PunJab Palace
PASSWednesday, February 13, 2019 at 4:24 PM
Violations Cited
03-3-501.16(A)
Cold Holding
Small Refrigerating Unit -Cooking Line- Samosa 50F Vegetable Mix 51F. Unit 50F. PIC moved food to another refrigerating unit. Ensure that all TCP foods for cold holding maintain 41F or below. Observed vegetables and garlic and oil mix placed on table in room temperature (currently 41F or below) and Ensure that all sliced vegetables and garlic and oil mixes stay at 41F or below all the time.
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
08-3-302.11/3-304.11
Separation Segregation Cross Contamination
Observed cabbage in plastic package (original) placed on top of boiled/baked potatoes inside walk-in. PIC voluntarily discarded potatoes. Separate properly.
Why This Matters
Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
20-4-703.11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean
High Temp Dish Machine registered only 173F for final rinse. Repair to maintain 180F-194F.
Why This Matters
INVISIBLE KILLERS: Bacteria survive on 'clean-looking' surfaces for days. Inadequate sanitization caused Salmonella outbreak affecting 1,500 people via ice cream. Cutting boards can harbor 200 times more fecal bacteria than toilet seats. E. coli survives 1-4 hours on surfaces. Norovirus survives 2 weeks. One contaminated slicer infected 300 people with Listeria.
Code Requirements
SANITIZATION MANDATORY: Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds by immersion; Contact time: minimum 7-30 seconds depending on sanitizer; Test concentration EVERY 2 hours; Change solution when visibly soiled; ALL food contact surfaces must be sanitized: After each use with different foods; When switching raw to ready-to-eat; Every 4 hours in continuous use.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Set up proper sanitizer at ALL stations; Test and adjust concentration NOW; Re-sanitize ALL food contact surfaces; Obtain test strips immediately; Post sanitizer concentration chart; Train staff on test strip use; Create sanitization log; Change solutions every 2 hours minimum
31-5-204/05.11
Location Accessible
Hand sink near cooking line used to store utensils. Discontinue. Use for hand washing 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
M-2-103.11
PIC Performing Duties
Re-train staff with regard to proper warewashing cold holding cross-contamination hand sink usage and proper cleanliness.
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
22-4-601/602.11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean
Cutting board at cooking line appear very soiled. The cloth used for tandoori bread very soiled. Clean and sanitize cutting board and replace frequently the cloth for bread.
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
Observed large amount of rodent-like droppings at lower level as well as dead mice in traps. Provide an IPM report from a licensed exterminator. Clean dropings and dead mice.
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
04-3-501.15/4-301.11
Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods
Observed large amount of tomato sauce (several containers) placed in plastic containers at the lower level at room temperature . No evidence of proper cooling or cooling logs found. The sauce still above 140F. Ensure that proper cooling takes place and monitor the process.
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.
04-3-501.15/4-301.11
Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods
Small refrigerating unit at cooking line registered 50F. Repair to maintain 51F or below.
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.
08-3-305-307.11
Food Protection
Some food items stored on the floor at the lower level. Elevate 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.
14-4-202.11
Food Contact Surfaces Design
Observed several plastic containers/bawls used to dispense bulk food items and other prepared food items. Use handled utensils only.
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.
Observed several pans very soiled with oil/grease. Wash all properly to remove.
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.
21-3-304.14
Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize
Wiping cloths stored soiled on counter. Store properly in sanitizer solution.
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
Shelves for detergent storage near the rear door very soiled. Clean properly. Several storage shelves at the cooking/line prep area soiled. Top of dish machine and other equipment soiled. Exterior and interior of several refrigerating unit (including gaskets) and exterior of hand sinks soiled. Clean all properly
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
32-6-301.11-02.11
Hand Cleaner Drying Tissue Signage
Hand sink at the cooking line with out soap. Hand sink in the toile without paper towel. Provide.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
36-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Floors
Floors at the lower level very soiled near the rear door (edges). Clean properly.
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 vent with large grease build up clean properly.
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