While TCS foods are cooling, keep containers uncovered, unstacked, and spread out.
Inspector’s notes
Observed meatballs that had been cooled yesterday with condensation on the lid- lid had been placed on before cooling was finished. Always keep food uncovered when cooling.
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.
Clean receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnable at a frequency necessary to prevent them from developing a build-up of soil or becoming attractants for insects and rodents.
Inspector’s notes
Observed recycling bin with debris and in need of cleaning. Clean and maintain.
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.
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1520ACleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Clean all physical facilities (floors, walls, ceilings). Keep them clean.
Inspector’s notes
Observed floors throughout establishment in need of cleaning. Especially under shelving, equipment, and floor in walk-in cooler. Clean and maintain.
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.
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0285BCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Wiping cloths used for wiping surfaces must: • Be held in an approved sanitizing solution • Laundered daily
Inspector’s notes
Observed wet wiping cloths stored on counter. Instructed to store in sanitizer bin when not in use. Corrected on site.
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.
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0840CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Clean non-food contact surfaces of equipment. Keep them clean.
Inspector’s notes
Observed the following areas in need of cleaning: 1. Side/exterior of oven 2. Oven crumb tray under conveyor 3. Shelving storing food and equipment 4. Walk-in cooler shelves 5. Walk in cooler walls and ceiling observed with mold build-up and other debris Deep clean and maintain.
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.
Clean food contact surfaces of cooking and baking equipment, including microwave ovens, at least every 24 hours.
Inspector’s notes
Observed the following food-contact surfaces with crusted food debris: 1. Pizza screen pans 2. Oven conveyor chain Clean daily.
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.
Protect food from cross-contamination by using packages or covered containers.
Inspector’s notes
Observed large bag of flour uncovered. Keep covered or store in container with lid. Bag was closed. Corrected on site.
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.
Protect food from cross-contamination by cleaning and sanitizing equipment and utensils.
Inspector’s notes
Observed employee phone stored on cutting board. Instructed to relocate phone and clean and sanitize cutting board. Corrected on site.
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.
Locate areas designated for employees to eat, drink and use tobacco so that food, equipment, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are protected from contamination.
Inspector’s notes
Observed employees lunch stored open in kitchen prep area. Instructed to relocate and designate area for employees to eat.
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.
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1520ACleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Clean all physical facilities (floors, walls, ceilings). Keep them clean.
Inspector’s notes
Observed office floor in need of cleaning. Clean and maintain.
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.
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0033APermits, training, and postings
Official wording
The business must employ at least one valid Minnesota Food Protection Manager's certification (CFPM). Find more information on the Minnesota Department of Health web page.
Inspector’s notes
No CFPM. A full time employee must pass a food safety class and register with the state. Send CFPM application, a copy of exam certificate and $35 fee to state. See website for more information or contact: 651-201-4500 https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/food/cfpm/howto.html
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.
Food businesses must have handwashing sinks with a water temperature of: • At least 100 degrees F • Not hotter than 130 degrees F • If children use the sink, the water temperature must not be hotter than 120 degrees F
Inspector’s notes
Hot water at hand sink is not functional. Operator was able to repair it next day.
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.