Ruth's Chris Steak House
FAILTuesday, March 27, 2012 at 2:39 PM
Violations Cited
12-3--301.11
Prevention of Contamination from Hands
1) The employee making desserts was handling ready-to-eat items with his bare hands. Provide utensils when handling ready-to-eat (Manager instructed the employee to put on gloves)
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.
20-4-703.11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean
The high temperature dishwasher in the kitchen is washing at 140F and rinsing at 160F. Provide proper temperatures so equipment can be cleaned and sanitized. (Eco-lab tech was on site and converting the dishwasher to a chemical machine)
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
27-5-103.11-.12
Hot and Cold Water
The hot water in the kitchen is not reaching 110F. Provide proper hot water temperature of 110F or above.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
17-4-204.112/.115
Equipment Thermometers
The dishwasher gauge at the bar low-temperature dishwasher is not working. Repair gauge.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
19-4-501.18-.110
Wash Rinse Water Clean Proper Temperature.
The wash gauge on the high temp machine is 140F. Make sure machine is working properly.
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.
36-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Floors
The grout is missing in areas in the kitchen. Repair to provide a smooth cleanable durable surface.
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