Following an October 2024 Daily Emerald investigation highlighting local cafe Espresso Roma’s declining health inspections and numerous health code violations, the cafe has since improved its sanitation rating in comparison to prior routine inspections.
Following their semi-annual inspection on Feb. 11, the cafe scored a 97 out of 100 compared to an 80 out 100 at their last inspection in July 2024.
Roma posted a statement on Instagram following the inspection stating, “The inspection yielded an exceptional score of 97 out of 100, affirming our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and health.”
The long-standing cafe is a popular destination for many Eugene residents and University of Oregon students, which features many beverages, pastries and sandwiches.
The cafe had consistently low scores over the past five years due to improper food storage and date marking, poor cleaning measures and lack of maintenance. 97 marked the cafe’s highest score since October 2019.
Following the improved score, Diego Montez, the cafe’s manager, told the Emerald, “This is proof that we have health codes, we follow them, and that we maintain sanitation. Our health codes are good, and we follow them all.”
The cafe was cited for minor violations in a report published by Lane County Public Health on Feb. 25, with an inspector still noting structural issues with the building, however major health code violations regarding improper food holding temperatures and cross contamination had been fixed.
LCPH did not respond to Emerald’s request for comment. The next scheduled inspection will occur over the summer.
