TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE

Observed employee nondisposable water bottles in kitchen prep 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: PIC moved water bottles to employee locker area.

Observed TCS sauce held past 7 days in prep top cooler and multiple TCS sauces held in cooler overnight without dates. CA: Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and held in a food establishment for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded. COS: PIC discarded sauces.

Observed multiple employees wearing bracelets while handling food. CA: 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: Employees removed bracelets.

Observed single use items stored right-side up and uncovered, exposed to contamination. CA: Single-service and single-use articles shall be stored as specified under paragraph 1 of this subsection and shall be kept in the original protective package or stored by using other means that afford protection from contamination until used. COS: PIC inverted single use items.

observed sanitizer bucket set on prep counter beside ice bin and blenders. CA: Discussed keeping sanitizer bucket below prep table with pic. COS: pic removed sanitizer bucket and will store in approved location away from food and food storage containers.

observed food thawing at room temperature. CA: Discussed thawing procedures with pic. COS: pic will thaw food in cooler and will keep frozen foods frozen (do not re-freeze)

Observed single use items (cups and lids) stored under sink and buckets on floor at 3 compartment sinks. CA: Discussed storage of cups and lids in a clean and dry location. COS: pic moved cups to dry location for storage and buckets will moved to shelf.

Observed paper and cardboard used for lining shelving and under food product. CA: discussed approved cleanable pans for shelving and under food products with pic.

Observed PIC failing to execute responsibilities to ensure safety of food by controlling risk factors and following food safety guidelines. Risk factors out of compliance including when to wash hands, improper use of handwashing sink, improper date marking, personal drinks, improper disposition of commercially expired foods, and personal cleanliness. Corrective Action: Discussed risk factors and responsibilities of the PIC. The PIC must have knowledge and be able to demonstrate they are properly trained to prepare and handle food safely. The permit holder/CFSM must designate PIC for this kitchen and he/she must be able to demonstrate knowledge of all risk factors for foodborne illness and following food safety guidelines as stated in the Rules and Regulations for Food Service Chapter 511-6-1.

CFSM failed his/her responsibility to provide sufficient knowledge to all employees who prepare, handle, or have responsibilities for handling food. Corrective Action: CFSM made aware of all at risk items and the responsibilities of the CFSM. CFSM will correct all at risk items and retrain all food service employees.

Observed unapproved, employee drink without lids and straws stored in kitchen area during inspection (water bottle). Corrective Action: PIC was notified. All unapproved drinks were removed from kitchen. Employees were educated on proper use and storage of personal drinks

Observed abrasive pads and dish brushes stored in handwashing sink. Per discussion with PIC, this is used to clean blender containers. Corrective Action: Discussed proper operation and maintenance of handwashing sink with PIC. Handwashing sinks may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. PIC removed abrasive pads and dish brushes.

Observed multiple potentially hazardous TCS foods (various soft cheeses) date marked for greater than 7 days in prep top cooler. Corrective Action: Discussed proper date-marking procedures for TCS foods, including dairy, with PIC. PIC designated employee to correct date marking on food items with incorrect date and updated computer system.

Observed potentially hazardous commercially packaged TCS foods (white American cheese, egg crumbles) without date marking label. Per PIC, these food items were opened the night before. Observed potentially hazardous commercially packaged TCS food (feta cheese) without date marking label in walk-in cooler. Corrective Action: Discussed date marking requirements with PIC. PIC labeled the white american cheese and egg crumbles with proper date marking. PIC discarded package of feta cheese. All food service employees must be re-trained on date marking.

Observed multiple TCS food items labeled "keep refrigerated" not discarded as per manufacturer's expiration date or sell-by date. (commercially packaged cooked chicken 7/31/2024, tropical harmony juice 2/1/25, peanut thai peanut sauce - 1/1/25) Corrective Action: Discussed following manufacturing expiration and sell-by dates with PIC. All food items past their manufacturer's expiration date were discarded.

Obseved in-use utensil (stainless steel scoop) stored with handle in direct contact with whey protein powder in large storage container. Corrective Action: PIC was notified and used gloved hand to remove scoop. Scoop will be washed, rinse and sanitized.

Observed single-use articles (plastic foam cups, silverware) being re-used in facility. Styrofoam cup were observed being used to hold powders in front food service area. Plastic utensil observed in yogurt in prep-top cooler. Corrective Action: Discussed using approved utensils and equipment for storage of food items with PIC. Single-use items should are intended for single-use only and should not be reused. PIC discarded plastic utensil. PIC will replace/remove styrofoam cups with approved equipment.

Observed hole cut in wall with hanging exposed wire behind prep-top cooler and bread rack in main kitchen. PIC was unsure of the purpose of the wire. Corrective Action: Discussed having exposed wire/outlet serviced or covered by licensed electrician with PIC. PIC will notify owner/CFSM. This will be rechecked by the Health Department in one week.

Observed unapproved, employee drinks without lids and straws stored in kitchen area during inspection (water and gatorade bottles). Corrective Action: PIC was notified. All unapproved drinks were discarded. Employees were educated on proper use and storage of personal drinks

Observed vegetable/fruit chopper stored on clean dish rack with heavy dried food debris. Corrective Action: PIC was notified and confirmed food chopper had not been used since the previous day. It was taken to the dishwashing area to be properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized. Employees were instructed to do this before and after each use.

Observed improper cold holding of potentially hazardous, TCS foods above 41 degrees. Multiple TCS foods held above 41 degrees at front-line prep top cooler. Grilled Chicken- 45 degrees, Sliced Turkey- 44, Sliced Tomatoes- 44, Pepper Jack Cheese- 44, Hummus- 44, Ranch Dressing- 46, and Egg omelet- 44 degrees on prep top cooler. Sweet Potatoes- 45 degrees, Corn mix- 46 degrees, and Grilled Chicken- 45 degrees in reach in cooler. Corrective Action: PIC was notified. All TCS foods were either discarded or relocated to approved coolers based on time prepared. Licensed professional will be contacted for service and repairs to cooler. PIC was notified not to use this cooler for TCS foods until rechecked by health department to ensure operation at 41 degrees or below.