EMPIRE GARDEN
PASSThursday, January 3, 2019 at 2:20 PM
Violations Cited
03-401.11-.12
Cooking Temperatures
Chicken cooked at time of inspection @ 112f ensure proper cooking temperatures for poultry @ 165f or above (Chicken was placed back in walk with water and cooked to 175f at time of inspection)
Why This Matters
DEADLY CONSEQUENCES: Undercooked foods kill. Salmonella in undercooked chicken affects 1.35 million Americans yearly, killing 420. E. coli O157:H7 in undercooked ground beef causes kidney failure in children. Undercooked pork can transmit Trichinella parasites. Raw eggs may contain Salmonella Enteritidis. Just 10 E. coli bacteria can cause severe illness. Cooking is the ONLY step that kills pathogens in contaminated food.
Code Requirements
MINIMUM COOKING TEMPERATURES: Poultry (chicken, turkey, duck): 165°F for 15 seconds; Ground meats (beef, pork, lamb): 155°F for 15 seconds; Eggs for hot holding: 155°F for 15 seconds; Whole meats (beef, pork, lamb): 145°F for 15 seconds; Fish and seafood: 145°F for 15 seconds; Reheated foods: 165°F within 2 hours; Microwave cooking: 165°F and let stand 2 minutes. MUST verify with calibrated thermometer in thickest part.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Continue cooking ALL undercooked items to proper temperature; Discard if cannot reheat properly; Calibrate all thermometers NOW; Post cooking temperature chart at all stations; Assign temperature checking to specific staff; Log all cooking temperatures; Retrain all cooks immediately
08-3-302.11/3-304.11
Separation Segregation Cross Contamination
Raw Chicken sitting over cooked foods store raw below ready to eat foods
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
Hand sink blocked by pots remove to allow proper access to wash hands
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
M-2-103.11
PIC Performing Duties
Manager not ensuring employees trained properly in cooking temperatures ensure proper cooking temperatures of chicken to 165f or above and supply food thermometers for chefs
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
22-4-601/602.11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean
Clevers with old soils clean to remove
Why This Matters
BIOFILM FORMATION: Visible soil indicates biofilms - communities of bacteria protected by slime layers that resist sanitizers. Biofilms on slicers have caused Listeria outbreaks killing 30% of victims. Meat slicer contamination sickened 300 across 6 states. Grease harbors Listeria which grows at refrigeration temperatures.
Code Requirements
Food contact surfaces must be: Visibly clean with no food debris; Free of grease accumulation; Smooth and cleanable; Cleaned and sanitized after each use; Cleaned every 4 hours if in continuous use; Equipment must be disassembled for cleaning when necessary.
Corrective Actions
Clean and sanitize ALL equipment immediately; Disassemble equipment for thorough cleaning; Establish cleaning schedule with assigned responsibilities; Use cleaning checklist; Train on proper disassembly; Increase cleaning frequency
05-4-302.12
Food Thermometers Provided
No food thermometers available supply for all chefs
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.
10-3-304.12
Food Utensil Storage
Clevers stored between table and cooler store clean and dry
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
15-4-202.16
Non-Food Contact Surfaces
Cardboard lining shelf remove to allow a cleanable smooth durable surface
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.
37-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings
Hood vents above wok area of cooking line with grease build up clean to remove
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