Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar

Observed container of bread sticks stored uncovered in reach in freezer near prep line.CA: Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination. PIC covered bread sticks with lid.

Observed exterior of equipment on prep line with an accumulation of grease buildup. CA: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. PIC will have equipment cleaned.

Observed large ice bin near the back of the main kitchen area with black build up. CA: Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned such as ice bins. PIC will have large ice bin near the back of the main kitchen area cleaned and sanitized.

Observed small ice bin in in front of main kitchen area with black build up. CA: Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned such as ice bins. PIC will have large ice bin near the back of the main kitchen area cleaned and sanitized. PIC will small ice bin in front of main kitchen area cleaned and sanitized.

Observed an employee eating in the main kitchen area. CA: Employees shall consume food only in approved designated areas separate from food preparation and serving areas, equipment or utensil areas and food storage areas. However, drinking from a single service beverage cup with a secure lid and straw that is handled to prevent contamination of the employee’s hands, the container, exposed food, clean equipment, utensils and linens, unwrapped single-service and single-use articles will be allowed. COS Employee went to the dinning room to finish eating.

Observed salad mix and breaded chicken not covered in the RIC near the food prep area. CA: Except as specified under paragraph 2. of this subsection and when cooling as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(e)2.(ii), storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination. COS PIC covered salad and breaded chicken.

Observed two white cutting boards on the prep top coolers that had deep cuts and did not look clean to sight. CA: Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. PIC will have cutting boards replaced with ones in good condition.

Observed the prep sink in the back of the main kitchen area with a leak on the faucet when the water was on. CA: A plumbing system shall be repaired according to law; P and maintained in good repair. PIC will have faucet repaired to where it does not leak.

Observed a scoop in the breading container not properly stored handle up. CA: In food that is not time/temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon. COS PIC removed scoop to wash, rinse, and sanitize.

Observed slaw, chicken, salmon and guacamole tempting above 41 degrees F. CA: Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control, time/temperature control for safety food shall be maintained at 41°F (5°C) or below. PIC moved slaw, chicken, salmon and guacamole to the middle area of the WIC to properly cool.

Observed black build up under lid in ice bin in the front area of the facility. CA: Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under subsection (7)(e) of this Rule, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: In equipment such as ice bins. COS PIC took lid off of ice bin and placed it in the dishwasher for cleaning. PIC will wipe under lid of ice bin in the front area of the facility and will drain, clean and sanitize ice bin at the end of night shift.

Observed a spray bottle that contained oil was not labeled. CA: Label information shall include the common name of the food, or if there is no common name, an adequately descriptive identity statemen. PIC will have employee to label spray bottle as oil.

Observed pico and diced cucumbers in RIC below prep top cooler not temping 41 degrees or below. CA: Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control, time/temperature control for safety food shall be maintained at 41°F (5°C) or below. COS PIC tossed pico and diced tomatoes that were in RIC below prep top cooler.

Observed black build up on lid of ice bin in front of main kitchen below the drink machine. CA: Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under subsection (7)(e) of this Rule, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: In equipment such as ice bins. COS PIC took lid off of ice bin and placed it in the dishwasher for cleaning.

Observed black build up in large ice machine in the back of the facility. CA: Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under subsection (7)(e) of this Rule, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: In equipment such as ice bins. COS PIC had an employee clean large ice machine in back of facility.

Observed a green cutting board in the back of the facility needing to be replaced due to it having deep cuts in it. CA: During preparation, unpackaged food shall be protected from environmental sources of contamination. PIC will have cutting board replaced with a new one in good condition.

Observed food service permit not properly posted in facility. CA: Post the permit in a location in the food service establishment that is conspicuous to consumers.PIC will have permit posted for consumer view.

Observed all 5 microwaves in the main kitchen not clean to sight. CA: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. COS PIC had an employee to clean all five microwaves in main kitchen area.

Observed vent hood in main kitchen area with grease build up. CA: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. PIC will have vent hood cleaned.

Observed grease build up on the cheese melter near grill area. CA: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. PIC will have cheese melter cleaned.

Observed black mold under lid in ice machine in front kitchen area under drink nozzle machine. PIC will clean and sanitize ice machine in front kitchen area under drink nozzle machine by today.

Observed blown light bulb in outside dry storage area. PIC will have until 06/28/2023 to have light bulb in outside dry storage area repaired.