Sweet Pepper Restaurant
PASS W/ CONDITIONSFriday, June 3, 2011 at 6:29 PM
Violations Cited
03-3-501.16(A)
Cold Holding
Do not store whole shelled eggs out at room temperature for extended periods of time. At room temperature the salmonella on the exterior egg shell is permitted to grow. As the number of bacteria increases it may increase the potential for contamination. The eggs were returned to refrigeration.
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
Do not reuse egg flats. Egg flats have been demonstrated to be contaminated with salmonella. The storage of foods on the egg flats may lead to the cross contamination of the food products with salmonella. The egg flats were discarded.
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.
31-5-204/05.11
Location Accessible
Do not store bags or take out items on or beside the hand sink. The hand sink must be readily accessible for hand washing. The sink was cleared during the inspection.
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
06-3-501.13
PHF's Properly Thawed
Shrimp were observed in a plastic bin thawing at room temperature. Shrimp should be thawed in the walk-in under refrigeration or within a clean pot under running water. The shrimp were placed in the walk-in.
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.