K08: Time as a public health control; procedures & recordsCriticalAt the front service line, numerous potentially hazardous foods subjected to time as a public health control were not time logged, including breaded chicken, grilled mushrooms, pastas, and baked zucchini.
[CA] When time only, rather than time and temperature is used as a public health control, PHFs shall be time marked to indicate when item is removed from temperature control, discarded if not consumed or served within 4 hours, and written procedures shall be readily available for review.
[COS] All items subject to TPHC properly time logged.
K09: Proper cooling methodsCriticalSalsa verde measured between 88F and 89F while maintained in the walk-in cooler in a deep container. Per staff, it had been cooked approximately two hours prior, and had been placed into the walk-in cooler to cool.
[CA] After heating or hot holding, Potentially Hazardous Foods (PHFs) shall be cooled rapidly from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours. Approved cooling methods include: 1) Placing the food in shallow pans 2) Separating the food into thinner or smaller portions. 3) Using rapid cooling equipment (Ex. blast chiller) 4) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer (ex. stainless steel) 5) Adding ice as an ingredient. 6) Using ice paddles 7) Using an ice bath and stirring frequently 8) Accordance with a HACCP plan. Cooling foods shall have enough space around the containers for cold air to circulate, be loosely covered, or uncovered and stirred as frequently needed to evenly cool.
[COS] Salsa verde reheated to 196F. Staff restarted the cooling process.
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Minor violation:
Broth measured 129F while maintained on the right-side drainboard of the prep sink. Per staff, broth had been cooked less than 30 minutes prior.
[CA] See cooling requirements above.
K01: Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certificationOne employee present lacks a valid food handler card.
[CA] Each food handler shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of his or her employment as food handler. A valid food handler card shall be provided within 30 days of after the date of hire.
K21: Hot and cold water availableCriticalWater measured at 78F from all hand sinks, the prep sink, and the three compartment sink. Per staff, the gas water heater was replaced with an electric water heater mid-way through last year.
*Note: Facility has replaced the water heater without approval from this Department. See K48m.
[CA] Hot water shall be supplied at a minimum temperature of at least 120°F measured from the faucet throughout facility except at handwash sinks.
[COS] Plumber arrived on-site and turned down the mixing valve in the water line leading to the kitchen. Water remeasured at 114F from all sinks throughout the facility.
K48: Plan reviewPer staff, the water heater was replaced midway through last year (2025). Staff states that the previous gas water heater was replaced with an electric water heater. Per facilities, they obtained a permit from the city but did not inform this Department.
[CA] Facility shall submit photos and specs for the new electric water heater to DEH Plan Check at dehplancheck@deh.sccgov.org
K07: Proper hot and cold holding temperaturesCriticalPasta measured between 110F and 112F while maintained in an uncovered container in the upright, clear-door warmer.
[CA] Potentially hazardous foods shall be held at 41F or below, or at 135F or above to prevent the growth of bacteria.
[COS] Pasta served or discarded by the end of lunch.
*Note: Recommend maintaining pasta covered if that allows it to maintain at 135F or above.
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Minor violation:
Numerous potentially hazardous foods in the walk-in cooler measured between 43F and 44F, including salsa, tofu, ham, and raw beef. Ambient of the walk-in cooler measured 45F via probe. After leaving the door closed for 45 minutes, ambient measured 41F.
[CA] Potentially hazardous foods shall be held at 41F or below, or at 135F or above to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Refrigeration shall be capable of maintaining at 41F or below at all times of operation.
K04: Proper eating, tasting, drinking, tobacco useEmployee observed eating in the kitchen area.
[CA] No employee shall eat in the food prep, food contact storage, or food storage areas, use designated area. Employees shall drink from containers with tight fitting lids and straws to prevent contamination.
K14: Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized1. Accumulation of brown, mold-like substance on the interior panel of the ice machine. No direct contamination observed.
[CA] Food contact surfaces shall be maintained clean. Ensure to clean regularly to prevent buildup.
2. High temperature sanitizing rinse in the mechanical dishwasher measured at 153F during active warewashing.
*Note: Ensure that mechanical dishwasher is run several times prior to use, as the machine may require some time to heat up to the required utensil surface contact temperature.
[CA] Mechanical sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by achieving a utensil surface temperature of 160°F (or manufacturer's instruction).
3. Cleaned, wet containers observed stacked up in a way that does not facilitate air drying on storage racks.
[CA] Equipment and utensils must be air dried or properly stored to facilitate drying after sanitizing.