Across the ABC 13 Viewing Area - When a restaurant employee doesn't follow the rules, your health could be at risk. That's why routine inspections are so important. In our Restaurant Report, where inspectors found the most critical violations in October, in Lynchburg, and Campbell and Roanoke Counties.

We found the most violations in Lynchburg at Machu Picchu on 5th Street. Inspectors found four critical ones in October. But owner Elsa Duran had no problem walking us through her kitchen.

Elsa Duran, Owner, Machu Picchu - "I, I have nothing to hide."

The first problem, the fridge needed more freon. It was only cooling to 50 degrees.

Shelley - "What temperature is it supposed to be?"

Duran - "40."

Steve Simpson, Lynchburg Health Department - "We want foods to stay out of what we call the danger zone. The zone in which bacteria can grow really rapidly."

Over at the reach-in unit...

Duran - "I cook everything as you order, it's not like I pull frozen bags out of the freezer and put that in the fryer or anything like that."

Duran learned that even if she's busy, the reach-in unit needs to stay closed, to prevent contamination.

Simpson - "Anything that you're carrying across that good could fall in that food, whether that's a chemical contaminant."

And when it comes to freshly made ingredients...

Duran - "This is a hot pepper that I cook on my own and it doesn't even last me a day or two."

Duran learned she has to label them with a date. She's still getting the hang of this one.

Shelley - "Even though you're only going to use it for a day... shouldn't that have a date on it now?"

Duran - "Yes, well, yes."

The Golden Skillet in Brookneal had six critical violations, the highest in Campbell County. Inspectors found mashed potatoes and beans that were not hot enough, uncovered food in the freezer, and a metal soup pan that was soiled to sight and touch.

And in Roanoke County K and W cafeteria came in first with 9 critical violations, including employees not cleaning or sanitizing knives and employees handling ready to eat food with their bare hands. Inspectors also found employees removing chicken from the oven when it wasn't hot enough.

Back at Machu Picchu, Duran's learning how to follow the state's health guidelines. But she says her personal standards are just as high.

Duran - "I cook as I would eat for myself, and that's what I provide my customers."

One of the cleanest spots we found -- Coffee Connection and Cafe in Altavista. They had no critical or non-critical violations in their October Inspection. Always check on a restaurant's follow-up inspection. You can click here to find all the reports online.