EQUATOR RESTAURANT
FAILWednesday, May 31, 2017 at 3:22 PM
Violations Cited
03-3-501.16(A)
Cold Holding
2 door reach in/chicken 50 degrees/provide proper temperature of 41 degrees or below
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
22-4-601/602.11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean
clean/sanitize can opener blade clean/sanitize interior white panel of ice machine clean/sanitize all rice cooker utensils clean/sanitize all utensils in utensil bin at dishmachine
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
35-6-501.111/.115
Insects Rodents Animals
bar/move all equipment and remove rodent droppings from floor
Why This Matters
DISEASE VECTORS: Mice produce 50-75 droppings daily containing Salmonella, Hantavirus. Cockroaches carry 33 types of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms. Flies regurgitate and defecate on food, spreading E. coli, Shigella. One mouse can contaminate 10 times more food than it eats. Pest allergens trigger asthma in 26% of inner-city children.
Code Requirements
Facility must be pest-free: No live or dead pests; No droppings or urine; No gnaw marks or rub marks; No nesting materials; Effective pest control program; Monthly professional service recommended; All openings sealed; Remove harborage conditions.
Corrective Actions
Call pest control service immediately; Discard ALL contaminated food; Clean and sanitize all affected areas; Seal all openings larger than 1/4 inch; Install door sweeps; Eliminate standing water; Remove clutter; Increase cleaning frequency
05-4-302.12
Food Thermometers Provided
properly calibrate all metal stem cooks thermometers
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
properly cover all foods in freezer
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.
10-4.302.11
Food Utensil Storage
bar/provide drain hose to soda gun
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.
14-4-202.11
Food Contact Surfaces Design
resurface all worn white cutting boards
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.
15-4-202.16
Non-Food Contact Surfaces
resurface all worn white 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.
17-4-204.112/.115
Equipment Thermometers
2 door reach in at hot line/provide accurate internal thermometer to register 41 degrees or below
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.
17-4-302.14
Test Kit Provided
provide new chlorine test kit with guide
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
properly store all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution between 50-100ppm
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.
32-6-301.11-02.11
Hand Cleaner Drying Tissue Signage
ladies restroom/replace loose toilet seat
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.
37-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings
mens restroom/clean light switch
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
38-6-303.11
Inadequate Lighting
hot line/replace burnt out light
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.