LA FRONTERA RESTAURANT
PASS W/ CONDITIONSTuesday, November 16, 2010 at 7:20 PM
Violations Cited
01-3-101/701.11
Spoilage Unsafe Food
Cherrystones not iced and are opening jars of peppers on the table are being made on site with additives
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
03-3-501.14
Cooling
Beans in the walk-in - container on the right is 40F - CONTAINER ON THE LEFT IS 76F. P.I.C stated thet they were placed in there yesterday
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
03-3-501.16(A)
Cold Holding
Beans are 76F [ WALK-IN ] - stuffing in the pizza unit is 56F. Discareded by P.I.C.
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
12-2-301.12-.15
Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How
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.
41-7-101.11
Toxic Items: Original Container
Medicines are being stored in the kitchen discontinue Pest control spray cans are being used on premise and are visible in the kitchen area
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
M-2-102.11
PIC Knowledge
Cooling methods are not known proper sanitizing in the three bay sink not overseeing day to day operations
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper management & personnel procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
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
M-3-603.11
Consumer Advisories
No disclosure on the menu provide
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper management & personnel procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
01-3-202.18
Shellstock ID
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
01-3-203.12
Tags & Records
Keep tags on site for 90 days.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
22-4-601/602.11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean
Cutting board at sandwich unit is heavily soiled.Slicer is encrusted. Food contact surfaces at prep areas food containers have dried food soils. Stored reusable servicware appears soiled.
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
Evidence of rodent droppings fruit flies provide licensed pest control company
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
M-3-502.11-.12
Reduced Oxygen Packaging
Specialized process of pickling pepper salad - must be discontinued - no HACCP on site
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper management & personnel procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
05-4-302.12
Food Thermometers Provided
Broken thermometers replace
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
Pizza station unit has ice build up and is not running properly repair as needed
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
Rinse basin not set up properly
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.
16-4-501.11/.15
Dishwashng Facilities
Plugs missing-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.
21-3-304.14
Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize
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
Clean inside and outside of all refrigeration units - counter tops - outside of all food containers from old food stains and 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
24-4-903.11
Clean Equipment & Utensils Storage
Clean glasses and equipment is stored on soiled racks clean all visble soils
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.
25-4-904.11
Single Service Articles Stored Dispensed
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.
36-6-201.11
Floors Designed Constructed Installed
Walk-in is badly rusted - repair
Why This Matters
Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning
Code Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Properly sloped to drains; No gaps or cracks; Maintained clean
36-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Floors
Clean floors throughout business from all visible stains and 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
Ceiling in the basement is not finished -storing paer supplies and plastisware
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
37-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings
Clean the walls shelving throughout the business from all visible stains and soils-including the basement
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
42-6-501.113/.114
Premises Maintained
Remove clutter and debris from basement and along the rear of the kitchen
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.