This Establishment is CLOSED until further notice
A unicorn known as Miss Prissy Pants was shaking her head, yet again, while inspecting Sweet Apple Acres.
Due to too many ponies getting ill after eating at various places, Celestia decreed that all places growing and/or serving food must pass a health inspection. Miss Prissy Pants was currently carrying a clip board with her magic that listed all the things required of the farm in review. It was, of course, a surprise inspection and it was mandatory.
Applejack was seething. She almost bucked the inspector right in the face when she explained why she was there. Miss Prissy Pants was not a very friendly or polite pony, nor did she have any patience for ponies giving her attitude. Applejack was just about to tell her exactly where she could shove her fancy 'health inspection', when Big Mac stopped her. He then reminded Applejack that Twilight had explained refusing these inspections was now illegal.
Miss Prissy Pants had been on the farm for over an hour and had yet to say a single word. She had scoffed quite a few times, even a "Tsk, tsk," at times, but Applejack had yet to hear a single compliment about her beautiful apple trees. Finally, Miss Prissy Pants put down her clipboard and begrudgingly approached Applejack and Big Mac after rolling her eyes.
"Well?" Applejack asked, very frustrated at this point.
"Well, Miss Jack, This-"
"Jus Applejack, ma'am."
"Fine, Applejack," Miss Prissy Pants practically spat the words.
"Your farm has got to be, without a doubt, the dirtiest and most unsanitary place I have ever visited. I've never seen a farm fail so many health codes! In fact, you've failed ALL of them!"
"Wha? No way! That's gotta be a mistake!" Applejack yelped and attempted to snatch the clipboard from the unicorn.
"I assure you, it is no mistake. Until you get things up to code, this establishment is closed until further notice. That means selling apples or apple products of any kind is illegal. Serving meals containing apples here is illegal. Continuing to harvest apples and manufacture apple products is illegal. To put it in terms you might understand better, if you sell or buck any apples until you can pass the next inspection, you will go to jail."
"I could understand ya jus fine the first time! But, ya can't be serious! We've been selling apples and cider fer years and ain't got a single complaint! Ya can't just mosey on in here and tell us we can't buck our own dang apple trees!"
"I can and I just did. Here is a list of all the things you need to do in order to get your farm back in business. I'll be back in a week for a second inspection. If you fail to fix everything I've written here, you will fail again. Failing five inspections in a row will result in closing Sweet Apple Acres permanently."
Both Applejack and Big Mac gulped upon hearing that last word as Miss Prissy Pants flicked her tail and was on her way.
"Tha nerve of that pony! How dare she insult our farm in this way! I mean- Hey...wait. What's she doin' now?"
The siblings looked to entrance of their farm where Miss Prissy pants was hanging a bright yellow poster. After it was up, the inspector turned and went on her way. Once she was out of sight, they trotted down the path to see what the poster was. Applejack almost fell over when she read the sign.
"NOTICE!
This establishment is CLOSED to the public.
It has failed health inspection and deemed UNSANITARY.
DO NOT CONSUME THIS FOOD!
EQDA rating
F."
"There ain't no way Ah'm gunna keep this sign up! Big Mac, if ponies see this, it could ruin us!"
"Eeyup!" Big Mac agreed solemnly.
"Come on, we better hurry up an' fix everything that needs ta be done! Ah want this whole thing ta be over fast! Before ponies won't buy our apples anymore!"
"EEYUP!"
One Week Later: Day of Second Inspection
Applejack smiled proudly at Miss Prissy Pants when she lead her down the path to her farm. Applejack, Big Mac, and even AppleBloom had near worked their tails off trying to bring everything up to code. The three ponies had never cleaned for so long or so hard in their lives. Applejack was confident Sweet Apple Acres good name would be cleared today.
The unicorn took her time inspecting the orchard. Applejack still had yet to hear a single compliment, but the amount of head shakes and "Tsk, tsk"s were very limited. Suddenly, before she was done checking everything out, Miss Prissy Pants approached the orange earth pony.
"Miss Applejack," She began.
"May I see the ingredients and nutritional facts for your cider and Zap apple jam?"
"Uh, actually, Ah can't show ya that. Those are both Apple family secret recipes. Ya understand."
"I'm afraid I don't. In fact, I need to see them. By law. Also, where is your 'all employees must wash hooves' sign? I didn't see one when I was in the bathroom."
"My, uh, what now?"
"Tsk, tsk. Oh dear."
Applejack was beginning to sweat, as she feared this inspection might not go as well as she had planned. Miss Prissy Pants flicked her tail and went to finish her inspection. It didn't take long for her to reach a verdict.
"Fail?! Again?!" Applejack shouted.
"I'm sorry, but you are still in violation of health codes! Especially all the ones we just passed this week. If I were you, I'd stay up to date with ALL the sanitation requirements! If it makes you all feel any better, you were just one violation too many, otherwise you would've gotten a D."
"Well, 'scuse me fer not jumpin' fer joy!"
"You still need a rating of C or higher to reopen. But, I personally would never eat or purchase food from any place that doesn't receive an A rating. But, that's just me. Regardless, I will be back in a week to check again, but this isn't looking very good for all of you. How hard is it to have a clean and healthy food establishment?"
"Hey! Now we did everythin' on yer stupid list! It ain't our fault ya keep making up new rules as ya go! And ya'll never said anythin about puttin up signs! Ah thought it would jus be obvious that a pony should wash their hooves!"
"Apparently, not so obvious to you, though." Miss Prissy Pants pointed to Applejack's hooves.
The earth pony grinned sheepishly upon discovering her hooves were covered in dirt and mud from following the inspector all over the farm. Possibly from the day before as well.
"I will return in a week, Miss Applejack. But, I don't have high hopes. For your sake, I better be impressed." She flicked her tail and began the trek to exit Sweet Apple Acres.
But, not before adding another sign to the bright yellow one that still hung in front of the entrance.
This time, it read,
"NOTICE!
This establishment has failed two inspections.
It is in violation of over FIFTY sanitation codes.
EQDA rating
F."
Applejack and AppleBloom stood in front of the poster when they were sure she was gone.
"Oh, well, now she's just bein' a jerk."
To Be Continued!
