La Costa

Official wording

Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized

Inspector’s notes

FOUND FOOD BEING PREPARED AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. [CA] FOOD PREPARATION SHALL BE DONE AT THE FOOD PREP SINK.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

Official wording

Proper hot and cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE RICE AT 128F IN A LARGE POT NEAR THE STOVE FOR OVER 6 HRS. [CA] KEEP HOT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT 135F OR ABOVE. SEE VC&D.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

Official wording

Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification

Inspector’s notes

MISSING THE FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATE FOR MANAGERS. [CA] PROVIDE THE FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

FOUND A BEEF TRAY STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER. [CA] STORE FOOD 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

Official wording

Premises clean, in good repair; Personal/chemical storage; Adequate vermin-proofing

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE MOP INSIDE THE MOP BUCKET. [CA] HANG THE MOP TO AIR DRY.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

Official wording

Permits available

Inspector’s notes

EXPIRED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERMIT. [CA] PROVIDE A CURRENT PERMIT.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

Official wording

Returned and reservice of food

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

Official wording

Food contact surfaces clean, sanitized

Inspector’s notes

FOUND OCTOPUS BEING COOLED AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK ON THE DRAIN BOARD. [CA] DO NOT USE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO COOL FOOD.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

Official wording

Food storage: food storage containers identified

Inspector’s notes

FOUND BOXES STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER. [CA] STORE FOOD 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

FOUND A STAINLESS STEEL BOWL FOR THE RICE. [CA] USE ONLY FOOD GRADE WASHABLE SCOOPS WITH A HANDLE. KEEP THE HANDLE OUTSIDE THE FOOD.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

Official wording

Equipment, utensils, linens: Proper storage and use

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE CO2 TANK NOT FASTENED TO A RIGID STRUCTURE. [CA] FASTEN CO2 TANK. FOUND A STAINLESS STEEL BOWL BEING USED TO SCOOP THE COOKED MEXICAN RICE. [CA] USE FOOD GRADE WASHABLE SCOOPS WITH A HANDLE. KEEP THE HANDLE OUTSIDE THE FOOD. COS

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.