Waffle House (#1086)

Observed a build up of pink and black mold along the interior surface of the ice machine. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned: 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.

C/A: Ice shall be removed and bin shall be sanitized before use.

Observed canned monster drink in reach-in cooler near the window of the dining room.

511-6-1.03(5)(j)1&2 - Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco (C) (j) Hygienic Practices.

1. Employees shall not use tobacco in any form, or electronic devices that simulate tobacco smoking, while engaged in food preparation or service, nor while in areas used for equipment or utensil washing and storage, food preparation or food storage. Employees shall only use tobacco products or electronic devices that simulate tobacco smoking in approved designated areas.

2. Employees shall consume food only in approved designated areas separate from food preparation and serving areas, equipment or utensil areas and food storage areas. However, drinking from a single service beverage cup with a secure lid and straw that is handled to prevent contamination of the employee’s hands, the container, exposed food, clean equipment, utensils and linens, unwrapped single-service and single-use articles will be allowed.

C/A: Drink and phone should be relocated to designated area for employee personal items.

Observed food service workers not wearing proper hair restraints. Explained to PIC. COS. 511-6-1.03(5)(i) - Hair Restraints (C) (i) Hair Restraints.

1. Employees preparing or handling food shall use effective and clean, disposable or easily cleanable nets or other hair restraints approved by the Health Authority, worn properly to restrain loose hair including beards and mustaches longer than one half inch.

2. This does not apply to employees such as counter staff who only serve beverages and wrapped or packaged foods, hostesses, and wait staff if they present a minimal risk of contaminating exposed food, clean utensils and linens and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.

Observed employee cell phone on the silverware rack by the backroom door of the facility. EXplained to PIC. COs. 511-6-1.07(5)(j) - Using Dressing Rooms & Lockers, used for changing clothes and storing employee belongings (C) (j) Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers.

1. Dressing rooms shall be used by employees if the employees regularly change their clothes in the establishment.

2. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be used for the orderly storage of employee clothing and other possessions.

Observed waffle iron Cleaner and stainless steel cleaner stored on shelf next to gloves and above single service lids and bowls. Shelf is located across from 3 compartment sink.

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

C/A: Notified PIC about proper storage for chemicals. Shelf shall be arranged in a way to prevent chance of contamination.

Observed dead bugs of different species floating within the water of an unused steam well and within the light fixture above the steam well at the back where the three compartment sink is located.

511-6-1.07(5)(l) - Removing Dead or Trapped Birds, Insects, Rodents, and Other Pest (C) (l) Removing Dead or Trapped Birds, Insects, Rodents, and Other Pests. Dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, and other pests shall be removed from control devices and the premises at a frequency that prevents their accumulation, decomposition, or the attraction of pests.

Corrective action: Spoke to PIC, pest control had sprayed last week, but he did not have documentation available. Bugs within steam well were cleaned and discarded.

Observed several Walk in Cooler foods above 41F. Steak - 47F Milk - 46F Cheese - 46F

511-6-1.04(6)(f) - Time/Temperature Control for Safety; Cold Holding (P) (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

Corrective action:

Temperature logs showed that the unit was at 41F at 10am that morning. Further conversation with the PIC revealed that a shipment was brought in around 10:30am and that the walk in cooler door most likely was left opened. With this information, food that was TCS and above 41F was placed in the freezer to bring down their temperature to 41F or below. Spoke with PIC, to limit unit from remaining for extended periods of time. At time of inspection maintenance was also called to check the unit; they arrived as the inspection was in progress.

Observed debris and steak bits inside and stuck to the door of the reach in cooler at the center next to stoves.

511-6-1.05(7)(d) - Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C) (d) Nonfood-Contact Surfaces. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.

Corrective action: Spoke to PIC about having debris cleaned.

Observed walk in cooler air conditioning unit dripping water from the refrigerant line close to the ground (observed food separated from water).

511-6-1.05(6)(q)1&3 - Good Repair & Calibration (C) (q) Good Repair and Calibration.

1. Utensils shall be maintained in a state of repair or condition that complies with the requirements specified under subsections (1) and (2) of this Rule or shall be discarded.
2. 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.

Corrective action: Spoke to PIC to have refrigerant line fixed as soon as possible.

Observed build up of food debris at the bottom of the inside and close to the handles of the reach in cooler.

511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - Equipment, Food/Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (C) 2. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations.

3. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

Corrective action: Spoke to PIC to clean those areas as soon as possible.

Observed build up of food debris and stagnant water where the 3 compartment sink is at the back

511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - Good Repair, physical facilities maintained; Cleaning, Frequency & Restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (C) (5) Maintenance and Operation.

(a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.

(b) Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions.

1. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products.

2. Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed, such as after closing.

3. If present, playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. In addition, a cleaning and sanitizing plan along with cleaning and sanitizing records for playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained within the food service establishment for review upon request by the Health Authority. Further, such cleaning and sanitizing plan for employees to follow in the event of encountering vomitus or fecal matter shall be included and submitted at the time of permit application as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.02(1)(c). Pf

Corrective action: Spoke to PIC to clean those areas as soon as possible.

Observed raw egg stored in basket with time recorded as 4:52am-8:52am. Current inspection time is 2:50pm.

511-6-1.04(6)(i) - Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC) (P, Pf, C) (i) Time as a Public Health Control.

1. Except as specified under paragraph 4 of this subsection, if time without temperature control is used as the public health control for a working supply of time/temperature control for safety food before cooking, or for ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food that is displayed or held for sale or service, written procedures shall be prepared in advance, maintained in the food service establishment, and made available to the regulatory authority upon request that specify: Pf

(i) Methods of compliance with paragraphs 2(i) - (iii) or 3(i) through (v) of this subsection; and

(ii) Methods of compliance with the cooling of time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared, cooked, and refrigerated before time is used as a public health control. Pf

2. If time without temperature control is used as the public health control up to a maximum of 4 hours:

(i) The food shall have an initial temperature of 41°F (5°C) or less when removed from cold holding temperature control, or 135°F (57°C) or greater when removed from hot holding temperature control; P

(ii) 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; Pf

(iii) The food shall be cooked and served, served at any temperature if ready-to-eat, or discarded, within 4 hours from the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control; P and

(iv) The food in unmarked containers or packages, or marked to exceed a 4-hour limit shall be discarded.

C/A: Egg was no longer in basket.

Observed no hand towels at handwashing station at the back where the three compartment sink is located.

511-6-1.07(3)(b) - Hand Drying Provision (Pf) (b) Hand Drying Provision. Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with:

1. Individual, disposable towels; Pf

2. A continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel; Pf

3. A heated-air hand drying device; Pf or

4. A hand drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity, pressurized air at ambient temperatures.Pf

C/A: Spoke to PIC to keep all handwashing stations stocked at all times.

Observed Storage container in hand washing sink located in the front service area.

511-6-1.06(2)(o) - Using a Handwashing Sink- Operation & maintenance (Pf) (o) Using a Handwashing Sink.

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.

C/A: Container was removed from sink during inspection.

1. Observed degreaser stored on top shelf next coffee filter, gloves and above single service coffee lids and bowls. Shelf is located across from 3 compartment sink.

2. Observed waffle iron cleaner and hand soap stored on top shelf of dry storage above napkins, single service coffee lids, straws and single service bowls.

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

C/A: Notified PIC about proper storage for chemicals. Shelf shall be arranged in a way to prevent chance of contamination.

Observed stagnant water and spoiled odor coming from reach in cooler container waffle batter and hash brown containers. Stagnant water was observed in majority of reach in coolers throughout facility including the Walk in cooler.

511-6-1.05(7)(a)2,3 - Equipment, Food/Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils, food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment & nonfood-contact surfaces free of accumulations (C)

2. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations.

C/A: Clean frequently enough to prevent accumulations.

Observed build up of condiment packets, aluminum foil and other debris between prep top cooler lid and between cooking equipment.

511-6-1.05(7)(d) - Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

(d) Nonfood-Contact Surfaces. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.

C/A: Clean frequently to prevent accumulations.

Observed dust buildup on ice machine vent and on the door of the dry storage room.

511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - Good Repair, physical facilities maintained; Cleaning, Frequency & Restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (C) (5) Maintenance and Operation.

(a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.

C/a: Clean frequently to prevent accumulations.

Observed no hand towels at handwashing station at the back where the three compartment sink is located.

511-6-1.07(3)(b) - Hand Drying Provision (Pf) (b) Hand Drying Provision. Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with:

1. Individual, disposable towels; Pf

2. A continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel; Pf

3. A heated-air hand drying device; Pf or

4. A hand drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity, pressurized air at ambient temperatures.Pf

Spoke to PIC to keep all handwashing stations stocked with paper towels.

Observed inspection report visisble to the public from october 2022. Most recent inspection was from febuary 2023.

511-6-1.02(1)(d) - Displaying of the Inspection Report (C)

1. 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.

2. Food service establishments with drive-thru windows will post the current inspection report, and also have the inspection report posted so that a minimum of the top one-third of a copy of the current inspection report is visible through each window allowing customers to easily read the score, date of inspection and establishment information.

3. At food service establishments with no primary or public door, the current inspection report shall be prominently displayed at all times where the documents can be read by the public from a distance of one foot away. If requirements of this paragraph are not possible because of physical restrictions, a location will be determined as approved by the Health Authority.

4. The most current inspection report for mobile food service units and extended food service units issued by the local Health Authority having jurisdiction for its inspections shall be prominently displayed in public view during all hours of operation. Such inspection reports shall be prominently displayed at the point of service where the documents can be read by the public from a distance of one foot away.

5. A food service establishment inspection report addendum need not be displayed, but shall be made available by the food service establishment to the public upon request.

Corrective action: Spoke to PIC to have most recent inspection report displayed to the public.

Observed reach in cooler at main kitchen where the steaks and eggs are kept dripping water from the main vent (observed food separated from water).

511-6-1.05(6)(q)1&3 - Good Repair & Calibration (C) (q) Good Repair and Calibration.

1. Utensils shall be maintained in a state of repair or condition that complies with the requirements specified under subsections (1) and (2) of this Rule or shall be discarded.
2. 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.

Corrective action: Spoke with PIC to have machine serviced and have water removed and cleaned.