RED PEPPER TAQUERIA

Observed employee using the bar handwashing sink to wash items taken from the dish machine.

CA: (o) Using a Handwashing Sink.

1. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Pf

2. A handwashing facility may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Pf

3. An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Pf

COS:Employee discontinued washing items in the handwashing sink and washed items in the three-compartment bar sink.

Observed multiple TCS foods in multiple coolers tightly covered while actively cooling during the time of inspection.

CA: e) Cooling Methods.

1. Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(d) by using one or more of the following methods depending on the type of food being cooled:

(i) Placing the food in shallow pans; Pf

(ii) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions; Pf

(iii) Using rapid cooling equipment; Pf

(iv) Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath; Pf

(v) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; Pf

(vi) Adding ice as an ingredient; Pf or

(vii) Other effective methods. Pf

2. When placed in cooling or cold holding equipment, food containers in which food is being cooled shall be:

(i) Arranged in the equipment to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls; and

(ii) Loosely covered, or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination during the cooling period to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the food.

COS: PIC removed covers from TCS foods to allow proper cooling.

Observed a bottle of glass cleaner blocking hand sink at bar area.

CA:(o) Using a Handwashing Sink.

1. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Pf

2. A handwashing facility may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Pf

3. An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Pf

Advised PIC that hand sink must be free from obstruction at all time.

Inspection report was not posted during time of inspection.

CA:1. The most current inspection report shall be prominently displayed in public view at all times, within fifteen feet of the front or primary public door and between five feet and seven feet from the floor and in an area where it can be read at a distance of one foot away.

COS: PIC placed current inspection report up for public view.

CA: Food employees shall clean their hands after engaging in activities that contaminate their hands. During the inspection, it was observed that an employee sanitized a knife and then began cooking food without washing their hands. COS: Employee removed gloves, then properly washed hands.

CA: Employees shall consume food only in approved designated areas separate from prep area. Employees shall use a single service beverage cup with a secure lid and straw that to prevent contamination. Upon arrival, observed an employee's coffee cup and a cup with water located next to a container of pooled eggs and a bag of peeled garlic. Observed a cup with orange liquid inside it stored in front of tostados and tortilla strips. Observed a reusable cup stored at the hand sink next to the warming cabinet.COS: Cups removed.

CA: A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use.

Handwashing sinks were observed to be obstructed by various items: A hand sink located next to the prep top cooler was blocked by two trash cans. A hand sink next to the warming cabinets was blocked by a plastic container placed inside the sink. Another hand sink next to the warming cabinets was obstructed by a trash can. COS:PIC immediately remove all items obstructing the handwashing sinks.

CA: When placed in cooling or cold holding equipment, food containers in which food is being cooled shall be: Loosely covered, or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination during the cooling period to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the food.

Multiple TCS foods were observed tightly covered while cooling.

COS: PIC instructed employees were instructed to loosely cover or uncover the TCS foods to allow for proper cooling.

Provided Just Cool It(Spanish) Poster.

CA: The only acceptable jewelry is 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.

An employee was observed wearing a watch while cooking food. Another employee was observed wearing bracelets while prepping food. COS: PIC instructed both employees were instructed to remove their jewelry immediately.

CA: Employees preparing or handling food shall use effective and clean, disposable or easily cleanable nets or other hair restraints approved by the Health Authority, worn properly to restrain loose hair including beards and mustaches longer than one half inch. Two employees were observed not wearing hair restraints while handling food. COS: Employees donned hair nets.