El Metate Mexican Restaurant 4

Observed several Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods inside of the prep cooler above 41 F (guacamole 56 F, chille rellanos 53 F, chorizo 47 F, mac and cheese 52 F, sliced cheese 51 F, wrapped bacon hot dogs 48 F, raw shell egg 44 F) inside the cooler. The ambient air temperature at 42 F. The establishment has been having issues with the unit (as told by the food handler), and the unit has been turned off at night and turned on the next morning, which is an indication of why the food items are not maintained at the correct cold-hold temperature. Also, observed several TCS foods inside of the walk-in cooler above 41 F (raw short ribs 44 F, queso 46-50 F, refried beans 47-49 F, raw steak 45 F, milk 45-49 F, raw pork 44 F). The ambient air temperature was 44 F. Noticed the walk-in cooler door was opened before entering inside the unit. All cold-hold TCS foods must be 41 F or below. The ambient air temperature must also be 41 F or below (the walk-in cooler's ambient air temperature should be lower than 41 F; recommend 36-38 F. Corrected on Site (COS): TCS foods discarded and other TCS foods moved to the reach-in coolers. A repair representative arrived to make repairs to the units.

Observed two containers of Home Defense spray for treating rodents and other pests. The item is for residential areas, not commercial establishments. Pesticide sprays for residential areas are not allowed to be used in a food service establishment. Please contact the pest control company to provide pest control services for the facility. Corrected on Site (COS): Pesticide spray moved from the facility.

Observed several flies inside the establishment during the inspection today. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the premises by: 1. Routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies; 2. Routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests; 3. Using methods, if pests are found, such as trapping devices or other means of pest control as specified in the rules and regulations; and 4. Eliminating harborage conditions. Make sure the air curtains are turned on when the doors are being opened to prevent the flies from entering the facility. Also keep doors closed when not being used. Please contact the pest control company to have pest control services provided to the establishment.

Observed 4 food containers of shredded chicken (47, 51, 52) above 41F stored inside the walk in cooler. 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. Corrected on Site (COS): PIC discarded the food items.

Observed clean containers stored with old label stickers still on them. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Remove all old labels and adhesive from containers before washing. Remove labels and adhesive and rewash, rinse, and sanitize containers.

Observed several containers stacked wet in the storage area. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining before contact with food. Recommend pyramid stacking of containers before stacking.

Observed numerous chemical spray bottles unlabeled. 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. Label chemical bottles with their common name.

Observed numerous food ingriendents: flour, cornmeal, seasonings and other food items not labeled with its 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. Label food containers with its common name.

Observed a large air gap at the bottom of the rear door. outer openings of a food service establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: Filling or closing holes and other gaps along closed solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors. Have the door threshold repaired.

Observed a sticky fly trap with flies attached in the food prep area. . Insect control devices shall be installed so that:The devices are not located over a food preparation area. Remove fly trap from the food prep area.