Waffle House #1076

Observed containers of waffle batter prepared 4/26/26 stored above 41F. Person in charge adjusted the temperature of the unit. The ambient temp is 47F. The door does not stay closed and the facility is currently using a cart to keep the door shut. PIC provided work order that was placed 1/5/26 to have the gasket replaced and another work order was placed today. Corrected on Site (COS): PIC moved food items that were 41F and below to the Walk-in cooler. Food items above 41F were discarded.

Observed an employee cooking at the grill with armband/bracelet on his wrist. 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. Retrain employees on jewelry policy.

Observed mechanical warewashing machine's hot water sanitization temperature at 85F. Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Hot Water Sanitization Temperatures for a stationary rack, single temperature machine, 165ºF, or for all other machines, 180ºF. Per the Person in charge (PIC), the water heater went out two days ago and the part to repair the hot water heater has arrived. Maintenance is scheduled to come out and repair the hot water heater today. I recommend using single-use articles until the hot water heater is repaired.

Observed condensation from the lids of tightly covered chili, waffle batter, and country gravy inside the walk-in cooler. The food items were prepped on the night shift. Proper cooling methods must be use to properly cool Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods such as loosely cover or completely uncover containers of the food item to allow air to enter inside of the container for the food item to cool down in correct time and temperature. Train staff on proper cooling methods. Corrected on Site (COS): Food items discarded.

Observed an excessive amount of food accumulation inside the reach in cooler. Equipment, Food/Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations. Clean the inside of the reach in cooler today.

Observed several containers of waffle batter, chili, and gravy inside the walk-in cooler and reach in cooler in the main kitchen with no date markings. PIC states the food items were prepared the night before. Corrected on Site (COS): PIC had an employee date mark all food items.