C-Mart Herald Street
PASSTuesday, December 17, 2013 at 7:30 PM
Violations Cited
03-3-501.16(A)
Cold Holding
The refrigeration units along the rear wall were maintaining proper noodle and tofu temperatures on the bottom two shelves. Temperatures on the top shelves were two to three degrees above 41 F. Management believes that the units were in the defrost mode. If that is the case the unit must maintain food temperatures below 41 F during the defrost mode. The units should be serviced to maintain a product temperature below 41 F at all times.
Why This Matters
THE DANGER ZONE KILLS: Between 41°F-135°F bacteria double every 20 minutes. At 70°F, 10 bacteria become 10,000 in 2 hours, 10 million in 4 hours. Staphylococcus aureus produces heat-stable toxins that cooking cannot destroy. Clostridium perfringens causes 1 million illnesses yearly from temperature abuse. Listeria grows even under refrigeration, killing 20% of victims including pregnant women and newborns.
Code Requirements
ALL TCS foods MUST be held at 41°F or below at ALL times. This includes: All meat, poultry, seafood; Dairy products; Cut melons, tomatoes, leafy greens; Cooked rice, pasta, potatoes; Tofu, soy products; Sprouts; Garlic in oil. Check temperatures every 2 hours (4 hours maximum). If above 41°F for less than 2 hours, rapidly cool. If above 41°F for 2-4 hours, use immediately. If above 41°F for over 4 hours, DISCARD.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Check ALL refrigerated foods NOW; Discard any food above 41°F for >4 hours; Rapidly cool foods 41-70°F if <4 hours; Repair/adjust all refrigeration immediately; Reduce inventory to prevent overstocking; Install thermometers in warmest part of all coolers; Implement 2-hour temperature checks; Create power outage procedure
08-3-302.11/3-304.11
Separation Segregation Cross Contamination
The butcher staff are reusing former cardboard cases of pork and chicken to hold yellow styrofoam containers for packaging. The cases may be contaminated from the chicken and pork products and cannot be reused. A fish was observed in the hand sink. The fish must be discarded.
Why This Matters
Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
31-5-204/05.11
Location Accessible
The hand sinks are for hand washing only. A staff member had set a fish into the hand sink. The sink and fish were contaminated potentially contaminating the hands of anyone using the sink. Review proper procedures with the staff.
Why This Matters
FORCED NON-COMPLIANCE: Blocked sinks force employees to skip handwashing. Studies show 89% compliance when sinks accessible vs 35% when blocked. Each skipped handwash potentially contaminates multiple food items. Inaccessible sinks contributed to Hepatitis A outbreak affecting 660 people.
Code Requirements
Handwashing sinks must be: Accessible at ALL times; Used ONLY for handwashing; Located within 25 feet of food prep; Clear of all equipment and supplies; Never used for food prep, dishwashing, or chemical disposal; Minimum one sink per 5 workers during peak times.
Corrective Actions
Clear ALL handwashing sinks immediately; Post 'Handwashing Only' signs; Relocate any blocking equipment; Provide alternative sinks for other uses; Train staff on sink designation; Monitor hourly for compliance
04-3-501.15/4-301.11
Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods
Frozen product was observed in buckets and display boxes throughout the store. If products are shipped and held frozen they must be displayed and maintained in a frozen state or under proper refrigeration / cold holding. They cannot be set into boxes or buckets as observed.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
08-3-305-307.11
Food Protection
Separate utensils must be provided for each self service item to prevent the potential for cross contamination and mixing of product.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
09-3-301.11(C)
Handling of Food & Ice
Children were observed playing with snails and clams in the fish area. Staff should restrict access to the self service bins to prevent bare hand contact with the product.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
23-4-602.13
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
Clean the refrigeration unit containing the eggs and the dried fish. Egg yolks and shell were observed on the bottom of the egg unit. Dead flies and residue was observed within the end of the unit containing dried fish.
Why This Matters
INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty surfaces attract pests, harbor bacteria, and contaminate via contact or air movement. Dust from dirty shelves contains allergens affecting 32 million Americans. Grease accumulation creates slip hazards causing 25% of restaurant injuries.
Code Requirements
Non-food contact surfaces must be cleaned at frequency to prevent: Soil accumulation; Pest attraction; Contamination of food/food contact surfaces. Includes: Equipment exteriors; Shelving; Walls and ceilings; Light fixtures; Ventilation systems.
Corrective Actions
Deep clean all non-food contact surfaces; Create cleaning schedule with daily, weekly, monthly tasks; Assign cleaning zones to staff; Use degreaser for grease accumulation; Clean from top to bottom; Maintain cleaning log
37-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings
The sheetrock and finishing to one of the support beams opposite the butcher area is damaged. Sheetrock is exposed. Metal edging is exposed. Repair.
Why This Matters
OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION: Peeling paint and debris fall into food. Condensation on ceilings drips bacteria onto prep surfaces. Studies found ceiling tiles harbor Bacillus cereus spores. Restaurant ceiling collapse contaminated food service for 200 guests.
Code Requirements
Walls/ceilings must be: Smooth and washable in food areas; Light-colored for easy soil detection; Free of holes, cracks, peeling paint; Sealed at all joints and attachments; Clean and free of grease, dust, cobwebs; Non-absorbent in areas subject to moisture.
Corrective Actions
Repair all holes within 14 days; Repaint with washable paint; Replace damaged ceiling tiles; Seal all penetrations; Clean walls and ceilings monthly; Fix any leaks immediately; Install FRP panels in splash zones