La Taqueria Taco Bar & Grill
FAILWednesday, August 23, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Violations Cited
590.002/2-301.14-P
When to Wash (P)
No evidence of hand washing observed during inspection. Educate employees on proper hand washing.
Why This Matters
ILLNESS TRANSMISSION: 70% of foodborne outbreaks traced to poor handwashing. Unwashed hands after restroom carry 10 billion bacteria including E. coli. One contaminated hand can spread bacteria to 7 surfaces in 10 seconds. Causes 48 million illnesses annually.
Code Requirements
Wash hands for 20 seconds minimum with soap and 100°F water: After restroom ALWAYS, Before food prep, After touching face/hair/clothing, Between raw and ready-to-eat foods, After handling garbage, Every 30 minutes during continuous prep, After any contamination risk.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)
Raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat salsa in prep area. Person in charge removed.
Why This Matters
DIRECT CONTAMINATION PATH: Raw chicken contains Salmonella (23% of samples) and Campylobacter (71% of samples). One drop of raw chicken juice can contaminate entire shelf below. Results in 1-3 million US illnesses annually.
Code Requirements
REORGANIZE IMMEDIATELY - Top to bottom: Ready-to-eat foods, Fish/Seafood (145°F), Whole meat/pork (145°F), Ground meat (155°F), Poultry (165°F) on bottom. Use separate coolers if needed. Cover all foods. Train all staff on proper order.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Refried beans on flat top grill at 120F. Person in charge heated to acceptable temperature.
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.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Soils observed in the bottom of beverage dispenser by cashier. Clean to remove.
Why This Matters
Improper equipment maintenance can harbor bacteria and contaminate food
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.005/5-203.11-PF
Handwashing Sinks-Numbers and Capacities (Pf)
Prep area building hand sink obsevred shut off. Person in charge corrected.
Why This Matters
CONTAMINATION CYCLE: Using handwash sink for dishes spreads grease and food particles, making hand cleaning ineffective. Staff avoid dirty sinks, reducing handwashing by 60%. Creates breeding ground for bacteria at the most critical hygiene point.
Code Requirements
STOP all non-handwashing use immediately. Handwash sinks for HANDS ONLY. Clean and sanitize sink completely. Post signage 'HANDWASHING ONLY'. Designate separate sinks for food prep and dishwashing. Retrain all staff.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)
Knives and container inside production line hand sink. Person in charge removed.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Hand Drying Provision (Pf)
No paper towels in production line hand sink. Person in charge corrected.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-302.11-C
Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C)
Items in freezer obsevred uncovered. Person in charge corrected.
Why This Matters
DIRECT CONTAMINATION PATH: Raw chicken contains Salmonella (23% of samples) and Campylobacter (71% of samples). One drop of raw chicken juice can contaminate entire shelf below. Results in 1-3 million US illnesses annually.
Code Requirements
REORGANIZE IMMEDIATELY - Top to bottom: Ready-to-eat foods, Fish/Seafood (145°F), Whole meat/pork (145°F), Ground meat (155°F), Poultry (165°F) on bottom. Use separate coolers if needed. Cover all foods. Train all staff on proper order.
590.003/3-304.12-C
In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)
Ice scoop for smoothies stored with handle inside ice. Person in charge removed.
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.
590.003/3-501.15-C
(B) Cooling Methods (C)
Obsevred beans being cooled in large covered container in basement area. Person in charge corrected.
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 food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)
Gasket broken and soiled in stand up refrigerator. Replace
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)
Compressor in stand up refrigerator observed leaking. Repair.
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.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Outer Openings Protected (C)
Back door left open. Close to prevent potential contamination.
Why This Matters
PEST INVASION: Open doors allow entry of flies (carry 100+ pathogens), rodents (35+ diseases), and airborne contaminants. One fly can contaminate entire prep area in minutes, landing on 30+ surfaces spreading E. coli, Salmonella.
Code Requirements
Install self-closing devices on ALL exterior doors immediately. Doors must close completely within 3 seconds. No gaps over 1/4 inch. Consider air curtains for frequently used doors. Keep doors closed when not in active use.