APPLEBEE'S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL & BAR

Observed tortilla chips stored in unclean plastic bins. CA: Food shall be protected from contamination that may result from a factor or source not specified under paragraphs.

Observed grease and food debris accumulated on kitchen floor. Observed several hinges of reach in cooler unclean to sight & down. CA: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.

Observed a leak at the rinse compartment of the three-compartment sink located in the bar area. The General Manager (GM) stated that a remodel is planned for the end of the month and the sink is expected to be replaced at that time. Observed a leak was observed at the dump sink near the dishwasher area. According to the GM, a plumber had recently initiated repairs but will need to return to complete the work. CA: A plumbing system shall be repaired according to law and maintained in good repair.

Observed both the exterior and interior surfaces of the cold holding units, including handles, to be visibly soiled and unclean to the touch. The interior of Microwave #6 was also visibly soiled and unclean to the touch. Additionally, plastic containers used to store tortilla chips were found to be stored in an unsanitary condition, unclean to both sight and touch.

CA: No food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

Observed the employee use a thermometer to temperature check different types of cooked meats and not sanitizing the thermometer before and after doing so. Therefore, equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned: Before using or storing a food temperature measuring device.

COS: PIC brought alcohol wipes to be used for sanitization.

Observed turkey sausage thawing in the sink in stagnant water. Food shall be thawed completely submerged under running water. COS: The water was turned on.

Observed a food handling employee wear an Apple watch. Except for a plain ring such as a wedding band food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands while preparing food.

COS: The employee removed the watch.

Observed a metal cup with utensils sitting in still water at the bar. During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored in a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F (57°C) and the container is cleaned at a frequency specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(7)(b)3(vi).

Observed unclean floors and walls in the main kitchen as well as bar. Thus, the physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products.

Observed multiple time-temperature and control for safety (TCS) foods not cold holding at 41F or below at the time of the inspection. Observed cooked penne noodles, cooked fettuccine noodles, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, salsa, and spinach dip not cold holding at 41F or below at the time of the inspection. Ca: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding. 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). COS food handler puts TCS foods of ice to cool more rapidly.

Observed high temp dish machine not reaching 160F at the time of the inspection. Ca: Hot water mechanical operations by being cycled through equipment that is set up as specified under subsections (6)(e), (l), and (m) of this Rule and achieving a utensil surface temperature of 160ºF (71ºC) as measured by an irreversible registering temperature indicator. Facility shall not utilize dish machine until repairs are rendered and the dish machine reaches 160F.

Observed food handler fill a container with water at the hand sink.

Observed multiple TCS foods being stored uncovered inside the prep top coolers, Traulsen reach in freezer and steam well. Observed shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, cheese sauce, alfredo sauce, cooked diced chicken, corn salsa, sour cream, spinach dip and cole slaw being stored uncovered at the prep top coolers. PIC indicated metal lids are in disrepair. Observed cooked chicken wings and bread sticks being stored in Traulsen reach in freezer uncovered at the time of the inspection. Observed French onion soup being stored at the steam well uncovered. Advised PIC that all foods must be stored covered except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination.

Upon arrival observed cell phone laying on top of cutting board at prep station. COS PIC removed cellphone and washed, rinsed and sanitized cutting board.

Observed approximately 6 knives for use being stored underneath countertop on unclean surface.

Observed the ice machine unclean to sight and touch with a thick substance. Advised PIC to burn ice then wash, rinse and sanitize ice machine immediately before use.

Observed line cooks wearing wrist jewelry at the time of the inspection. Line cooks are actively handling TCS foods while wearing wrist jewelry. Advised PIC that food handlers shall not wear hand or wrist jewelry when handling food. COS food handler removes wrist jewelry when asked.

The gaskets on all cold holding units in the kitchen are unclean to sight and touch with grease build up and wasted food. Wipe down the gaskets to remove the build up. Observed exterior of cold/hot holding units including their handles unclean to sight and touch with food debris and a black substance. Advised PIC to clean col/hot holding units clean as soon as possible.

Observed floors in walk in freezer unclean to sight and touch with food spillage and debris. Advised PIC to clean floors by close of business today.

Observed shelving throughout kitchen unclean to sight and touch with debris and rust. Advised PIC to clean the shelving as soon as possible.

Observed rolling carts unclean to sight with a black substance and debris.