CHECKMATE CAFE
FAILMonday, October 25, 2021 at 4:16 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-501.16-P
(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Observed raw chicken & cooked chicken stored on counter at ambient air @ 50F and 75F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding of food products @ 41F or below. PIC corrected on site and stored both products in walk in unit.
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.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Food Labels (Pf)
Observed desserts without labels stored in reach in unit for self service of customers. Discussed with PIC of the repeated violations to remove and hand out to customers per order or provide the proper labels to continue self service for customers. PIC corrected on site and removed from reach in unit and stored behind the counter in refrigerated unit.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food labeling procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-302.11-C
Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C)
Observed uncovered foods in upright freezer. Discussed with PIC to maintain food covered while stored to protect from contamination
Why This Matters
DIRECT CONTAMINATION PATH: Raw chicken contains Salmonella (23% of samples) and Campylobacter (71% of samples). One drop of raw chicken juice can contaminate entire shelf below. Results in 1-3 million US illnesses annually.
Code Requirements
REORGANIZE IMMEDIATELY - Top to bottom: Ready-to-eat foods, Fish/Seafood (145°F), Whole meat/pork (145°F), Ground meat (155°F), Poultry (165°F) on bottom. Use separate coolers if needed. Cover all foods. Train all staff on proper order.