MEZCAL RESTAURANT & BAR

Facility has household insecticide in the facility. One can was observed stored on a shelf above soiled dishes and other cans were found in the dry storage area. [CA] Only those insecticides, rodenticides, and other pesticides that are necessary and specifically approved for use in a food facility may be used.

Raw chorizo was found stored above flautas in the walk in cooler. [CA] All food shall be separated and protected from cross-contamination. Store all raw meat or other raw products of animal origin below ready-to-eat food items.

Repeat Violation: Facility was found storing rice scoops in warm water at 88°F. [CA] Utensils shall be stored in the following manner: 1) in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container, 2) in running water, 3) in a container of water at 135°F or above, 4) at room temperature if washed within 4 hours of initial use.

Facility lacked testing materials for their choice of sanitizer at the bar three compartment sink, quaternary ammonia. [CA] Testing equipment and materials shall be provided to adequately measure the applicable sanitization method used during manual or mechanical warewashing.

Facility has a sticky fly trap in the kitchen area installed above food prep areas. [CA] Ensure to use approved pest control methods and equipment. ] Insect control devices that are used to electrocute or stun flying insects shall be designed to retain the insect within the device and be installed away from the storage and preparation of food or food contact surfaces and linens.

Per operator, they replaced the water heaters about a year ago. Observed two Navien instant water heaters 199,000 BTU/h. [CA] A person proposing to build or remodel a food facility shall submit plans and specifications for review and shall receive plan approval prior to starting any new construction or remodeling. Contact DEH at 408-918-3400 or at www.ehinfo.org to obtain plan check requirements. Submit plans for the water heaters within 2 weeks.

In the kitchen area, in front of the walk in cooler, the flooring is in disrepair. [CA] Ensure to maintain the floors, walls, and ceilings of the facility clean and in good repair.

Two amber colored glass bottles containing Purell were no labeled. [CA] Chemicals once removed from original container shall be labeled with common name.

In the two upright freezers raw foods were found stored above ready to eat foods. [CA] All food shall be separated and protected from cross-contamination. Store all raw meat or other raw products of animal origin below ready-to-eat food items.

Water pressure throughout the facility would drastically reduce when the dishwasher was operating. Note: Facility has two instant water heaters with one displaying it was in stand by mode. [CA] All plumbing and plumbing fixtures shall be installed in compliance with applicable local plumbing ordinances, shall be maintained so as to prevent any contamination, and shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair.

1. In the back of house area, on the wall where the mop sink faucet is attached, there is a hole in the wall. [CA] Ensure to maintain the floor, walls, and ceilings of the facility clean and in good repair. Repair the hole. 2. In the back of house area, at the storage area, there is a clutter of food equipment (spoons, ladles, pans) and food products (beverages, bulk items). [CA] Maintain the storage areas organized and clean. Ensure there is adequate space under storage racks, equipment, etc to facilitate proper cleaning.

In the back of house area, at the drain pipe of the prep sink, there is a water bottle affixed to the pipe to funnel drainage directly into the floor sink. [CA] Food preparation sink shall discharge liquid waste by means of indirect waste pipes into a floor sink or other approved type of receptor equipped with an air gap. Remove the water bottle and provide appropriate materials for plumbing equipment.

1. In the kitchen area, at the rice serving area next to the cookline, facility is using a pyramid shaped scoop without a handle. [CA] Use approved utensils such as scoops or spoons with handles to ensure hands do not come in direct contact with food. 2. Facility was found storing ice cream scoops and rice scoops in warm water 81°F. [CA] Utensils shall be stored in the following manner: 1) in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container, 2) in running water, 3) in a container of water at 135°F or above, 4) at room temperature if washed within 4 hours of initial use.

1. Small flies were found throughout the facility in the bar area, liquor storage area, ware wash area, and back storage area. [CA] Ensure to maintain the facility free of animals, pests, and vermin. Provide pest control measures as necessary. 2. Rodent droppings were found in cabinets of the bar area, under the ice machine, and under storage racks of the back storage area. [CA] Clean and sanitize area of droppings.

In the kitchen area, at the rice warmer next to the cook line, the middle portion of the rice measured between 109-115°F. Outer edges of the rice measured between 135-145°F. [CA] PHFs shall be held at 41°F or below or at 135°F or above. [SA] Staff agreed to place rice on TPHC. Note: Kitchen staff use a small pyramid shaped scoop without a handle to serve the rice. The scoop is stored in water (80°F) in between uses. Water from scoop/hands may have lowered temperature of rice.

1. In the kitchen area, on the interior upper plastic lip of the ice machine, a yellow mold-like substance was observed. No direct contamination of ice was observed at time of the inspection. [CA] Ensure to maintain the food contact surfaces of the ice machine clean to both sight and touch. Clean the ice machine. 2. Staff were observed wet stacking dishes. [CA] Equipment and utensils must be air dried or properly stored to facilitate drying after sanitizing.