MERENGUE RESTAURANT
FAILThursday, March 30, 2017 at 4:38 PM
Violations Cited
03-3-501.16
Hot Holding
Large cover pan of chicken 115F under steam table . PIC stated left out less than one hour. PIC removed and reheated to165F .
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Maintain all hot TCS foods at 135°F or above; Cannot use hot holding equipment to reheat
31-5-204/05.11
Location Accessible
Food container found in hand sink . Remove. Hand sink must be for handwashing only.
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
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12
Food Container Labels
Several large container without labels. Provide proper labels.
Why This Matters
Improper labeling can lead to using wrong or expired ingredients
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food labeling procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
08-3-305-307.11
Food Protection
Containers of food on floor in kitchen basement walkin refrigerator and freezer. Remove . Store all food 6 inches off the floor.
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.
19-4-501.18-.110
Wash Rinse Water Clean Proper Temperature.
Adjust rinse water at high temp dishwasher was 160F should be 180F. PIC call for repair. Three compartment sink avaiable.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
23-4-602.13
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
Heavly soiled can opener blade. Clean to remove. Ice machine in basement with black residue on interior of machine . Empty clean to remove all residue. Knife storenin between wall and sink . Remove. Store knives properly in knife rack.
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
36-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Floors
Soils and debris on floor under cookline. Clean
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
37-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings
Hood sticker expired. Provie professional cleaning and update sticker. PIC explained scheduled for cleaning this week. Soils and debris hanging from ceiling in walkin refrigeration unit.
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
37-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings
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