Los Portales Mexican Grill & Bar

Observed mold like build up on the soda gun in the bar area. PIC corrected on site by properly cleaning and sanitizing the soda nozzles to prevent accumulation.

511-6-1.05(7)(b) - Food Contact Surfaces and Utensils - Cleaning Frequency (P, C) (b) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils.

1. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned:

(i) Before each use with a different type of raw animal food such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, or poultry. It does not apply if the food-contact surface or utensil is in contact with a succession of different types of raw meat and raw poultry each requiring a higher cooking temperature as specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1.04(5)(a) than the previous type such as preparing raw pork followed by cutting raw poultry on the same cutting board; P

(ii) Each time there is a change from working with raw foods to working with ready-to-eat foods; P

(iii) Between uses with raw fruits and vegetables and with Time/Temperature Control for safety food; P

(iv) Before using or storing a food temperature measuring device; P and

(v) At any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred. P

2. Except as specified in paragraph 3 of this subsection, if used with time/temperature control for safety food, equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned at least every 4 hours throughout the day. P

3. Surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting time/temperature control for safety food may be cleaned less frequently than every 4 hours if:

(i) In storage, containers of time/temperature control for safety food and their contents are maintained at temperatures specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04 and the containers are cleaned when they are empty;

(ii) Utensils and equipment are used to prepare food in a refrigerated room or area that is maintained at one of the temperatures in the following chart and:

(I) The utensils and equipment are cleaned at the frequency in the following chart that corresponds to the temperature:

Temperature Cleaning Frequency

41ºF (5.0ºC) or less 24 hours

41ºF - 45ºF (>5.0ºC - 7.2ºC) 20 hours

45ºF - 50ºF (>7.2ºC - 10.0ºC) 16 hours

50ºF - 55ºF (>10.0ºC - 12.8ºC) 10 hours

and

(II) The cleaning frequency based on the ambient temperature of the refrigerated room or area is documented in the food service establishment.

(iii) Temperature measuring devices are maintained in contact with food, such as when left in a container of deli food or in a roast, held at temperatures specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1- .04;

(iv) Equipment is used for storage of packaged or unpackaged food, such as a reach-in refrigerator, and the equipment is cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues;

(v) The cleaning schedule is approved based on consideration of:

(I) Characteristics of the equipment and its use,

(II) The type of food involved,

(III) The amount of food residue accumulation, and

(IV) The temperature at which the food is maintained during the operation and the potential for the rapid and progressive multiplication of pathogenic or toxigenic microorganisms that are capable of causing foodborne disease; or

(vi) In-use utensils are intermittently stored in a container of water in which the water is maintained at 135ºF (57ºC) or more and the utensils and container are cleaned at least every 24 hours or at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.

4. Dining counters and table-tops shall be cleaned and sanitized routinely after removing all soiled tableware and food trays shall be cleaned and sanitized after each use by one of the following methods:

(i) A two step method in which one cloth, rinsed in sanitizing solution is used to clean food debris from the surface and a second cloth in separate sanitizing solution is used to rinse;

(ii) Sanitizing solution is sprayed onto the surface and the surface is then wiped clean with a disposable towel;

(iii) If used for cleaning and sanitizing, single-use disposable sanitizer wipes shall be used in accordance with EPA-registered label use instructions; or

(iv) Other methods approved by the Health Authority.

(v) Food trays may be cleaned and sanitized the same as table ware.

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.

Observed a leak coming from the wastewater pipe below the three compartment sink. Also observed the water pressure was low in the men's restroom. PIC will have the plumbing repaired by 5/07/2026.

511-6-1.06(2)(r) - System Maintained in Good Repair (P, C) (r) System Maintained in Good Repair. A plumbing system shall be repaired according to law; P and maintained in good repair.

Observed the dumpster's lid broken on the 1st dumpster (far left end). The dumpster must be replaced to ensure that it is closed properly. The new dumpster must have a drain plug. The drain plug was missing. PIC will contact the landlord and have the dumpster replaced by 5/16/26

511-6-1.06(5)(o),(p) - Using Drain Plugs; Maintaining Refuse Areas (C) (o) Using Drain Plugs. Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall have drain plugs in place.

(p) Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures. A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables shall be maintained free of unnecessary items and clean.

Observed dust build up and cobbwebs on the vents and stall in the women's restroom . PIC will clean the women's restroom by 5/7/2026.

511-6-1.07(5)(d) - Cleaning Ventilation System, Nuisance & Discharge Prohibition, cleaned in way not to cause contamination or create a public health hazard (C) (d) Cleaning Ventilation Systems, Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition. Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials. If vented to the outside, ventilation systems may not create a public health hazard or nuisance or unlawful discharge.

Observed (2) pans of salsa resting on the floor in the walk in cooler. Also, observed another container of salsa on the floor near the ice machine. The salsa by the ice machine was discarded (COS).

Observed the walk in freezer with an excessive amount of ice build-up on the motor. The freezer must be serviced for a leak or repaired. Also, observed the walk in cooler leaking and the motor tubes freezing. Both cooler and the freezer must be repaired and maintained in good repair. A completed work order must be submitted to sabrina.young@dph.ga.gov by 10/2/2025 (listing what is wrong and how the systems were repaired). (Repeat)

The handle on the walk in freezer must be repaired as well. It is not allowing the freezer door to properly close.

Observed dishes stored on the clean dishes shelf stacked with water nesting. Advised PIC to inform staff to make sure dishes are completely air dried before storing them. (Repeat).

Observed (3) ice buckets stored by the ice machine not inverted to protect from contamination (COS) (Repeat).

Observed the dumpster's lid broken on the 1st dumpster (far left end). The dumpster must be replaced to ensure that it is closed properly. The new dumpster must have a drain plug.

Observed the floors completely wet in the dish area and the connecting closets. The closets ceilings must be sealed and baseboards placed around the walls. Observed build up on the floors by the ice machine that must be cleaned. Also, observed the floor behind the walk in cooler completely wet due to the WIC leaking. (Repeat).

Observed mostly all AC vents in the kitchen with a thick condensation accumulation. The vents must be serviced and the AC unit checked. Please send completed work order to sabrina.young@dph.ga.gov by 10/6/25.

Observed the AC unit above the salad cooler (filters) in need of cleaning due to build-up.

Observed (2) pans of sliced chicken breast and whole corn in the reach in cooler without date marking. Advised PIC to make sure dates are added before storing food items (preparation or expiration dates). (COS)

Observed the walk in freezer with an excessive amount of ice build-up on the floors, motor of the freezer, boxes of food, etc. The freezer must be serviced for a leak or repaired. The system must be maintained in good repair. (Repeat). Please send a copy of the service report to sabrina.young@dph.ga.gov by 3/28/25. Also, clean the WIF and send pictures by 3/28/25. Make sure to remove all food items from underneath the leak.

Observed dishes stored on the clean dishes storage racks stacked with water nesting. Advised PIC to inform staff to make sure dishes are completely dry before storing them.

Observed clean plates, bowls, and single-service items stored on the prep top and steam table not inverted to protect from contamination. (COS).

Observed a fan stored above the 3-compartment sink with an accumulation of dust and old food debris.

Observed holes on the wall behind the ice machine that must be sealed. Observed the back door with a small hole that must be sealed to prevent bugs from entering the kitchen. Also, the bottom threshold must be extended at the bottom.

Observed (2) chemical bottles without common names to properly identify.

Observed gnats on the wall by the handwashing sink (by clean dishes) and several flies on the bags for chips.

Observed the pipe leaking on the 3-compartment sink in the kitchen and the bar. The plumbing will need to be fixed and maintained in good repair.

Observed two garbage can beside the back door without a lid.

The outside dumpsters are required to be placed on a nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt, and should be smooth, durable, and sloped to drain.

Observed some of the ceiling tile in the dining room in need of repair due to water damage. Observed the back door in need of being sealed or a threshold added to the bottom to prevent insects/bugs from coming in the facility. Observed holes in the ceiling in the closet and walls by the ice machine (dishwasher room).

Observed potentially hazardous food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All food items that were prepped were discarded and food items that were not opened were moved to the walk in cooler (COS).

Observed potentially hazardous food not held at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above. PIC started the reheating process of the cheese. PIC was educated on how to properly reheat the cheese once it is pulled from a cold holding unit.

Observed the dishwasher at 0 PPM chlorine. PIC primed the machine, but the cycle was still not sanitizing properly. It was at 10 PPM chlorine. Instructed PIC to not use the dishwasher and to wash dishes properly in the 3-compartment sink by washing, rinsing, and sanitizing properly and to call ECOLAB to service the machine.

Observed the lid covering the ice on the drink machine in need of cleaning due to a black mold-like build-up. Also, observed the lid covering a bulk container of dry beans stored under the meat sink with a red blood-like debris (splashes).The lid will need to be cleaned and stored in a area that will not cause contamination.

Observed (2) pans of sliced onions and green peppers without preparation or expiration dates stored in the walk in cooler.

Observed shredded cheese in the reach in cooler with an expired date (8/19). PIC discarded the cheese (COS).

Observed (2) chemical bottles without common names to properly identify.

Observed (1) live roach crawling under equipment, (1) dead roach in a puddle of water in the dishwashing area, and several flies throughout the kitchen.

Observed the back door in the room in the back of the house where the walk in cooler and freezer, dry storage, ice machine, and single service items are kept with a big hole at the bottom. The door will need to be replaced and sealed properly to prevent insects, rodents, and animals from entering the facility. The door will also need a self-closing device on it.

Observed the pipe on the handwashing sink on the hot line in need of repairing due to waste water leaking from the pipe.

Observed no chlorine test strips for the dishwasher.

Observed the bottom of the reach in freezer with old food debris. Observed the vent by the drink machine (server area) in need of cleaning due to a thick build-up of dust.

Observed the area around the outside dumpster with a lot of trash around it. The area will need to be cleaned. The dumpster will need to be placed on a concrete pad.

Observed a lot of trash, old equipment, towels, etc. on the grounds around the facility. This area will need to be cleaned to prevent insects, rodents, and animals from harboring in the area.

Observed the ceiling by the ventilation hood system and underneath the handwashing sink (by dish room) in need of sealing. It will need to be painted with a heavy-duty nonabsorbent paint to make it smooth, easily cleanable, and nonabsorbent. Observed holes in the walls and ceiling in the kitchen by the ice machine and in the closet in front of the 3-compartment sink. All holes will need to be sealed. Observed some of the ceiling tile with water damage in the dining room, hallway by the restroom and server station. The tile will need to be replaced. In the server station the tile has to be smooth and easily cleanable. Observed the wall by the back door in need of sealing with screen to prevent insects/bugs from entering.

Observed big puddle of water nesting on the floor in the dry storage room and in the walk in cooler.

Observed an employee's water bottle and food stored in the reach in cooler directly on top of food being served to the public. PIC discarded the food (COS).

Observed the air quality in the kitchen at levels above 78F. On the hot line the temperature was 89F, prep area 85F, and in the dish room 84F. The AC unit will need to be serviced to get the air quality level to 78F or lower in the kitchen.

Observed no handwashing sign on the hand sink on the hot line.

Observed single service items improperly stored in the dry storage area. All food related items should be stored 6 inches or higher off the floor. PIC removed items from the floor.

Observed both big ice machines in the kitchen and storage area with a rust debris on the interior stainless steel surface. These areas will need to be cleaned and a chemical will need to be applied to remove the rust or the parts will need to be replaced to avoid contamination of the ice.

Observed several food items in the reach in coolers with temperatures above 41F degrees. Food items were discarded. (COS) (Repeat)

Observed the handwashing sink by the dish room only getting to 57F (hot water) which doesn't meet the handwashing hot water temperature. The handwashing sink in the women's restroom got up to 82F (hot water). A plumber will need to be called to service the sinks. Please send an invoice/statement that the sinks were fixed to my email.

Observed the kitchen ceiling in need of repair in certain areas. Also the damaged ceiling tile in the restrooms and lobby area will need to be replaced.

Observed (1) light out under the ventilation system.

Observed several food products greater than 41 F. Walk in cooler: Pico de Gallo and guacamole. Manager was told the items were too high in temperature, the items were discarded. Also salsa was greater than 41 F in the reach in cooler, the salsa was discarded. (COS)

Observed excessive dust on the ceilings near the server area. Please have this area cleaned.

Observed a hole in the wall of the men's restroom. Manager stated someone was notified to come out and repair facility.

Observed employee's drinking cup on clean dish rack by the dishwashing area. Manager discarded the cup. (COS)