Amelia's Taqueria
PASSMonday, December 23, 2019 at 3:43 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-304.11-P
Food Contact with Equipment Utensils and Linens (P)
Observed knifes at the lower level soiled stored on magnetic strip. Observed not in use slicer at lower level with dried up food debris. Observed can opener at the lower level with dried up food debris. Clean and sanitize all properly.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-501.14-P
Cooling (P)
Observed large amount of meat piled up in a deep tray inside cold holding unit (4 drawers) at cooking line. It registered 125F and PIC stated that it had been there for 15 minutes and placed ice on it. I also observed beans placed in deep plastic containers (registering 147) in room temperature at lower level. PIC placed it in ice bath upon my request. Perform proper cooling (time temperature method) all the time.
Why This Matters
TOXIN FORMATION: Clostridium perfringens spores survive cooking and germinate during slow cooling. Produce toxin that causes violent illness. Responsible for 1 million illnesses annually. Large batches can take 24+ hours to cool unsafely.
Code Requirements
Cool rapidly using: Shallow pans (2 inches max), Ice baths with stirring, Blast chiller, Cut large items into portions, Add ice as ingredient. NEVER cool at room temp. NEVER stack hot containers. Monitor with thermometer. Document cooling times.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Observed pantain (110F) for hot holding placed in a metal container on another container which was on griddle. Observed the same thing with pork al pastor (132F). PIC placed them on the griddle for re-heating. Provide proper hot holding all the time.
Why This Matters
RAPID BACTERIAL GROWTH: At 50°F, E. coli doubles every 30 minutes. At 70°F, it doubles every 20 minutes. After 4 hours above 41°F, bacteria can reach dangerous levels causing severe illness. Common result: 24-72 hours of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, potential hospitalization.
Code Requirements
Immediately discard foods held above 41°F for over 4 hours. Rapidly cool foods above 41°F if less than 2 hours. Check ALL cooler temps every 2 hours with calibrated thermometer. Repair/adjust refrigeration immediately. Never store food in non-refrigerated areas.
590.005/5-202.11-P
Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures (P)
Observed open drain pipe at lower level draining in metal tray. Provide proper insallation from a licensed plumber.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)
Retrain staff with regard to proper cooling hot holding and warewashing. Ensure that proper monitoring is performed.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002(D). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-501.114-PF
Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (Pf)
Three Bay Sink- Chlorine sanitizer registering much lower than 50ppm and filled not properly (2/3 of equipment surfaces for sanitizing out). Provide proper sanitizing solution and performe proper warewashing all the time.
Why This Matters
INEFFECTIVE SANITIZATION: Below 50ppm chlorine or 200ppm quat, bacteria survive on 'clean' dishes. Above 200ppm chlorine leaves toxic residue causing chemical burns, nausea. 70% of restaurant outbreaks linked to improper sanitization.
Code Requirements
Maintain sanitizer at: Chlorine 50-100ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400ppm, Iodine 12.5-25ppm. Test every 2 hours with test strips. Change solution when cloudy/dirty. Train all staff on mixing procedures.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Hand Drying Provision (Pf)
Hand Sink at lower level without paper towel. Provide.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)
Obsrved bags with beans and salt open for use and tight up. Place all bulk food container in enclosed commercial grade containers once open.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food storage procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-601.11-C
(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)
Observed several equipment at lower level on air drying rack with exterior soiled to the touch and sight. Wash properly to remove.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-903.11-C
(A) and (C) Equipment Utensils Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Storing (C)
Observed single service items stored on the floor at the office area lower level. Elevate properly.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Handwashing Signage (C)
Hand Sink at lower level without proper signage. Provide.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)
Observed traps with dead cocroaches on them . Ensure the they are removed with proper frequency. Provide a copy of latest IPM report from a licensed exterminator.
Why This Matters
DISEASE VECTORS: Flies carry 100+ pathogens, land on feces then food. Transfer 2 million bacteria per landing. Roaches spread 33 bacteria types, 6 parasitic worms. One roach can contaminate entire kitchen overnight. Major asthma trigger.
Code Requirements
Eliminate immediately: Kill visible pests, Find and eliminate breeding sites, Fix all screens/seal openings, Remove standing water, Clean drains weekly, Professional treatment if over 5 insects seen, Install fly lights/traps.