Prime + Proper

Official wording

FOOD shall be protected from contamination by storing the FOOD: (1) In a clean, dry location; (2) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (3) At least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor, unless otherwise approved.

Inspector’s notes

Exposed to dust, splash, or other contaminates

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

Official wording

NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.

Inspector’s notes

Soiled

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

For a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT that is required under § 8-201.13 to have a HACCP PLAN, the plan and specifications shall indicate: (A) A categorization of the types of POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS) that are specified in the menu such as soups and sauces, salads, and bulk, solid FOODS such as MEAT roasts, or of other FOODS that are specified by the REGULATORY AUTHORITY; (B) A flow diagram by specific FOOD or category type identifying CRITICAL CONTROL POINTS and providing information on the following: (1) Ingredients, materials, and EQUIPMENT used in the preparation of that FOOD, and (2) Formulations or recipes that delineate methods and procedural control measures that address the FOOD safety concerns involved; (C) FOOD EMPLOYEE and supervisory training plan that addresses the FOOD safety issues of concern; (D) A statement of standard operating procedures for the plan under consideration including clearly identifying: (1) Each CRITICAL CONTROL POINT, (2) The CRITICAL LIMITS for each CRITICAL CONTROL POINT, (3) The method and frequency for monitoring and controlling each CRITICAL CONTROL POINT by the FOOD EMPLOYEE designated by the PERSON IN CHARGE, (4) The method and frequency for the PERSON IN CHARGE to routinely verify that the FOOD EMPLOYEE is following standard operating procedures and monitoring CRITICAL CONTROL POINTS, (5) Action to be taken by the PERSON IN CHARGE if the CRITICAL LIMITS for each CRITICAL CONTROL POINT are not met, and (6) Records to be maintained by the PERSON IN CHARGE to demonstrate that the HACCP PLAN is properly operated and managed; and (E) Additional scientific data or other information, as required by the REGULATORY AUTHORITY, supporting the determination that FOOD safety is not compromised by the proposal.

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

A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT that packages FOOD using a REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING method shall have a HAACP PLAN approved by the regulatory authority. (P)

Inspector’s notes

Haccp plan does not include

In plain English

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

Official wording

(A) Areas designated for EMPLOYEES to eat, drink, and use tobacco shall be located so that FOOD, EQUIPMENT, LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES are protected from contamination. (B) Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be located in a designated room or area where contamination of FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES can not occur.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

Official wording

FOOD EMPLOYEES shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms as specified under § 2-301.12 immediately before engaging in FOOD preparation including working with exposed FOOD, clean EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS, and unwrapped SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES (P) and: (A) After touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed portions of arms; (P) (B) After using the toilet room; (P) (C) After caring for or handling SERVICE ANIMALS or aquatic animals as specified in ¶ 2-403.11(B); (P). (D) Except as specified in ¶ 2-401.11(B), after coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking; (P) (E) After handling soiled EQUIPMENT or UTENSILS; (P) (F) During FOOD preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks; (P) (G) When switching between working with raw FOOD and working with READY-TO-EAT FOOD; (P) (H) Before donning gloves for working with FOOD; (P) and (I) After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands. (P)

Inspector’s notes

Did not wash hands

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

A chemical SANITIZER used in a SANITIZING solution for a manual or mechanical operation shall meet these limits or as otherwise approved: (P) Chlorine ppm pH<10 pH<8 25 120 F 120 F 50 100 F 75 F 100 55 F 55 F Iodine a concentration of between 12.5 and 25 ppm and minimum temp of 75 F and pH of 5 or less or meets manufacturer's specifications. (P) Quats minimum temperature of 75 F, hardness of 500 ppm or less and meet manufacturers use directions. (P)

Inspector’s notes

Below 100 ppm

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

Official wording

(A) EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be clean to sight and touch. (Pf) (B) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking EQUIPMENT and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris.

Inspector’s notes

Soiled

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

The PERSON IN CHARGE shall ensure that employees, practices and policies are in compliance with the code. (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Not ensuring compliance

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

SHELLSTOCK tags shall remain attached to the container in which the shellstock are received until the container is empty and tags shall be retained for 90 days after the container is empty. Retained tags shall be kept in chronological order and correlated to the date when shellstock are harvested. (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Identification

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

Official wording

(A) A HANDWASHING SINK shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for EMPLOYEE use and used for no other purpose. (Pf) (B) An automatic handwashing facility shall be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Used for culinary purposes

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT that packages FOOD using a REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING method shall have a HAACP PLAN approved by the regulatory authority. (P)

Inspector’s notes

Haccp plan does not include

In plain English

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

Official wording

FOOD shall be protected from contamination that may result from a factor or source not specified under Subparts 3-301 - 3-306.

Inspector’s notes

Not protected

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

Official wording

A chemical SANITIZER used in a SANITIZING solution for a manual or mechanical operation shall meet these limits or as otherwise approved: (P) Chlorine ppm pH<10 pH<8 25 120 F 120 F 50 100 F 75 F 100 55 F 55 F Iodine a concentration of between 12.5 and 25 ppm and minimum temp of 75 F and pH of 5 or less or meets manufacturer's specifications. (P) Quats minimum temperature of 75 F, hardness of 500 ppm or less and meet manufacturers use directions. (P)

Inspector’s notes

Below 25 ppm

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.