations ranging from cross-contamination, improper storing of foods like chicken and milk, and knives stored with old food debris.

WNDU reports the restaurant was ordered to close shop on Tuesday May 2.

At Monday’s meeting, St. Joseph County Food Service Director Carolyn Smith reacted to photos taken at last week’s inspection.

“I’ve not in a long, long time seen the degree of food accumulation and uncleanliness… It’s a mess,” said Smith.

Many critical violations were corrected at the time of inspection like an “open employee beverage on table with clean utensils” and “Raw [sealed] chicken stored over cooked new potatoes in walk in cooler.”

After visiting the restaurant on Monday afternoon, the inspector found a few more violations. The restaurant will not reopen until they pass inspection, but will be on a 6-month probation upon reopening. The restaurant is also charged with a $200 fine.