Thornton's Restaurant
PASS W/ CONDITIONSFriday, April 11, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Violations Cited
03-3-501.14
Cooling
Cooked sausage links stacked in small pan sitting at room temp.Upon arrival product covered and placed in refridge at 82F.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
03-3-501.16
Hot Holding
Cooked potato(homefry) in steam table at 100F.Marinara sauce in steam table at 95F and sausage links at 96F.
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
03-3-501.16(A)
Cold Holding
Tuna in 2 door prep refridge at 57F.Chicken salad at 57F.American cheese propped on top of inserts at 63F.
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
Raw shelled eggs stored over RTE foods in WALK-in.
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.
12-2-301.12-.15
Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How
Staff observed wiping hands on aprons in kitchen.Staff observed cleaning countertops but not washing hands after nor changing gloves between tasks.Dishwasher observed handling both dirty andcleaned/sanitized dishes without performing handwashing in between.
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.
12-2-401.11-.12
Good Hygienic Practices
Evidence of smoking in office in establishment.Discontinue practice.(ashtray with used cigarette butt in tray).
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
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
Handsink blocked with storage in front.Remove all items.Visible moldy plastic tubing draining into handsink.Remove.
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
41-7-201/04.11
Separation/Sanitizer Criteria
3 in one oil and Solarcaine stored over slicer.Oil reads combustible harmful or fatal if swallowed.Bleach detergent and lysol products stored together with food.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
41-7-207-09.11
Medicines FirstAid Storage
DayQuil stored on prep shelving over reach-in refridge and together with food.Bandaides stored over prep table and together with food.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food storage procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
M-2-103.11
PIC Performing Duties
PIC at time of inspection not ensuring safe food principles/practices as evident by violations cited as well as having very limited knowledge of time/temperature requirements Employee illness policy.
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
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12
Food Container Labels
Unlabeled container(oil or degreaser?).
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.
04-3-501.15/4-301.11
Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods
2 door cold food refridge at 50F.2 door reach-in(salad) prep refridge at 50F.
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
Uncovered food products in freezer.Condiment/spice storage containers are visibly greasy and soiled.Uncovered customer ice in front service 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.
14-4-202.11
Food Contact Surfaces Design
Interior and exterior of unit is both rusted(exterior) and filthy(interior/exterior).Worn scorred and discolored cutting boards.Replace.
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
Use of cardboard and tin foil to line shelving.Remove.Exterior of microwave tops dirty.Interiot of 2 door upright freezer is filthy.Interior of 2 door salad refridge is filthy.Storage containers on shelving in kitchen are filthy.Portable air fan is filthy.
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
24-4-903.11
Clean Equipment & Utensils Storage
Customer water carafes stored adjacent to handsink in service area(no space or splashgaurd provided.
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.
29-5-201/02.11
Installed and Maintained
Moldy plastic tubing for A/C unit draining into handsink.Remove.Bucket of stagnant water sitting under handsink with visible fungus in water(leaking?).Uncapped pipes by Walk-in.Broken uncapped pipes under handsink in front service 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.
32-6-301.11-02.11
Hand Cleaner Drying Tissue Signage
No paper towels at handsink in front service area.
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.
34-5-501.111/.115
Outside Storage Improperly Maintained
Lids to waste receptacles open.
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
Floors under equipment are filthy.No cover to floor drain by kitchen entrance.
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
Unfinished walls. Construction taking place during business hrs. of restaurant with no physical barrier between to prevent contamination to food.Worn kitchen doors.Resurface.Light fixtures greasy/dusty in DR.Ceiling tiles missing in kitchen.Sprinkled head covers missing at various points throughout establishment.
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
Light fixtures in kitchen over hot line filthy.Walls throughout kitchen are splattered with food.Worn reach through surface area's walls and shelving in kitchen.Clean and resurface.
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
38-6-303.11
Inadequate Lighting
No light in 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.
42-6-501.113/.114
Premises Maintained
Construction materials in DR.
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.