CLEVELAND -- Troubleshooter Joe Pagonakis went through hundreds of Health Department reports, both on paper and on disk, to do his duty as NewsChannel5's "Kitchen Cop."

Ming Moon Restaurant at 3786 W 117th St, Cleveland

The Health Department documented 10 violations during it's March 12th inspection of Ming Moon. Poisonous and toxic materials were stored near food. The restaurant had dirty floors and food preparation surfaces. Lavatory hand-washing facilities were still in violation and without towels and signs for employees.

Pagonakis said, "There has to be a sign to tell people to wash their hands for employees as well."

The food preparation sink was used to clean utensils. According to inspectors, one employee was observed rinsing his mouth and spitting in the sink.

Improper food temperature was also an issue.

Reading from the Health Department report, Pagonakis said, "Foods like General Tso's Chicken have to be kept below 41 degrees or above 135 degrees."

Café Stratos at 23642 Lorain Rd in North Olmsted

Inspectors said food temperature was a potential hazard at Café Stratos as well. Inspectors found nine violations.

Pagonakis said, "The cold foods were not cold enough, the hot foods not hot enough ... specifically the soup."

Carney's Top of the Flats at 1329 Washington Ave in Cleveland

Carney's was issued violations for smoking and animals wandering among customers. When the Kitchen Cop paid a visit, guess what he found? A couple dogs inside.

Pagonakis said, "I'm responding to the Health Department report. There are not to be animals inside. This is a food service operation. You're still in violation."

Restaurants that earned "Be Food Safe" distinction – the top Health Department honor for cleanliness:

• Benihana, 23611 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood
• Cracker Barrel, 5100 Tiedeman Rd., Cleveland (Brooklyn)