Inspection Management System
 
  
 
Premise Information
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NameEL TROPICO RESTAURANT Rules Governing Inspection Scores.
Address4335 N TRYON ST Restaurants: 
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 Day Care and Adult Care: 
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City/State/ZIP
CHARLOTTE NC 28213
Swimming Pool Rules: 
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Premise Type1 - RestaurantMobile Food Units, Push carts, Tattoo Parlors: 
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CountyMecklenburgResidential Care and Local Confinement: 
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Inspection Date 11/14/2022 
Final Score @ Grade
90 A
NC Department of Environmental Health: 
Website
General Comments
Violations 
Critical Violations SHOWN in RED   
NA=Not Applicable  NO=Not Observed  CDI=Corrected During Inspection  R=Repeat Violation  VR=Verification Required 
Violation Item Demerits Violation Description NANOCDIRVRComments
1 1 PIC Present, demonstrates knowledge, & performs duties No No Yes No No 2-103.11(A-P) PIC shall ensure rules in the code for food safety and handling are met. -Pf A Food Safety Checklist can be found at: http://meck.co/FoodSafety along with for more food safety information related to PIC Duties, Training, and managing food safety. Observed a baby walking in and out of the kitchen on several occasions. Baby was removed.
2 1 Certified Food Protection Manager No No No Yes No 2-102.12 PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. For more information on becoming a certified food protection manager please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety. Observed no CFPM manager in the facility during inspection. Repeat.
9 2 No bare hand contact with RTE foods or pre- approved alternate procedure properly followed No No Yes No No 3-301.11(B) Do not contact exposed ready-to-eat food with bare hands. Use suitable utensils, single-use gloves or dispensing equipment. -P For more information, please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety or view our training video at the following web link: Handwashing and No Barehand Contact https://youtu.be/BH6CLGrH10M. Observed employee touched cooked food ready to be served with barehands. CDI. Food discarded.
10 1 Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible No No Yes No No 6-301.12 Provide paper towels or approved alternative for hand drying at each handsink. -Pf. Observed no paper towel at sink during inspection. CDI. PIC replaced.
22 3 Proper cold holding temperatures No No Yes Yes No 3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P For more information please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ . Observed all food in the WI at temperatures above 41F. CDI. PIC indicated that the circuit breaker tripped and was repaired. CDI. PIC voluntarily discarded food and unit repaired. REPEAT. IMPROVEMENT FROM LAST TIME.
39 0 Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display No No 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 frozen food in WI freezer stored directly on the floor.
51 1 Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices No No No Yes No 5-205.15 Maintain a plumbing system in good repair. Observed drain covers in disrepair. Needs to be repaired. Repeat.
55 1 Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean No No No Yes No 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 build up in vents in the WI. Needs repairs. 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. Observed cracks on the floor in the back area. Needs repairs.