La Cuchara Restaurant
PASSThursday, September 5, 2024 at 3:35 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-501.16-P
(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Pasta salad and sliced meat inside of the flip top cooler with elevated temperatures between 49-55F. Discontinue use for any TCS foods unles the unit is able to maintain a temperature below 41F.
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.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)
No test strips available at the time of the inspection. Provide.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-304.12-C
In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)
Knives observed being stored in between wall panels near hand sink. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)
Flip top cooler appear to have an elevated temperature of 49F. Discontinue use for any TCS foods unles the unit is able to maintain a temperature below 41F.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)
Interior of the flip top cooler visibly soiled. Clean to remove. Drip tray to the Continental 2 door cooler appears to be leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs. Unit was functioning properly at the time of the inspection.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.005/5-205.15-C
System Maintained in Good Repair (C)
Drainage pipe to the hand sink in the main kitchen is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-501.111-C
Controlling Pests (C)
Evidence of what appears to be large flies inside of the main kitchen possiibly due to the rear door being left open. Address and ensure the screen door remains closed during operational hours.
Why This Matters
SEVERE CONTAMINATION: Rodent droppings carry 35+ diseases including Hantavirus (36% mortality rate), Salmonella (20% of cases from rodents), Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure). Mice contaminate 10 times more food than they eat through urine and droppings.
Code Requirements
IMMEDIATE ACTION: Clean/sanitize all affected areas with 10% bleach solution. Discard ALL exposed food. Seal holes over 1/4 inch (mice) or 1/2 inch (rats). Remove food sources. Install bait stations. Professional extermination within 24 hours.