Masala Cottage LLC

Observed in use tongs stored on the interior and exterior surface of the cabinet for the fryer.

511-6-1.04(4)(k) - In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage (C) (k)Storage of In-Use Utensils. During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored:

1.Except as specified under paragraph 2 of this subsection, in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container;

2.In food that is not time/temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon;

3.On a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food-contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized at a frequency specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(7)(b) and (8)(a);

4.In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain, if used with moist food such as ice cream or mashed potatoes;

5. In a clean, protected location if the utensils, such as ice scoops, are used only with a food that is not time/temperature control for safety food; or

6. In a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F (57°C) and the container is cleaned at a frequency specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(7)(b)3(vi).

Observed the vegetable and meat prep sink in the kitchen in need of recaulking to the wall.

511-6-1.05(1)(i) - Nonfood-contact Surfaces (C) (i) Nonfood-contact Surfaces. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that require frequent cleaning shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and smooth material.

Observed the ceiling tile throughout the facility in need of replacing due to bad repair and water damage. While at the facility new ceiling tile were delivered and PIC stated that construction will began and end on Sunday while facility is closed. Advised PIC to deep clean the restaurant after construction is completed.

Observed a trailer in the back of the facility with rice, flour, and other food items stored in the unit. Advised PIC to remove all food items due to the trailer having an excessive amount of mold. Advised PIC to store only store nonfood items in the trailer.

Observed the storage shed located in the back of the facility with wood that is not finished. The shed must be finished within 30 days. All walls and ceilings must be properly sealed with smooth, easily cleanable, nonabsorbent surface. Please submit pictures to sabrina.young@dph.ga.gov.

511-6-1.07(1)(a) - Indoor Materials (C) (1) Materials for Construction and Repair.

(a) Indoor Materials. Materials for indoor floor, wall, and ceiling surfaces under conditions of normal use shall be:

1. Smooth, durable, and easily cleanable for areas where food service establishment operations are conducted;

2. Closely woven and easily cleanable carpet for carpeted areas; and

3. Nonabsorbent for areas subject to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, warewashing areas, toilet rooms, mobile food service unit servicing areas, and areas subject to flushing or spray cleaning methods.

Observed a very strong, pungent odor throughout the facility. PIC advised to contact pest control and the grease trap company to determine where the odor is coming from. Please send detailed reports to sabrina.young@dph.ga.gov and robert.lewis1@dph.ga.gov.

511-6-1.07(3)(g) - Mechanical Ventilation, sufficient capacity to prevent buildup of heat, steam, smoke, fumes & odors (C) (g) Mechanical Ventilation. If necessary to keep rooms free of excessive heat, steam, condensation, vapors, obnoxious odors, smoke, and fumes, mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided.

Observed (2) bottles of air freshener spray bottles stored with single use lids and cups on the front end of the facility. PCI removed the bottles and relocated them (COS).

511-6-1.07(6)(c) - Storage, Separation (P) (c) Storage, Separation. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored so they cannot contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles by:

1. Separating the poisonous or toxic materials by spacing or partitioning; P and

2. Locating the poisonous or toxic materials in an area that is not above food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service or single-use articles. This requirement does not apply to equipment and utensil cleaners and sanitizers that are stored in warewashing areas for availability and convenience if the materials are stored to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles. P

Observed the meat sink in the kitchen with a loose handle. Please properly seal or tighten the handle. Make sure all systems are maintained in good repair.

Observed a plastic bowl stored in the flour and a handle stored in the wheat flour. All handles should be stored upwards to avoid contamination of the food items. Plastic bowls cannot be used to scoop products.

Observed a black carpet like (slip resistant) mat/floor carpeting in the kitchen on the hot line. Advised PIC to remove the mat due to it not being nonabsorbent. Advised PIC to get the rubber mats with holes in it to allow for easy cleaning.

511-6-1.07(2)(d) - Floor Carpeting, Restrictions & Installation (C) (d) Floor Carpeting, Restrictions and Installation.

1. A floor covering such as carpeting or similar material may not be installed as a floor covering in food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, warewashing areas, toilet room areas where handwashing sinks, toilets, and urinals are located, refuse storage rooms, or other areas where the floor is subject to moisture, flushing, or spray cleaning methods.

2. If carpeting is installed as a floor covering in areas other than those specified under paragraphs 1 of this subsection, it shall be:

(i) Securely attached to the floor with a durable mastic, by using a stretch and tack method, or by another method; and

(ii) Installed tightly against the wall under the coving or installed away from the wall with a space between the carpet and the wall and with the edges of the carpet secured by metal stripping or some other means.

Observed a container of food in the reach in cooler, a phone & several unopened bottled of water on the 2nd shelf of a prep top table, and shoes in the bar area. All personal items should be stored in a designated area that will not cause contamination to food items served to the public.

Observed the toilet in the women's restroom not flushing. The system is operating with a very low water pressure in the toilet. A plumber will need to service the toilet to ensure that it is flushing properly.

Advised PIC to put an "out of order" sign on the door and make the men restroom a unisex room until repairs have been made. Please schedule a plumber to make repairs by 11/26/24.

Observed the hand sink faucet loose on the sink in the women's restroom. Please reseal the faucet to make sure the system is in good repair.

Observed several pieces of the ceiling tile in the dining room not in good repair due to water damage. If the ceiling/roof is leaking the leak must be repaired then the ceiling tile will need to be replaced.

Observed the ventilation hood system in the kitchen with a build-up of grease debris. The ventilation hood system is scheduled to be deep cleaned in January 2025. Advised the PIC the clean the ventilation hood to prevent contamination from occurring.

Observed several food items in Ziploc bags without them sealed. Please seal all bags to ensure won't get freezer burned.

Observed several cold holding units without a thermometer on the inside to obtain an accurate ambient temperature. Please put thermometers in all units.

Observed several shelves on the wall in need of cleaning due to old dust/dirt debris. Also the reach in cooler on the side where the cooking equipment is needs to be cleaned (Repeat).

Observed the cutting board on the prep unit in need of replacing due to deep cuts and yellow stains.

Observed the floor tile on the front-end, by the back door, and by the prep sinks in need of resealing with cement to make it smooth, easily cleanable and nonabsorbent.

Also, observed the ceiling tile in the kitchen with a light black color forming over it. Please clean then repaint the tile with a heavy duty non-absorbent paint. It can be white or any BRIGHT color.

Observed the AC vent in the women's restroom with rust on it. Please paint the vent.

Observed (2) bulk pans of chicken, (1) bulk pan of lamb, and okra in the reach in cooler with no preparation or disposal date. (Repeat)

Observed several clean dishes stored improperly in the mop sink. The mop sink is a sink filled with germs please store dishes in the designated area.

Observed the reach in cooler in the kitchen in need of cleaning due to old food debris.

Observed several vents in the kitchen with rust on them. Please replace or paint the vents/HVAC vents to prevent contamination of food products.

Observed a phone laying on the prep top surface. PIC removed the phone. (COS)

Observed spices in the reach in cooler and on counter top with no cover. Also observed chicken in the reach in freezer with no cover. (Repeat)

Observed several prepped chicken products with no preparation or disposal date. (New)