| Violation Item
| Demerits
| Violation Description
| CDI | R | VR |
|
|---|
|
1
|
1
|
PIC Present, demonstrates knowledge, & performs duties |
No |
No
|
Yes |
2-102.11 (A) - (C )(1), (4)-(16) The Person in charge shall demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, application of HACCP principles, and the requirements of this code by (A) Complying with the Food Code by having no violations of Priority Items during the current inspection, (B) Being a certified food protection manager, or (C) by responding correctly to the inspector's questions related to the operation of the food establishment. -Pf.- Observed multiple priority violations during inspection, PIC not able to answer questions related to the operation of the food establishment, and no CFPM present during inspection. -1- **10 DAY VERIFICATION REQUIRED BY 10/25/26**
Please visit our resource page, www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety, for more food safety information related to PIC Duties, Training, and managing food safety. |
|
2
|
0
|
Certified Food Protection Manager |
No |
No
|
No |
2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. Observed no CFPM present during inspection. -0-
For more information on becoming a certified food protection manager please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety |
|
3
|
0
|
Management, food & conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities & reporting |
Yes |
No
|
No |
2-103.11(O) Ensure food employees are informed of their responsibility to report required symptoms, illnesses and exposure. -Pf- Observed PIC not able to answer EHS’ questions about foodborne illness and EHP that did not include restrictions and exclusions. -CDI- EHS educated and provided handout. -0-
For more information on employee health policy, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety |
|
5
|
0
|
Procedures for responding to vomiting & diarrheal events |
Yes |
No
|
No |
2-501.11 A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. -Pf- Observed no written V&D cleanup procedures. -CDI- EHS provided handout. -0-
For more information please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation |
|
8
|
0
|
Hands clean & properly washed |
Yes |
No
|
No |
2-301.15 Only wash hands in handwashing sink. -Pf-/2-301.12 (A),(B) (C) Wash hands for at least 20 seconds. Follow the cleaning procedure to adequately wash your hands. Use warm water, soap, scrub 10 to 15 seconds, rinse, and immediately follow the cleaning procedure with thorough hand drying method (ex. Disposable Paper Towel) and use a clean barrier such as a disposable paper towel when touching surfaces such as a manually operated faucet handle to avoid recontaminating hands. -P- Observed PIC rinse hands off at spray sink. -CDI- EHS educated PIC on proper handwashing procedures and PIC properly washed hands. -0-
For more information on handwashing, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training video at the following web link, https://youtu.be/BH6CLGrH10M . |
|
10
|
0
|
Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible |
Yes |
No
|
No |
6-301.12 Provide paper towels or approved alternative for hand drying at each handsink. -Pf- Observed paper towels not dispensing from handsink in men’s bathroom due to dispenser being broken. -CDI- PIC provided roll. -0- |
|
15
|
3
|
Food separated & protected |
Yes |
Yes
|
No |
3-302.11(A)(1) Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables. -P- Observed raw carne asada stored over tomato sauce in prep unit. Observed raw shelled eggs stored over chicharron pupusas. -CDI- PIC corrected storage order. **REPEAT** -3-
For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
3-302.11 (A)(4) Except when the food is being cooled, store food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings. Observed no protective coverings on yuca, carrots, zucchini, pico de gallo, plantains, etc.
3-302.11(A)(8) Separate unwashed produce from ready-to-eat foods. Observed unwashed produce stored over washed produce.
For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
3-304.11 (A) Food shall only contact surfaces of properly cleaned and sanitized equipment and utensils. -P- Observed cilantro that per PIC were washed stored in original crate that they arrived in. When EHS asked if crates were W/R/S prior to storing washed produce in them, PIC stated they were not. -CDI- PIC to rewash items. |
|
16
|
1.50
|
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized |
No |
No
|
Yes |
4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -P- Observed no quarternary sanitizer dispensing from 3-comp sink and no chlorine sanitizer from dish machine. -CDI- Facility to make sanitizer using chlorine until repairs can be made. **3 DAY VERIFICATION REQUIRED BY 10/16/26** -1.5-
For more information please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg and How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY
4-602.12 (B) The cavities and door seals of microwave ovens shall be cleaned at least every 24 hours by using the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedure. Observed food buildup on interior of microwave, especially the top. Increased and more thorough cleaning frequency recommended.
4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf.- Observed food debris on dishes stored as clean. -CDI- PIC moved items to dishpit to be W/R/S.
For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 . |
|
20
|
1.50
|
Proper cooling time & temperatures |
Yes |
No
|
No |
3-501.14(A) Quickly cool cooked foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. -P.- Observed beans, chicharron, refried beans, sliced tomatoes, cut cabbage and tomato salsa prepared prior day that did not meet cooling parameters. Refer to temperature chart. -CDI- PIC voluntarily discarded items. -1.5-
For more information please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU . |
|
22
|
1.50
|
Proper cold holding temperatures |
No |
No
|
Yes |
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P- Observed items above 41F in prep unit and WIC. Refer to temperature chart. Observed ambient air of both at 40F. -CDI- PIC voluntarily discarded items. Possible air flow issues. Have unit serviced. **3-DAY VERIFICATION REQUIRED BY 10/16/26** P-1.5-
For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ . |
|
23
|
3
|
Proper date marking & disposition |
Yes |
Yes
|
No |
3-501.17 (A) or (B) Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and are to be held for more than 24 hours. -Pf. Establish a date marking system consistent with 3-501.17 (A) or (B). Additional date marking system options are found in 3-501.17 (D)./3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it has not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P The PIC should train and assign staff to monitor date marking to prevent the use of food products that are no longer in compliance with 3-501.17 (A), (B), or (C). Observed inconsistent date marking, some items would be date marked with month/day (MM/DD) format, other items date marked day/month (DD/MM). Observed multiple items past date mark: cut cabbage 10/5 (discard 10/11), queso fresco 10/6 (discard 10/12) and 9/22 (discard 9/28), mozzarella cheese 10/5 (discard 10/11), housemade habanero sauce (contains cooked habaneros) 10/6 (discard 10/12), cooked beef 9/29 (discard 10/5), beans 9/7 (9/13) ; and multiple items missing date marks: cut cabbage, tomato salsa, heavy cream, and chicharron. . Ensure to maintain a consistent date marking system -CDI- PIC voluntarily discarded items past date and missing dates. **REPEAT** -3-
For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs . |
|
25
|
0.50
|
Consumer advisory provided for raw/ undercooked foods |
No |
No
|
Yes |
3-603.11 (C )(2) A Consumer Advisory Reminder shall include asterisking the food item to a footnote that states: * Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.- Pf- Observed no asterisk beside “huevos al gusto (eggs your way)” on the menu. Observed no asterisk at footnote. **10 DAY VERIFICATION REQUIRED BY 10/25/26 ** -0.5- |
|
28
|
0
|
Toxic substances properly identified stored & used |
Yes |
No
|
No |
7-102.11 Label working containers of toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers.-Pf- Observed spray bottle with no label. Per PIC, contents were chlorine for cleaning the bathroom. -CDI- PIC properly labeled. -0- |
|
33
|
1
|
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control |
Yes |
Yes
|
No |
3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf- Observed multiple items that were prepared prior day that did not meet cooling parameters. Cut cabbage, and sliced tomatoes were found cooling in prep unit in densely packed containers, filled to the top. Beans were found cooling in large pot, densely packed, with no active stirring. Chicharron was found cooling in plastic container densely packed, overfilled, with protective plastic covering. Refried beans were found in a large container, densely packed with no active stirring. -CDI- EHS educated PIC on proper cooling methods and items were voluntarily discarded due to having missed the cooling parameters. **REPEAT** -1-
For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU . |
|
37
|
0
|
Food properly labeled: original container |
No |
No
|
No |
3-302.12 Label all working containers of food (oils, spices, salts, flour, sugar) except food that is easy to identify such as dry pasta. Observed multiple squeeze bottles and spice containers at the line missing labels. -0- |
|
38
|
0
|
Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals |
No |
No
|
No |
6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed flying pests. -0-
6-501.112 Remove dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed dead crawling pest in dish stored as clean. |
|
39
|
0
|
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display |
No |
No
|
No |
3-305.11 Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed raw chicken stored on floor of WIC. Observed vinegar stored on floor in dry storage area. -0- |
|
40
|
0
|
Personal cleanliness |
No |
No
|
No |
2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. Observed food employee engaging in food prep with watch and bracelet. -0- |
|
41
|
0
|
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored |
No |
No
|
No |
3-304.14(B) Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Observed wiping cloths stored in water with no sanitizer. -0- |
|
43
|
0
|
In-use utensils: properly stored |
No |
No
|
No |
3-304.12 (B) In-use utensils for food that is not TCS must be stored with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed. Observed scoop handle buried in flour. Observed sugar with scoop handle touching FCS.
3-304.12 (C ) Store in-use utensils on a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment. The utensils and storage surface must be cleaned and sanitized every 4 hours. Observed tongs stored on side of oven handle. -0- |
|
47
|
0.50
|
Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used |
No |
Yes
|
No |
4-205.10 Ensure equipment other than toasters, mixers, microwaves, water heaters and hoods is ANSI certified or equivalent. Observed “household use only” blender. Per PIC, items is not in use. Remove. -0-
4-101.19/4-202.16 Non FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other FOOD soiling or that require frequent
cleaning shall be constructed of a CORROSION-RESISTANT, nonabsorbent, and SMOOTH material. NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES shall be free of unnecessary ledges, projections, and crevices, and designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and to facilitate maintenance. Observed rusted shelving throughout.
4-501.11 Maintain equipment in good repair. Observed WIC door with large hole and rusting. Observed missing guards on WIC fans. Observed heavily worn dish racks in need of replacement. Replace or Repair. **REPEAT** -0.5-
4-101.11 (A) - (E ) Food contact surfaces shall be (A) Safe P, (B) Durable, Corrosion-Resistant, (C ) sufficient in weight and thickness to withstand repeated washing (D) Smooth and easily cleanable, and (E) Resistant to damage. Observed raw shrimp and other food items in freezer being stored in grocery bags.
4-501.12 Resurface or replace cutting surfaces that can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized. Observed multiple cutting boards in need of replacement due to being heavily worn with deep gauges and cuts. Replace or resurface.
4-402.11 Fixed equipment shall be spaced to allow access for cleaning around the equipment or sealed to adjoining equipment or walls. Observed handsink in need of re-caulking/re-sealing to wall. |
|
48
|
0.50
|
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips |
No |
No
|
Yes |
4-302.14 Provide a test kit that accurately measures sanitizer concentrations. -Pf- Observed no test strips for sanitizer at 3-comp sink. **10 DAY VERIFICATION REQUIRED BY 10/15/26** -0.5- |
|
49
|
0
|
Non-food contact surfaces clean |
No |
No
|
No |
4-601.11(C ) Keep non food contact surfaces of equipment clean to avoid build up of dust, food residue or debris.4-602.13 Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Observed greasy residue on exterior surfaces of in-use squeeze bottles and NFCS of thermometer. Observed interior and exterior surface of prep unit in need of cleaning. Observed exterior surface of dish machine in need of cleaning. Observed tubing from sanitizer and dish soap with dark buildup. Increased and more thorough cleaning frequency recommended. -0- |
|
54
|
0
|
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained |
No |
No
|
No |
5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. Observed dumpster lids open. -0- |
|
55
|
1
|
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean |
No |
Yes
|
No |
6-501.11 Floors, walls, and ceilings including the attachments such as soap and towel dispensers; light fixtures; and heat/ac vents shall be maintained in good repair./6-101.11/6-201.11 Floors, walls and ceilings shall be designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Floors shall be non-absorbent in areas subject to moisture. Observed some floor and wall tiles in need of repair throughout. Observed open hole in floor. Cover.
6-501.12 Floors, walls, ceilings including the attachments such as soap, towel dispensers; light fixtures; and heat/ac vent covers shall be clean. Caution should be used to minimize food exposure. Observed food splash on walls throughout. Observed floors in need of cleaning in hard to reach areas such as below 3-comp sink and behind equipment. Increased and more thorough cleaning frequency recommended. **REPEAT** -1- |
|
56
|
0
|
Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used |
No |
No
|
No |
6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed employee items stored over retail items in prep unit and WIC. Observed employee phone stored on microwave. -0- |