Waffle House #1663

Observed an ice scoop in the main kitchen stored on top of the ice machine. During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored 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. Wash, rinse, and sanitize the ice scoop and place it onto a cleanable surface.

Observed the reach-in cooler's ambient air temperature at 46-47 F. The cold-hold temperatures of the Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods were at acceptable temperature ranges. Ambient air temperature, water pressure, and water temperature measuring devices shall be maintained in good repair and be accurate within the intended range of use. Please have the unit serviced/repaired as soon as possible. Corrected on Site (COS): The TCS foods inside were moved to the reach-in cooler.

Observed several clean containers stacked while wet. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining before contact with food. Coach employees to allow clean containers to air-dry.

Observed the side door to the dumpster open with trash stored inside. Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered with With tight-fitting lids or doors if kept outside the food service establishment. Close the dumpster side door.

Observed basket of raw shelled eggs (67F) being held on time as public health control marked with the incorrect date, start time, and discard time. If time without temperature control is used as the public health control up to a maximum of 4 hours: The food shall be marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control. Corrected On-Site (COS): Employee discarded the eggs.

Observed food and other debris on the ground outside of the dumpster. Food and debris (except for cardboard boxes) are not allowed to be on the ground. Sweep around the dumpster area and discard waste in the dumpster.

Observed raw hamburgers stored over raw pork chops in the reach-in unit next to the grill top. Pork chops have a lower final cooking temperature than hamburgers and must be stored above raw burgers. The burgers were moved during this inspection.

Observed sausage gravy and chili below 135F in the steam well. All potentially hazardous foods that are held hot must be 135F or above. The water level in the unit was very low. The items were discarded. Coach staff to check the water levels and temperature of these foods more often.

Observed yogurt and a coffee stored in the reach-in cooler with the half-n-half and chili. Employee items must be stored away from food and other items for the facility. Move the items and designate an area for employee items.

Observed basket of raw shelled eggs (54F) being held on time as public health control not marked with the start or discard time. If time without temperature control is used as the public health control up to a maximum of 4 hours: The food shall be marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control. Employee discarded the eggs.

Observed sausage gravy (98F) in the steam well not holding at 135F or above. The gravy was double panned, and the bottom of the gravy pan was not touching the bottom pan. 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. Gravy was discarded.

Observed the right door of the double doored reach-in unit not closing and not allowing the door to seal and pressurize the unit. Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. The unit had just gotten restocked for the evening shift but recommended all items be moved to other units. Unit is now empty and maintenance will come and repair it this week.