TACO MEX
FAILTuesday, August 25, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Violations Cited
03-3-501.16
Hot Holding
Large pot of beef soup on table at 115 F. Hot foods should be held et 140F or above. Keep hot as discussed.Soup was out for two hours and then brought back up to temperature.
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
08-3-302.11/3-304.11
Separation Segregation Cross Contamination
Salmon and cod being -stored in the same container. Discontinue and store separately as discussed.
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.
M-3-603.11
Consumer Advisories
No disclosure or reminder Provide.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper management & personnel procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
35-6-501.111/.115
Insects Rodents Animals
Evidence of rodent activity in light panels. Call Pest Control Company A-S.A. P.
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
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12
Food Container Labels
Label all food products to identify product properly.
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
Keep all opened foods covered during storage. Do not store food products under unfinished ceilings.
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.
10-3-304.12
Food Utensil Storage
Spoons and spatulas being shred in stagnant water Discontinue and store as discussed.
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.
14-4-202.11
Food Contact Surfaces Design
Bowls being used as scoops. use scoops with handles.
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.
15-4-202.16
Non-Food Contact Surfaces
Flip top lid on freezer in basement is broken. Repair as needed
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.
23-4-602.13
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
Clear outside of all storage bins from visible soils. Clean inside of ail refrigeration units from old food soils
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
24-4-904.11AB
Improper Storage of Re-usable Utensils
Clean spoons and spatulas being stored in between pipes and wall. Store in a clean area .
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.
36-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Floors
Clean floors throughout kitchen from visible stains and soils especially under equipment
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
37-6-201.11
Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed
Back screen door is broken. Repair as needed.
Why This Matters
Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning
Code Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces; No holes or damage; Light-colored in food areas; Clean condition
37-6-201.11
Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed
Missing ceiling tiles in basement above food storage shelves. Replace.
Why This Matters
Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning
Code Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces; No holes or damage; Light-colored in food areas; Clean condition
37-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings
Clean walls in kitchen from all visible dirt dust and debris
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
42-6-501.113/.114
Premises Maintained
Keep back area clear from old beer cases and loose debris. Keep all personnel clothing out of the kitchen and stored in a segragated area.
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.