CHOW THAI CAFE
FAILTuesday, January 21, 2014 at 6:59 PM
Violations Cited
01-3-201.11
Approved Source
Some foods have been provided from Market Basket -PIC shall purchase foods from a licensed wholesaler as discussed
Why This Matters
SEVERE PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT: Unapproved sources bypass all safety controls. Home-prepared foods have caused botulism deaths. Uninspected meat may contain parasites, E. coli O157:H7, or BSE prions. Black market foods linked to tuberculosis, brucellosis outbreaks. Illegal dairy products cause Listeria infections killing 20% of victims. One contaminated batch can sicken hundreds across multiple locations.
Code Requirements
ALL food MUST be from: Licensed, permitted, inspected suppliers; USDA inspected meat and poultry; Grade A dairy products; Approved shellfish dealers on Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List; No home-prepared foods EVER; No wild mushrooms unless certified; Documentation required for all suppliers; Invoices must be kept 90 days.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Discard ALL food from unapproved sources; Obtain approved supplier list from health department; Verify all current suppliers are licensed; Create approved supplier program; Train receiving staff on checking sources; Post list of approved suppliers
12-2-301.12-.15
Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How
Missing paper towels at al handsinks - no hand washing from anyone during inspection
Why This Matters
Inadequate handwashing is a leading cause of foodborne illness transmission
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
20-4-703.11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean
Cutting boards on the cooking line and knives on the rack appear to be visibly soile - clean and sanitize food contact areas as discussed
Why This Matters
INVISIBLE KILLERS: Bacteria survive on 'clean-looking' surfaces for days. Inadequate sanitization caused Salmonella outbreak affecting 1,500 people via ice cream. Cutting boards can harbor 200 times more fecal bacteria than toilet seats. E. coli survives 1-4 hours on surfaces. Norovirus survives 2 weeks. One contaminated slicer infected 300 people with Listeria.
Code Requirements
SANITIZATION MANDATORY: Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds by immersion; Contact time: minimum 7-30 seconds depending on sanitizer; Test concentration EVERY 2 hours; Change solution when visibly soiled; ALL food contact surfaces must be sanitized: After each use with different foods; When switching raw to ready-to-eat; Every 4 hours in continuous use.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Set up proper sanitizer at ALL stations; Test and adjust concentration NOW; Re-sanitize ALL food contact surfaces; Obtain test strips immediately; Post sanitizer concentration chart; Train staff on test strip use; Create sanitization log; Change solutions every 2 hours minimum
M-2-103.11
PIC Performing Duties
Why This Matters
EXTREME RISK: Without active management, ALL five CDC risk factors go unchecked. Studies show restaurants without certified managers have 2.5 times more critical violations. Lack of supervision leads to: temperature abuse (bacteria double every 20 minutes), cross-contamination spreading pathogens, sick employees working with food, improper cooking allowing pathogen survival. This single violation enables conditions for major outbreaks.
Code Requirements
PIC MUST: Be present during ALL operating hours; Hold valid food safety certification; Actively monitor employee health and hygiene; Ensure proper cooking, cooling, and holding temperatures; Verify foods from approved sources; Monitor handwashing compliance; Ensure equipment properly sanitized; Take immediate corrective actions for violations; Demonstrate knowledge to health inspector; Train and supervise all food employees.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Designate qualified PIC immediately; If no certified manager available, cease operations; Implement active managerial control system; Create monitoring logs for all CDC risk factors; Retrain management on responsibilities; Post PIC duties checklist
13-2-304/402.11
Clean Cloths Hair Restraint
All staff shall have clean outer garments when workinbg with food behind the cooking line
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
15-4-202.16
Non-Food Contact Surfaces
Remove all soiled cardboard being used to line shelving
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.
16-4-301.12
Three Compartment Sink
Missing three plugs for the three bay sink -provide
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.
17-4-302.14
Test Kit Provided
Provide trst strips - [ purple - chlorine ]
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.
21-3-304.14
Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize
Set up solution as discussed -discard sponge use to clean food surface areas
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
23-4-602.13
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
Remove ice build-up in basement refrigerator - clean inside / outside of all refrigeration units - clean shelving under all prep tables - clean outside of all food containers - clean entire kitchen area thta has stainless steel from old food soils
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
25-4-904.11
Single Service Articles Stored Dispensed
open boxes of cutlery undpipes in the basement -store as discussed
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.
32-6-301.11-02.11
Hand Cleaner Drying Tissue Signage
Miossing paper towels at all handsinks - provide
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.
34-5-501.111/.115
Outside Storage Improperly Maintained
Clean backyard from loose trash and debris
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food storage procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
36-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Floors
Clean floors throughout the basement - clean under all cooking equipment from visible soils
Why This Matters
CONTAMINATION RESERVOIR: Damaged floors harbor bacteria in cracks. Standing water breeds Listeria, Pseudomonas. Broken tiles create pest harborage. Floor contamination spreads via shoes, equipment wheels, and dropped items. CDC found floor drains positive for Listeria in 40% of retail delis.
Code Requirements
Floors must be: Smooth and non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains (1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot); Coving at wall junctures sealed; No cracks, holes, or missing tiles; Grout intact and sealed; Cleaned daily or more frequently; Dry except when cleaning.
Corrective Actions
Schedule floor repairs within 30 days; Seal all cracks immediately with approved sealant; Improve drainage to eliminate standing water; Increase cleaning frequency; Replace missing tiles; Re-grout as needed; Remove any carpeting from food areas
37-6-201.11
Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed
Repair holes in the basement as discussed durung inspection
Why This Matters
Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning
Code Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces; No holes or damage; Light-colored in food areas; Clean condition
40-6-305.11
Dressing Rooms Clean/Lockers Provided
Personal clothing scattered throughout the basement - seperate belongings as discussed and provide a clean and segragated area for staff to change
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.