EL SABOR DE MERCEDES

FOUND A SAC OF ONIONS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. [CA] STORE FOOD 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.

FOUND THE MOP INSIDE THE MOP BUCKET. [CA] HANG THE MOP TO AIR DRY.

FOUND A WIPING CLOTH ON THE FOOD PREP TABLE NEXT TO THE MICROWAVE. [CA] STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION WHILE NOT IN USE.

FOUND AN EMPLOYEE RINSING THE TONGS AT THE HAND WASH SINK IN THE FRONT COOKING AREA. [CA] DO NOT USE THE HAND WASH SINK TO RINSE ANY EQUIPMENT.

THE RIGHT SIDE SLIDING DOOR FOR THE REFRIGERATOR AT THE FRONT SERVICE AREA IS VERY HARD TO OPEN AND CLOSE. [CA] REPAIR DOOR.

Ice bath is used for cooling yet PHF is placed in deep containers and not fully submerged in ice. [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.

Open employee beverage found on food preparation table. [CA] No employee shall eat or drink in the food prep, food contact storage, or food storage areas, use designated area.

Frozen beef found thawing at ambient temperature (preparation table). [CA] Frozen potentially hazardous food shall only be thawed in one of the following ways: 1) under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F or below, 2) completely submerged under potable running water for a period not to exceed two hours at a water temperature of 70°F or below, and with sufficient water velocity to agitate and flush off loose particles into the sink drain, 3) in a microwave oven if immediately followed by immediate preparation, 4) as part of a cooking process.

Clean utensils found stored on preparation table with used dishware.