Taqueria/BP Alpharetta, Inc

Observed several TCS foods stored in a prep top cooler with internal temps above 41F. (CA) Advised the PIC that TCS foods must be kept at 41F or lower. 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) or below

Observed that the CFSM certificate has expired. (CA) Advised the PIC that the CFSM must renew their certificate within the next ten days. A CFSM certificate which has expired, been revoked or suspended shall not be posted in the food service establishment.

Observed that CFSM cert had expired on 04/23/25. 2. A CFSM certificate which has expired, been revoked or suspended shall not be posted in the food service establishment.

3. All licenses, certificates, diplomas, or other similar credentials issued or granted to an owner or operator who has successfully completed an approved or accredited food safety certification course and exam shall expire on the expiration date determined by the credentialing organization. Within ninety days of the expiration of the CFSM certificate, the CFSM shall enroll in an approved food safety training course, pass an approved exam and obtain a new certificate. PIC will renew his CFSM cert.

Observed several containers of salsa that were prepared on Monday and Tuesday that were not date marked on the day of preparation.

1. Except when packaging food using a reduced oxygen packaging method, and except as specified in paragraphs 5 and 6 of this subsection, 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, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. Pf

2. Except as specified in paragraphs 5 through 7 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and packaged by a food processing plant shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a food service establishment and if the food is held for more than 24 hours, to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days after the original container is opened. The day the original container is opened in the food service establishment shall be counted as Day 1, except, the day or date marked by the food service establishment may not exceed a manufacturer’s use by date if the manufacturer determined the use-by date based on food safety; Pf

3. A refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food ingredient or a portion of a refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is subsequently combined with additional ingredients or portions of food shall retain the date marking of the earliest-prepared or first-prepared ingredient. Pf

4. A date marking system that meets the criteria stated in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection may include:

(i) Using a method approved by the Health Authority for refrigerated, ready-to-eat time / temperature control for safety food that is frequently rewrapped, such as lunchmeat or a roast, or for which date marking is impractical, such as soft serve mix or milk in a dispensing machine;

(ii) Marking the date or day of preparation, with a procedure to discard the food on or before the last date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded;

(iii) Marking the date or day the original container is opened in a food service establishment, with a procedure to discard the food on or before the last date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded; or

(iv) Using calendar dates, days of the week, color-coded marks, or other effective marking methods, provided that the marking system is disclosed to the Health Authority upon request.

5. The requirements in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection do not apply to individual meal portions served or repackaged for sale from a bulk container upon a consumer’s request.

6. The requirements in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection do not apply to shellstock.

7. The requirement in paragraph 2 of this subsection does not apply to the following foods prepared and packaged by a food processing plant inspected by a Health Authority:

(i) Deli salads, such as ham salad, seafood salad, chicken salad, egg salad, pasta salad, potato salad, and macaroni salad, manufactured in accordance with 21 CFR 117 Current good manufacturing practice in manufacturing, packing, or holding human food;

(ii) Hard cheeses containing not more than 39% moisture as defined in 21 CFR 133 Cheeses and related cheese products, such as cheddar, gruyere, parmesan and reggiano, and romano;

(iii) Semi-soft cheeses containing more than 39% moisture, but not more than 50% moisture, as defined in 21 CFR 133 Cheeses and related cheese products, such as blue, edam, gorgonzola, gouda, and monterey jack;

(iv) Cultured dairy products as defined in 21 CFR 131 Milk and cream, such as yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk;

(v) Preserved fish products, such as pickled herring and dried or salted cod, and other acidified fish products defined in 21 CFR 114 Acidified foods;

(vi) Shelf stable, dry fermented sausages, such as pepperoni and Genoa salami; and

(vii) Shelf stable salt-cured products, such as prosciutto and Parma ham.

PIC will ensure that date marking is being done on a regular basis. Literature provided.

Observed onions and frying oil stored on the wet floor in the main kitchen. EHS also observed meat stored on the floor of the walk in freezer.

1. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection, food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food:

(i) In a clean, dry location;

(ii) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and

(iii) At least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor.

PIC will move all mentioned items off of the floor to prevent contamination.

Observed the permit from 2019 posted in the facility. EHS also observed that the facility is updated on their payments.

1. Post the permit in a location in the food service establishment that is conspicuous to consumers

PIC will retrieve their permit from the north environmental health office at 3155 Royal Dr., STE 150, Alpharetta, Ga

Observed an ambient and TCS temp above 41 F. See temp log for readings.

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) or below or 135°F (57°C) or above, except that roasts cooked to a temperature and for a time specified in subsection (5)(a)2 of this Rule and reheated using the same temperature and time conditions as cooking may be held at a temperature of 130°F (54°C) or above. P

PIC will discard the TCS items in this fridge.

Observed no vomit procedure or kit upon request.

A food establishment shall have procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events that involve the discharge of vomitus or fecal matter onto surfaces in the food service establishment. The procedures shall address the specific actions employees must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter. Pf

EHS provided the vomit procedure.

Observed that the report from 10/08/24 was not posted in the facilty.

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.

PIC will post the most recent score report in the facility.

Observed cardboard being reused again.

1. Single-service and single-use articles may not be reused.

PIC will ensure that all single use items are disposed of after being used.

Observed no chlorine test strips again. Concentration of the sanitizing solution shall be accurately determined by using a test kit or other device. Pf. PIC will acquire chlorine test strips to measure sanitizer concentration.

Observed no employee health forms upon request.

The permit holder shall require food employees and conditional employees to report to the CFSM and person in charge, information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. A food employee or conditional employee shall report the information in a manner that allows the CFSM and person in charge to reduce the risk of foodborne disease transmission, including providing necessary additional information, such as the date of onset of symptoms and an illness, or of a diagnosis without symptoms, if the food employee or conditional employee:

1. Has any of the following symptoms:

(i) Vomiting, P

(ii) Diarrhea, P

(iii) Jaundice, P

(iv) Sore throat with fever, P or

(v) A lesion containing pus such as a boil or infected wound that is open or draining and is:

(I) On the hands or wrists, unless an impermeable cover such as a finger cot or stall protects the lesion and a single-use glove is worn over the impermeable cover, P

(II) On exposed portions of the arms, unless the lesion is protected by an impermeable cover, P or

(III) On other parts of the body, unless the lesion is covered by a dry, durable, tight-fitting bandage; P

2. Has an illness diagnosed by a health practitioner due to:

(i) Norovirus, P

(ii) Hepatitis A virus, P

(iii) Shigella spp., P

(iv) Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, P

(v) Salmonella Typhi; P or

(vi) nontyphoidal Salmonella; P

EHS provided the red book.

Observed a pink mold like substance on the baffle of the ice machine.

5. Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under subsection (7)(e) of this Rule, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned:

(i) At any time when contamination may have occurred;

(ii) At least every 24 hours for iced tea dispensers including nozzles and consumer self-service utensils such as tongs, scoops, or ladles;

(iii) Before restocking consumer self-service equipment and utensils such as condiment dispensers and display containers; and

(iv) In equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment:

(I) At a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or

(II) Absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.

PIC will discard all the ice in the machine and have it cleaned and sanitized.

Observed several cooked items in a fridge on the left side of the hand sink that were not date marked.

1. Except when packaging food using a reduced oxygen packaging method, and except as specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 of this subsection, 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, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. Pf

2. Except as specified in paragraphs 4 through 6 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and packaged by a food processing plant shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a food service establishment and if the food is held for more than 24 hours, to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days after the original container is opened. The day the original container is opened in the food service establishment shall be counted as Day 1, except, the day or date marked by the food service establishment may not exceed a manufacturer’s use by date if the manufacturer determined the use-by date based on food safety; Pf

3. A refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food ingredient or a portion of a refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is subsequently combined with additional ingredients or portions of food shall retain the date marking of the earliest-prepared or first-prepared ingredient. Pf

4. A date marking system that meets the criteria stated in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection may include:

(i) Using a method approved by the Health Authority for refrigerated, ready-to-eat time / temperature control for safety food that is frequently rewrapped, such as lunchmeat or a roast, or for which date marking is impractical, such as soft serve mix or milk in a dispensing machine;

(ii) Marking the date or day of preparation, with a procedure to discard the food on or before the last date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded;

(iii) Marking the date or day the original container is opened in a food service establishment, with a procedure to discard the food on or before the last date or day by which the food must be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded; or

(iv) Using calendar dates, days of the week, color-coded marks, or other effective marking methods, provided that the marking system is disclosed to the Health Authority upon request.

5. The requirements in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection do not apply to individual meal portions served or repackaged for sale from a bulk container upon a consumer’s request.

6. The requirements in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this subsection do not apply to shellstock.

7. The requirement in paragraph 2 of this subsection does not apply to the following foods prepared and packaged by a food processing plant inspected by a Health Authority:

(i) Deli salads, such as ham salad, seafood salad, chicken salad, egg salad, pasta salad, potato salad, and macaroni salad, manufactured in accordance with 21 CFR 110 Current good manufacturing practice in manufacturing, packing, or holding human food;

(ii) Hard cheeses containing not more than 39% moisture as defined in 21 CFR 133 Cheeses and related cheese products, such as cheddar, gruyere, parmesan and reggiano, and romano;

(iii) Semi-soft cheeses containing more than 39% moisture, but not more than 50% moisture, as defined in 21 CFR 133 Cheeses and related cheese products, such as blue, edam, gorgonzola, gouda, and monterey jack;

(iv) Cultured dairy products as defined in 21 CFR 131 Milk and cream, such as yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk;

(v) Preserved fish products, such as pickled herring and dried or salted cod, and other acidified fish products defined in 21 CFR 114 Acidified foods;

(vi) Shelf stable, dry fermented sausages, such as pepperoni and Genoa salami; and

(vii) Shelf stable salt-cured products, such as prosciutto and Parma ham.

EHS provided education of proper date marking. PIC will also ensure that all cooked food is date marked.

Observed food that was actively cooling while being fully covered in two of the fridges in the facility.

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.

PIC will either loosely cover actively cooling food.

Observed tortillas and eggs stored on the floor again in the fridge.

1. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection, food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food:

(i) In a clean, dry location;

(ii) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and

(iii) At least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor.

PIC will acquire more shelves in order to stored food off of the ground.

Observed damp cloths stored without a sani bucket.

2. Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be:

(i) Held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a concentration specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(6)(n); and

(ii) Laundered daily.

PIC will ensure that all wiping are stored in red sani buckets of 50 ppm (Chlorine or Quats)

Observed dead flies on the floor behind the basket of onions to the right of the ice machine.

Dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, and other pests shall be removed from control devices and the premises at a frequency that prevents their accumulation, decomposition, or the attraction of pests.

PIC will ensure that remain of pests are removed after they are disposed of.

Observed an expired permit displayed in the facility it expired in 2019.

1. Post the permit in a location in the food service establishment that is conspicuous to consumers

PIC will pay the fees for their food service permit. Legal notice issued.

Observed cardboard being reused in several areas of the facility as well as a styrofoam cup sitting the ice machine.

1. Single-service and single-use articles may not be reused.

PIC will remove the cup as well as acquire ice scoops and stored them properly.

Observed no chlorine test strips only quats test strip.

A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of sanitizing solutions shall be provided. Pf

PIC will acquire chlorine and quats test strips.

Observed use of improper thawing methods. Except as specified in paragraph 4 of this subsection, time/temperature control for safety food shall be thawed:

1. Under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F (5°C) or less; or
2. Completely submerged under running water: (i) At a water temperature of 70°F (21°C) or below, (ii) With sufficient water velocity to agitate and float off loose particles in an overflow, and (iii) For a period of time that does not allow thawed portions of ready-to-eat food to rise above 41°F (5°C), or (iv) For a period of time that does not allow thawed portions of a raw animal food requiring cooking to be above 41°F (5°C), for more than 4 hours including: (I) The time the food is exposed to the running water and the time needed for preparation for cooking, or (II) The time it takes under refrigeration to lower the food temperature to 41°F (5°C);
3. As part of a cooking process if the food that is frozen is: (i) Cooked as specified under subsections (5)(a)1 or 2 or (5)(b) of this Rule, or (ii) Thawed in a microwave oven and immediately transferred to conventional cooking equipment, with no interruption in the process; or
4. Using any procedure if a portion of frozen ready-to-eat food is thawed and prepared for immediate service in response to an individual consumer's order.
5. Reduced oxygen packaged fish that bears a label indicating that it is to be kept frozen until time of use shall be removed from the reduced oxygen environment: (i) Prior to its thawing under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F (5°C) or less; or (ii) Prior to, or immediately upon completion of its thawing, using procedures to completely submerge in running water as specified in paragraph 2 of this subsection. EHS advised PIC to thaw under refrigeration or any other approved thawing method.

Observed tortillas and eggs stored on the floor of the WIC.

1. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this subsection, food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: (i) In a clean, dry location; (ii) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (iii) At least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor. PIC will ensure food is stored at least 6 inches off off the ground.

Observed several wiping cloths that were damp in the prep area and cooking area. 2. Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be: (i) Held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a concentration specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(6)(n); and (ii) Laundered daily. PIC will ensure that all wiping are stored in the red sani buckets at the same concentration of the sanitizer in the 3C sink.

Observed fruit flies through the kitchen. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the premises by:

1. Routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies;
2. Routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests;
3. Using methods, if pests are found, such as trapping devices or other means of pest control as specified under subsections (6)(e), (6)(m), and (6)(n) of this Rule; Pf and
4. Eliminating harborage conditions. PIC will contact a pest control vendor to have the facility serviced ASAP.

Observed a broken light under the hood. 3. At least 50 foot candles (540 lux) at a surface where a food service employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor.

PIC will have the light replaced to provide adequate light visibility while cooking.