Tropical Foods International
FAILWednesday, October 5, 2022 at 3:09 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-302.11-P
Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)
Observed employee cutting cooked packaged ham next to raw chicken. Discussed with PIC to maintain cooked and raw seperated. Corrected on site
Why This Matters
DIRECT CONTAMINATION PATH: Raw chicken contains Salmonella (23% of samples) and Campylobacter (71% of samples). One drop of raw chicken juice can contaminate entire shelf below. Results in 1-3 million US illnesses annually.
Code Requirements
REORGANIZE IMMEDIATELY - Top to bottom: Ready-to-eat foods, Fish/Seafood (145°F), Whole meat/pork (145°F), Ground meat (155°F), Poultry (165°F) on bottom. Use separate coolers if needed. Cover all foods. Train all staff on proper order.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)
PIC on site not monitoring the operation of handsinks in all departments. Hand sink in meat / butcher room not operating with constant water. Instructed PIC to contact licensed plumber for repairs and informed to maintain constant flow of water at all times. Also not monitoring the seperation of raw and cooked meat products being handled in raw meat room. Immediately discontinue practice
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002(D). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Observed heavy ice build up in mamitas ice cream chest and blood spills on meat shelves in the "pork"open air refrigerated unit. Clean to remove all ice and spills
Why This Matters
Improper equipment maintenance can harbor bacteria and contaminate food
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.005/5-202.12-PF
Handwashing Sinks Installation (Pf)
Observed handsink with no running water. Provide and maintain running water at least 100F at all times
Why This Matters
WITHOUT HOT WATER: Bacteria removal drops by 75%. Studies show proper handwashing with hot water and soap removes 99.9% of bacteria, while cold water only removes 25%. This dramatically increases risk of spreading E. coli, Salmonella, and Norovirus - responsible for 89% of foodborne illness outbreaks.
Code Requirements
Immediate action required: Provide hot water (100-120°F) at ALL handwashing sinks. Install water heater if needed. Temporary solution: heat water for handwashing until repairs complete. Staff must wash hands every 30 minutes, after touching face/hair, handling raw foods, using restroom.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)
Observed items stored in bare hand sink. Discussed with PIC to remove and maintain clear and accessible for handwashing only. Corrected on site
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)
Observed no hand soap at handsink. Provide and maintain at all times for proper handwashing
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)
Observed soiled wiping clothes stored on cutting boards. Remove and maintain all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution after each use
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.005/5-205.15-C
System Maintained in Good Repair (C)
Contact licensed plumber for all water repairs.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Outer Openings Protected (C)
Provide door sweeps on siding of doors @ loading dock to prevent pest entry
Why This Matters
PEST INVASION: Open doors allow entry of flies (carry 100+ pathogens), rodents (35+ diseases), and airborne contaminants. One fly can contaminate entire prep area in minutes, landing on 30+ surfaces spreading E. coli, Salmonella.
Code Requirements
Install self-closing devices on ALL exterior doors immediately. Doors must close completely within 3 seconds. No gaps over 1/4 inch. Consider air curtains for frequently used doors. Keep doors closed when not in active use.