Metro Diner - Athens, GA

Food worker wearing wristwatch while prepping food. Food worker removed watch.

Observed multiple time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods held above 41F in make table & ice baths. CA: All TCS foods must be held at 41F or below for cold holding. Establishment will begin using a 4-hour time hold on all ice baths (for butter & waffle/pancake batter) moving forward. PIC called for service on make table during inspection. NO TCS foods will be stored in make table until it is repaired.

Observed dirty knife stored in kitchen hand sink. Corrective action (CA): Hand sinks are to be used for hand washing only & remain clear and unblocked at all times. Person in charge (PIC) removed knife.

Hand sink in back of kitchen out of soap. CA: Hand sinks must be supplied with soap at all times. PIC supplied hand sink with soap.

Observed mold like substance buildup in bulk ice machine. CA: Clean ice machine frequently enough to preclude growth.

Expired chocolate milk (expiration date 02/13/2026) held in server prep cooler. PIC discarded milk.

Observed scoop handle touching food in bulk sugar container. PIC removed scoop from bulk sugar.

Observed single-use plates stored on floor in dry storage area. PIC moved plates onto shelf.

Observed make table unable to cold hold at 41F or below.

Observed batter in ice baths beside grill, and multiple time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods help about 41 F in reach in cooler (RIC). CA: All TCS food must be help at 41 F or below for cold holding. COS: Batter in ice baths was discarded, and time (4-hour time hold) will be used temporarily until another solution or new equipment is acquired. All out of temperature TCS foods in RIC were discarded and maintenance was ordered on cooler. REPEAT

Observed multiple wet cloths not stored in sanitizer buckets throughout establishment. COS: Person in charge (PIC) moved wet cloths to sanitizer buckets.

Observed multiple plastic and metal bins stacked wet in ware washing area. Allow to completely air dry before stacking. Observed several stacks of plates and bowls not covered or inverted. Invert plates and bowls or cover with dummy plates. REPEAT

RIC unable to maintain TSC foods at 41 F or below; Not in good repair. Do not utilize cooler for TCS food cold holding until it has been repaired and checked by health department.

Observed utensil handles and spatulas chipping or in poor condition. COS: PIC discarded all utensils in poor condition.

Observed multiple time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods held above 41 F in make table, chef base, and batter cold wells. CAL All TCS foods shall be held at 41 F or below for cold holding. COS: Person in charge (PIC) discarded all out of temperature foods and advised not to use make table until it was repaired.

Observed food debris in drain, and food build up in handwash sink in kitchen. CA: Handwashing sinks shall be used for no other purpose other than handwashing.

Observed sanitizer bucket at too low concentration in use (0ppm). Sanitizer shall be maintained at the concentration specified by the manufacturer.

Observed multiple plastic and metal bins stacked wet in ware washing area.

Make table in kitchen unable to maintain TCS foods at 41 F. All equipment for cold holding TCS foods shall be in good repair.

Observed mold like build up on multiple bottles of sauce and on shelving unit in dry storage.

Observed mold buildup in bulk ice machine. Corrective action (CA): Clean and sanitize thoroughly enough to preclude mold growth.

Observed two cartons of milk in coffee prep cooler held beyond expiration date (1/7 and 1/16). CA: Person in charge (PIC) discarded milks.

Observed time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods held above 41F in egg cooler and on counter. CA: TCS foods shall be maintained at 41F or below in cold holding. Items discarded. Do not double pan items in egg cooler.

Observed opened employee drink bottles stored on bread shelf in back. Observed drink without lid or straw stored above 3-compartment sink. Observed employee drinking from a cup without a straw in back prep area. Corrective action (CA): Employee drinks at work stations shall be in single-use cups with lids and straws, & stored in a manner that doesn't pose a risk of contamination to food, equipment, etc. Drinks removed.

Observed metal and plastic pans stacked wet on clean utensil shelf. Allow to airdry completely before stacking.