MERENGUE RESTAURANT
PASSTuesday, June 5, 2018 at 4:10 PM
Violations Cited
03-3-501.16
Hot Holding
Beans at steam table 110F. Maintain hot holdind @140F or above. PIC took corrective action to remove from service and reheat product out of temperature for one hour.
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
M-2-103.11
PIC Performing Duties
The cfpm is not following recommendations of the most recent pest control report dated 4.29.18 hot holding requirements outer openings and general facility maintenance. Provide active managerial control as it is defined in the 1999 food code.
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
35-6-501.111/.115
Insects Rodents Animals
Evidence of rodent activity with droppings found on window sill in dining area. What appears to be a burrow in masonry at front left hand corner of building where foundation meets the sidewalk. Rear door missing door sweep with daylight emitting through bottom of door. Provide updated IPM detailed pest control report. Seal all outer openings to prevent entrance of vermin and provide a rodent proof door sweep. Wash/rinse/sanitize/air dry all affected areas. Provide detailed documentation of steps taken to clean and sanitize areas of concern. Heavy fly acvtivity in basement. Provide updated pest control IPM report.
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
29-5-201/02.11
Installed and Maintained
Leaking pipe in basement locker room with bucket of standing water. Repair. Clean to Remove standing water.
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.
33-5-501.13-.17
Adequate Number Frequency Vermin Proof
Dumpster observed open and overflowing with trash. Maintain closed and empty dumpster with proper frequency. Provide updated site cleanliness permit. None found on site.
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.
34-5-501.111/.115
Outside Storage Improperly Maintained
Grease bin outside restaurant with buildup of grease and food soils. Clean to remove. Clean outside trash storage area of visible soils and debri. What appears to be burrows holes in outside area behind dumpster. Fill & seal with rodent proof materials.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food storage procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
36-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Floors
Walk floor in basement with standing water and food debri on floor. Clean to remove. Floor in sprinkler room with what appears to be old rodent droppings. Wash/rinse/sanitize/air dry all affected areas.
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
Commercial vent hood with heavy buildup of grease at cookline. Clean to remove. Hole in ceiling above basement walkin cooler. Seal with smooth durable cleanable material. Clean gap between walkin coolers and basement wall of visible debris. Shelving debri broken wall board above basement walkin freezer. Clean to remove.
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