Three Lawrence-area restaurants were recently fined for state food code violations, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The Fourth Street Cafe in Tonganoxie was cited for incidents in October, when health inspectors saw employees handling food without gloves or utensils.

Tequila Inc., the parent company of El Mezcal in Ottawa, was cited after inspectors in December found about 100 fresh rodent droppings in the dry goods storage area, on cases of food and on the floor. In January, about 30 fresh rodent droppings were found on top of canned food items and food boxes, according to inspectors.

Also in Ottawa, inspectors in December were critical of Country Kitchen. Food items were found stored or sitting in areas with improper temperature settings. A faulty refrigerator, which has since been repaired, was to blame, a manager at the restaurant said.

The health department levied fines of $1,000 each to Country Kitchen and Fourth Street Cafe, while fining El Mezcal $500.

The establishments have the opportunity to appeal the citations.

No one has been available at El Mezcal or Fourth Street Cafe to comment.