Outback Steakhouse

Observed that many items were marked with 4 hour time stamps, however, the person in charge was unable to provide written policy/proceedure for using time as a public health control so it is unable to be verified that the plan was followed. Additionally, many of the time stamps only had a time on it and did not specify which time stamp was for which item. COS. Items to be discarded. CA: When using time as a public health control, written policies and procedures shall be prepared in advance, maintained in the establishment, and made available upon request; items shall be removed from holding at the correct temperature, shall be held for 4 hours or 6 based on maximum allowable temperature, and shall be disposed of at the end of the timeframe.

Observed heavy accumulation of mold/mildew-like substance on the lid of the ice bin for the drink machine and on the inside of the ice machine. CA: Food contact surfaces shall be clean to sight and touch.

Observed wet wiping cloths stored on the counter and observed wet wiping cloths stored in sanitizer solution that was not at the appropriate concentration. COS. Removed wet wiping cloths and new buckets were made. CA: Wet wiping cloths shall be stored in sanitizer solution at the appropriate concentration between uses.

Observed that the facility did not have the means to test their heat sanitizing dishmachines. CA: Facility shall have the means to test each type of sanitization method used in the facility.

Observed accumulation of debris on floors, walls, and ceilings. CA: Facility shall be thoroughly cleaned and cleaning frequency shall be enough to prevent accumulation of debris.

Observed employee belongings stored with and above food and food contact surfaces. COS. Removed. CA: Employee belongings and activities shall be in designated locations that prevent contamination of food and food contact surfaces.

Observed employee drinks stored in non-single-use cups and employee food that were stored with and above food and food-contact surfaces. COS. Drinks and food removed. CA: Drinks shall be in single-use cups with a lid and a straw and shall be handled to prevent contamination; shall be eaten and stored in a location that prevents contamination.

Observed employees wearing watches and bracelets while preparing and handling food. COS. Items removed. CA: With the exception of a plain band ring, no jewelry may be worn on the hands or wrists while preparing food to include medical information jewelry.

Observed wet wiping cloths stored on the counter. COS. Removed. CA: Wet wiping cloths shall be stored in sanitizer solution at the appropriate concentration between uses.

Observed accumulation of debris on the inside of equipment. CA: Equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned and cleaning frequency shall be enough to prevent accumulation.

Observed accumulation of debris on floors, walls, and ceilings. CA: Facility shall be thoroughly cleaned and cleaning frequency shall be enough to prevent accumulation of debris.

All food must be stored covered when not actively in use to protect from overhead contamination. Lemons/limes uncovered at rear drink station and salt uncovered on dry goods shelf. Covered items.

All of the facility must be cleaned often enough to keep debris/build up from forming. Additional cleaning is needed of ceiling and vents to remove dust build up and fan covers and floors in walk in cooler to remove build up.

Observed employee drinks stored in non-single-use cups that were stored with and above food and food-contact surfaces. COS. Drinks removed. CA: Drinks shall be in single-use cups with a lid and a straw and shall be handled to prevent contamination.

Observed employees wearing watches and bracelets while preparing and handling food. COS. Items removed. CA: With the exception of a plain band ring, no jewelry may be worn on the hands or wrists while preparing food to include medical information jewelry.

Observed wet wiping cloths stored on the counter. COS. Removed. CA: Wet wiping cloths shall be stored in sanitizer solution at the appropriate concentration between uses.

Observed that the weather stripping at the front door has started to wear down and there are now gaps between the doors. CA: Exterior openings shall be self-closing and tight-fitting.

Observed scoops without handles stored in the product and utensils stored in stagnant, room temperature water. COS. Removed. CA: In-use utensils shall be stored in hot (135 F) water, in running water, in the product with the handle above the level of the food, or on/in a clean surface/container.

Observed accumulation of debris under shelves. RCA: Sweep and mop all the way to the wall. CA: Facility shall be thoroughly cleaned and cleaning frequency shall be enough to prevent accumulation.