Observed potentially hazardous TCS foods (American cheese - 44, Swiss cheese - 43, provolone cheese - 43) cold-holding at a temperature greater than 41 deg F in left grill drawer at front grill area. This unit was recently unable to maintain temperature on right side; therefore, PIC has been using a pan of ice on right side of unit.
Corrective Action: Discussed proper cold-holding temperatures and monitoring cooler performance with PIC. The cheeses were found to be less than 2 hours old and were brought to walk-in cooler to rapidly cool back down to 41 deg F or below. Ready-to-eat TCS foods will be stored in ice bath for grill line, including cut lettuce, cheese, and sliced tomatoes. PIC can temporarily store hamburger patties under grill with ice as long as proper cold-holding temperatures can be maintained (41 deg F or below.) PIC will have unit serviced by a licensed cooler technician within one week to ensure all drawers can maintain proper cold-holding temperatures during regular and peak use. The grill drawers must be rechecked by the Health Department prior to resuming regular use. Please contact the Health Department at (706)295-6316 to have cooler rechecked.
Observed potentially hazardous TCS foods (shredded cheese - 45 F, buttermilk - 45 F, diced potatoes - 43 F, French toast batter - 45 F, milk - 44 F) cold-holding at a temperature greater than 41 deg F in tall 2-door reach in cooler in main kitchen prep area. Multiple ambient thermometers inside the unit were reading greater than 45 deg F.
Corrective Action: Discussed proper cold-holding temperatures and monitoring cooler with PIC. Because it was unclear when these items were placed in the cooler, all TCS foods were discarded if found to be at a temperature greater than 41 deg F. The cooler was placed out of service and will be serviced by a licensed cooler technician to ensure the cooler can maintain proper cold-holding temperatures during regular and peak use. The cooler must be rechecked by the Health Department prior to resuming regular use. Please contact the Health Department at (706)295-6316 to have cooler rechecked. PIC also stated the AC has not been turned on in this area of the kitchen and area was observed to be warmer during inspection. PIC will also contact facilities to have AC turned on in all areas of kitchen to improve cooler performance.
Observed potentially hazardous TCS foods (yogurt - 45, cut melon - 45, pudding - 45) cold-holding at a temperature greater than 41 deg F in patient line reach-in cooler (#3) in main kitchen patient line. No ambient thermometer was observed inside the unit and digital thermometer read 45 deg F on exterior.
Corrective Action: Discussed proper cold-holding temperatures and monitoring cooler with PIC. PIC stated the cooler was loaded less than 2 hours prior; therefore, all trays were moved to the walk-in cooler to rapidly cool to 41 deg F or below. The cooler was placed out of service and will be serviced by a licensed cooler technician. Please contact the Health Department at (706)295-6316 to have cooler rechecked prior to use.