Taste of Tokyo

Observed the CFSM certificate expired (January 2025) for Jeongmin Lee posted within the establishment.

Rule: 511-6-1.03(3)(a) - Food Safety Manager Certification (Pf) Food service establishments shall have in its employ a Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) as specified in paragraph (b) of this subsection to ensure food safety is being managed within the food service establishment during all hours of operation as specified within paragraph (d) of this subsection. Pf

Corrective Action: PIC is enrolled in course, and will promptly take the exam. Will email proof of completion.

Observed "pooled" eggs in a container in the RIC not covered or without a lid. Observed multiple food item in RIC closest to kitchen without a lid.

Rule: 511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv) - Packaged & Unpackaged Food, food stored covered(C) (iv) Except as specified under paragraph 2. of this subsection and when cooling as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(e)2.(ii), storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination;

Corrective Action: PIC placed a lid on all TCS items.

Observed cup-like scoops utilized in storage of sugar and rice.

Rule: 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;

Corrective Action: PIC placed order for new scoops.

Observed employees personal phone stored on prep table near reach-in cooler in main kitchen area.

Rule: 511-6-1.07(4)(b) - Designated Areas for Employee Activity, located to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, & single service articles (C) (b) Designated Areas for Employee Activity.

1. Areas designated for employees to eat, drink, use tobacco products and electronic devices shall be located so that food, equipment, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are protected from contamination.

2. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be located in a designated room or area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and single-service and single-use articles cannot occur.

Corrective Action: PIC moved phone to another area outside of food preparation.

Observed food employee rinse hands only in 3-compartment sink in the main kitchen area. Observed that the food employee did not use any hand washing cleanser, just water only.

1. Except as specified in paragraph 4 of this subsection, food employees shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms, including surrogate prosthetic devices for hands or arms, for at least 20 seconds, using a cleaning compound in a handwashing sink that is properly equipped. P

2. Food employees shall use the following cleaning procedure in the order stated to clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms, including surrogate prosthetic devices for hands and arms:

(i) Rinse under clean, running warm water; P

(ii) Apply an amount of cleaning compound recommended by the cleaning compound manufacturer; P

(iii) Rub together vigorously for at least 10 to 15 seconds while:

(I) Paying particular attention to removing soil from underneath the fingernails during the cleaning procedure, P and

(II) Creating friction on the surfaces of the hands and arms or surrogate prosthetic devices for hands and arms, finger tips, and areas between the fingers; P

(iv) Thoroughly rinse under clean, running warm water; P and

(v) Immediately follow the cleaning procedure with thorough drying using disposable paper towels, a continuous towel system, or a heated-air hand drying device. P

Food employee was told by Health Authority and washed hands properly with soap in hand washing sink in main kitchen area.

Observed "pooled" eggs in a container in the RIC not covered or without a lid. Observed seasonings in working containers not covered. Also, observed sauces in its original containers missing lids. Except as specified under paragraph 2. of this subsection and when cooling as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(e)2.(ii), storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination. PIC covered all items.

Observed most current inspection report not posted within the establishment. Observed inspection report dated 04/09/2025 posted instead of the inspection report dated 12/23/2025. 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 posted the new inspection report as we were packing to leave.

Observed several food containers in the main kitchen in a bucket on the drainboard of the 3-compartment sink, wet stacking. Also observed food employee wipe measuring cup with paper towels instead of letting it properly air dry. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils:

1. Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining before contact with food; and

2. May not be cloth dried except that utensils that have been air-dried may be polished with cloths that are maintained clean and dry.

PIC rearranged food containers so that they could properly air-dry. Food employee rewashed, rinsed, and sanitized the measuring cup.

Observed employees personal phone stored on prep table near reach-in cooler in main kitchen area. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be located in a designated room or area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and single-service and single-use articles cannot occur. Food employee removed phone and placed in designated area.

Observed several TCS food items in the prep top cooler in the main kitchen area, cold holding at temperatures greater than 41°F. Items had been in cooler since last night. See temperature log. 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 and food employee discarded items.

Observed the CFSM certificate expired (January 2025) for Jeongmin Lee posted within the establishment. 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. Must correct within 10 calendar days.

Observed a bowl in the handwashing sink in the front service area. Also observed sauce of some sort stored in the handwashing sink in the main kitchen area.

1. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Pf

2. A handwashing facility may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Pf

PIC removed items from handwashing sink.

Observed no handwashing cleanser available at the hand sink located in the main kitchen. Each handwashing sink or group of two adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap. PIC laced handwashing cleanser at the hand sink.

Observed several items in reach-in freezer and cooler uncovered. Observed several seasonings near steam well and wok area uncovered as well. Except as specified under paragraph 2. of this subsection and when cooling as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(e)2.(ii), storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination. PIC and food employee covered all uncovered items.

Observed multiple food items removed from their original food packaging and placed in working containers with no label of their common name. Except for containers holding food that can be readily and unmistakably recognized, such as dry pasta, working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the food establishment, such as cooking oils, flour, herbs, potato flakes, salt, spices, and sugar shall be clearly and legibly identified, in English, with the common name of the food. PIC labeled food items with common name.

Observed thermometer not readily available or accessible during the time of the inspection. Food temperature measuring devices shall be provided and readily accessible for use in ensuring attainment and maintenance of food temperatures as specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04. Must correct within 10 calendar days.

Observed chemical sanitizer solution with a concentration of 0ppm. Rule: Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization - Temperature, pH, Concentration, and Hardness. A chemical sanitizer used in a sanitizing solution for a manual or mechanical operation at contact times specified under subsection (8)(b)3 of this Rule shall meet the requirements specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.07(6)(g), shall be used in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered label use instructions P, and shall be used as follows:

1. A chlorine solution shall have a minimum temperature based on the concentration and pH of the solution as listed in the following chart; P

Concentration Range Minimum Temperature

MG/L PH 10 or less oF (oC) PH 8 or less oF (oC)

25-49 120 (49) 120 (49)

50-99 100 (38) 75 (24)

100 55 (13) 55 (13)

2. An iodine solution shall have a minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C)P minimum concentration between 12.5 ppm and 25 ppm, P and pH of 5.0 or less or a pH no higher than the level for which the manufacturer specifies for the solution to be effective; P

3. A quaternary ammonium compound solution shall have a minimum temperature of 75ºF (24ºC), P have a concentration as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.07(6)(g) and as indicated by the manufacturer’s use directions included in the labeling, P and be used only in water with 500 ppm hardness or less or in water having a hardness no greater than specified by the EPA-registered label use instructions; P

4. If another solution of a chemical specified under paragraphs 1 through 3 of this subsection is used, the permit holder shall demonstrate to the Health Authority that the solution achieves sanitization and the use of the solution shall be approved; P

5. If a chemical sanitizer other than chlorine, iodine, or a quaternary ammonium compound is used, it shall be applied in accordance with the EPA-registered label use instructions ;P and

6. If a chemical sanitizer is generated by a device located on-site at the food service establishment, it shall be used as specified in 1-5 of this subsection and shall be produced by a device that:

(i) complies with law as specified in sections 2(q)(1) and 12 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), P

(ii) complies with 40 CFR 152.500 Requirement for Devices and 40 CFR 156.10 Labeling Requirements, P

(iii) displays the EPA device manufacturing facility registration number on the device, Pf and

(iv) is operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Pf.

7. On-site chemical sanitizer generating equipment with active ingredients, such as copper, must be registered as pesticides. The active ingredient may be part of the equipment or separately added. COS: PIC added more sanitizer to the solution and increased concentration to 100ppm.

Observed containers of seasonings and bottle of butter removed from original containers without common names. Food Storage Containers, Identified with Common Name of Food. Except for containers holding food that can be readily and unmistakably recognized, such as dry pasta, working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the food establishment, such as cooking oils, flour, herbs, potato flakes, salt, spices, and sugar shall be clearly and legibly identified, in English, with the common name of the food. COS:PIC placed labels on all containers with common names of ingredients.

Observed filet mignon located in prep top cooler cold holding at 43F and 51F. Observed raw chicken cold holding in back reach in cooler cold holding at 71*F. Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding. 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 Person in charge discarded food items.

Observed several time/temperature control for safety foods not cooling correctly. Cooling.

1. Cooked time/temperature control for safety food shall be cooled:

(i) Within 2 hours from 135°F (57°C) to 70°F (21°C); P and

(ii) Within a total of 6 hours from 135°F (57°C) to 41°F (5°C) or less. P

2. Time/temperature control for safety food shall be cooled within 4 hours to 41°F (5°C) or less if prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature, such as reconstituted foods and canned tuna. P

3. Except as specified under paragraph 4 of this subsection, a time/temperature control for safety food received in compliance with laws allowing a temperature above 41°F (5°C) during shipment from the supplier shall be cooled within 4 hours to 41°F (5°C). P

4. Raw eggs shall be received and immediately placed in refrigerated equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 41°F (5°C) or less. P

Manager discarded foods.

Observed no active managerial control of correct cooling, thawing, or cold holding temperatures of food. Rule: Food service establishment operations are not conducted in a private home or in a room used as living or sleeping quarters; Pf

(b) Authorized Personnel Access. Persons unnecessary to the food service establishment operation are not allowed in the food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas, except that brief visits and tours may be authorized by the person in charge if steps are taken to ensure that exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles are protected from contamination; Pf

(c) Authorized Persons Compliance. Employees and other persons such as delivery and maintenance persons and pesticide applicators entering the food preparation, food storage, and warewashing areas comply with this Chapter; Pf

(d) Employee Handwashing. Employees are effectively cleaning their hands, by routinely monitoring the employees’ handwashing; Pf

(e) Monitoring of Receiving. Employees are visibly observing and verifying delivered foods as they are received to determine that they are from approved sources and are placed into appropriate storage locations, as required by this Chapter, such that they are received and maintained at the required temperatures, protected from contamination, unadulterated, and accurately presented, by routinely monitoring the employees’ observations, maintaining receiving/corrective action records for deliveries during non-operating hours, and periodically evaluating foods upon their receipt as specified within DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(3)(m);Pf

(f) Proper Cooking Techniques. Employees are properly cooking cold/hot holding, and reheating for hot holding time/temperature control for safety food, being particularly careful in cooking, reheating, and holding those foods known to cause severe foodborne illness and death, such as eggs and comminuted meats, through daily oversight of the employees’ routine monitoring of the cooking, holding, and reheating for hot holding temperatures using appropriate temperature measuring devices properly scaled and calibrated. Pf

(g) Proper Cooling Methods. Employees are using proper methods to rapidly cool time/temperature control for safety food, that are not held hot or are not for consumption within four hours, through daily oversight of the employees’ routine monitoring of food temperatures during cooling; Pf

(h) Consumer Food Safety. Consumers who order raw or partially cooked ready-to-eat foods of animal origin are informed that the food is not cooked sufficiently to ensure its safety; Pf

(i) Proper Sanitizing. Employees are properly sanitizing cleaned multiuse equipment and utensils before they are reused, through routine monitoring of solution temperature and exposure time for hot water sanitizing, and chemical concentration, pH, temperature, and exposure time for chemical sanitizing; Pf

(j) Clean Tableware. Consumers are notified that clean tableware is to be used when they return to self-service areas such as salad bars and buffets; Pf

(k) Bare Hand Contact. Unless the conditions specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(4)(a)4 are met, employees are preventing cross-contamination of ready-to-eat food with bare hands by properly using suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single-use gloves, or dispensing equipment; Pf

(l) Food Safety Training. Employees are properly trained in food safety, including food allergy awareness, as it relates to their assigned duties; Pf

(n) Imminent Health Hazard. If an imminent health hazard exists because of an emergency such as a fire, flood, interruption of electrical or water service for two or more hours, sewage malfunction, misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, onset of an apparent foodborne illness outbreak, gross unsanitary occurrence or condition, or other circumstances that may endanger public health, then operations are immediately discontinued and the Health Authority is notified. P However, establishments may continue to operate under an emergency operation plan that has been approved by the Health Authority prior to the occurrence of such emergency events.Pf

(o) Procedures and Plans. Written procedures and plans, where specified by this Chapter and as developed by the food service establishment, are maintained and implemented as required.Pf COS: Manager was educated on correct time/temperature control holding of food.

Observed no hot water at handwashing sinks. Rule: Handwashing Sink Installation.

1. A handwashing sink shall be equipped to provide tempered water at a temperature of at least 100ºF (38ºC) through a mixing valve or combination faucet. Pf

2. A steam mixing valve may not be used at a handwashing sink.

3. A self-closing, slow-closing, or metering faucet shall provide a flow of water for at least 15 seconds without the need to reactivate the faucet.

4. An automatic handwashing facility shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Priority foundation item must be corrected within 10 calendar days. Manager stated that the hot water will be fixed this week.

Observed scallops cold holding above 41 degrees F. Rule: Cold holding shall be maintained at 41 degrees or below. Corrective Action: PIC discarded scallops.

Observed multiple uncovered items in reach-in cooler including: raw chicken and breaded shrimp. Rule: Food shall be protected from cross contamination by: storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings. Corrective Action: PIC covered containers.

Observed spray bottle in main kitchen containing liquids without any labels. Rule: Working Containers, Common Name. Working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. Pf Corrective Action: PIC had food service employee identify and label spray bottles.

Observed cooked rice and raw chicken wings stored in main kitchen reach-in cooler cold holding at a temperature of 63F and 55F for the rice, and 49F for the raw chicken wings. Cold holding shall be maintained at 41F or below. PIC discarded food items.

Observed facility lacking a probe thermometer. Food temperature measuring devices shall be provided and readily accessible for use in the food establishment. A thin-stemmed thermometer shall be provided and readily accessible for use in the food establishment. Priority foundation item must be corrected within 10 calendar days.

Observed hose stored in vegetable prep sink. Raw fruits and vegetables shall be thoroughly washed in water, in a sink designated for that purpose only. Hose was removed from the vegetable prep sink.