The person in charge must make sure employees follow proper food safety procedures, including: • Proper handwashing • Preventing cross-contamination from bare hands • Proper cooking of TCS foods • Proper cooling of TCS foods • Proper hot and cold temperatures of TCS foods • Preventing plumbing cross connections • Properly sanitizing equipment and utensils
Inspector’s notes
Observed a lack of active managerial control. A Risk Control Plan has been created to address the ongoing issue of improper cooling of TCS foods. The Person In Charge should effectively oversee the cooling of TCS foods.
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.
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0275ECleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Store food preparation or dispensing utensils that are used with non-TCS foods, such as ice, in a clean, protected location.
Inspector’s notes
Observed the ice scoop buried inside the ice machine. The scoop was removed at time of inspection.
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.
Cool cooked TCS food: • Within two hours from 135 to 70 degrees F, and • Within a total of six hours from 135 to 41 degrees F or less
Inspector’s notes
Observed par-cooked carne asada with a middle internal temperature of 50F and cooked beans holding at 70F in walk-in cooler. The Person In Charge (PIC) stated that both foods were prepared the night before. The food did not cool down within the required cooling times and temperatures. A conversation was had with the PIC instructed them to follow proper cooling methods. The food was discarded at the time of inspection.
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.
Observed both asada meat and cooked beans in walk-in cooler holding in large, deep container. The use of large, deep and overfilled container prevented the food from properly cooling down within the required timeframes. A conversation was had with the PIC regarding the approved cooling methods. Use smaller portions, shallow pans to allow for rapid 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.
The person in charge must make sure employees follow proper food safety procedures, including: • Proper handwashing • Preventing cross-contamination from bare hands • Proper cooking of TCS foods • Proper cooling of TCS foods • Proper hot and cold temperatures of TCS foods • Preventing plumbing cross connections • Properly sanitizing equipment and utensils
Inspector’s notes
Observed a lack of active managerial control due to ongoing issues with unproper cooling of food on-site. There has to be an effective management and oversight of food safety and compliance.
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.
Use only chemical sanitizers on food-contact surfaces that meet Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations requirements: • Part 180, section 180.940 • Part 180, subpart E, section 180.2020
Inspector’s notes
Observed chlorine concentration in sanitizer bucket to be higher than 200ppm. Chlorine concentration must be between 50ppm - 200ppm. Chlorine concentration in the sanitizer bucket was corrected on-site.
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.
Keep all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or colder under mechanical refrigeration.
Inspector’s notes
Observed TCS foods, including sliced tomatoes and queso fresco holding at 45F in the prep cooler near cookline. Person In Charge was asked to cover all TCS foods using container lids, as the prep cooler's lid is currently broken. All TCS foods must be maintained at 41F or below.
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.
Keep handwashing sinks accessible at all times. Make sure they are only used for handwashing.
Inspector’s notes
Observed a speed rack blocking the handwashing station next to the back grill line. Speed rack was removed at time of inspection. Handwashing sinks must remain accessible to food workers at all times to ensure proper handwashing practices.
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.
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0275ECleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Store food preparation or dispensing utensils that are used with non-TCS foods, such as ice, in a clean, protected location.
Inspector’s notes
Observed an ice scoop buried in ice inside the ice machine. The Person In Charge removed the ice scoop. Never place the scoop directly in the ice, hang or place in a clean container.
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 4626.0735ABEquipment and utensils
Official wording
All equipment and components must be in good repair. Keep them maintained to manufacturer's specifications.
Inspector’s notes
Observed the prep cooler lid near cookline to be broken, as a result, the unit is unable to maintain food at 41F or below. Have lid serviced immediately to ensure proper cold holding temperatures.
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.
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
Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager certificate on-site. Post copy as requested.
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.
Keep all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or colder under mechanical refrigeration.
Inspector’s notes
Observed cut veggies holding at 44F. Food was placed on top of other food in prep cooler. PIC was asked to move food to the undercounter cooler. Discontinue practice.
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.
Before using Time as a Public Health Control for TCS food develop, follow and keep written procedures onsite.
Inspector’s notes
Observed to-go salsa placed in ice. Information on Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC) has been provided with the report. Develop procedures or discontinue practice.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
The person in charge must make sure employees follow proper food safety procedures, including: • Proper handwashing • Preventing cross-contamination from bare hands • Proper cooking of TCS foods • Proper cooling of TCS foods • Proper hot and cold temperatures of TCS foods • Preventing plumbing cross connections • Properly sanitizing equipment and utensils
Inspector’s notes
There is an overall lack of active managerial control. The manager should be able to demonstrate knowledge of food safety and responsibility.
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.
Maintain all hot, TCS foods at 135 degrees F or hotter. (Roast beef may be held at 130 degrees F or hotter, if it is cooked according to Part 4626.0340 item B or reheated according to Part 4626.0360, item E.)
Inspector’s notes
Observed roasted jalapenos on countertop holding at 88F. Maintain all TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above.
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.
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
Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager certificate on-site. Ensure that at least one full-time staff member holds a State of MN-issued CFPM certificate and post copy as requested.
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.
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0840CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Clean non-food contact surfaces of equipment. Keep them clean.
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 throughout the service line. Make sure that all wet wiping cloths are stored in sanitizer buckets.
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.
Keep all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or colder under mechanical refrigeration.
Inspector’s notes
1. Observed cooked mushrooms, cheese, and cooked beans holding between 46 - 44F in prep cooler near cookline. 2. Observed salsa verde, crema, lengua and cabeza cooling from the night before holding between 55 - 45F. Person In Charge was asked to discard the cooked cabeza and lengua. Make sure that all TCS foods are kept at or below 41F.
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.
Relocate insect control devices so they are not over food preparation areas or in areas where dead insects or fragments can fall onto exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, linens and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
Inspector’s notes
Observed a fly strip located directly over a prep table. Fly strip was removed. Make sure that all fly strips are located away from any food or equipment.
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.
Observed salsa verde, crema, lengua, and cabeza cooling from the night before in deep containers. Ensure that an effective cooling method is used during the cooling process of TCS foods. More information regarding effective cooling methods has been provided in the report.
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.
While TCS foods are cooling, keep containers uncovered, unstacked, and spread out.
Inspector’s notes
Observed TCS food cooling from the night before in walk-in cooler cooling in large plastic containers. Keep all TCS food uncovered and arranged properly to allow for maximum heat transfer during their cooling process.
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.
Thaw TCS food by one of the following methods: • Inside a refrigerator • Kept completely under running water of 70 degrees F or less. The food must remain at 41 degrees F or less. • In a microwave oven • As part of the cooking process
Inspector’s notes
Observed raw tripe in prep sink thawing at room temperature. PIC was asked to begin cooking preparation for tripe immediately. Use one of the thawing methods listed above.
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.
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0400AFood source and labeling
Official wording
Use an effective method to date mark refrigerated, ready-to-eat, TCS food prepared and held for more than 24 hours. Day one is the day the food was made.
Inspector’s notes
Observed multiple TCS foods in walk-in cooler with dates passing the 7-day date marking rule. Person In Charge mentioned that they had been thawing. A date marking system must be implemented for food that is frozen and thawed for use.
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.
Before using Time as a Public Health Control for TCS food develop, follow and keep written procedures onsite.
Inspector’s notes
Observed to-go salsa verde and roja placed in ice near service line. Develop Time as a Public Health Control procedures when food is removed from cold holding. More information has been provided with report.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
The person in charge must make sure employees follow proper food safety procedures, including: • Proper handwashing • Preventing cross-contamination from bare hands • Proper cooking of TCS foods • Proper cooling of TCS foods • Proper hot and cold temperatures of TCS foods • Preventing plumbing cross connections • Properly sanitizing equipment and utensils
Inspector’s notes
Observed an overall lack of active managerial control. Manager was not able to demonstrate food safety knowledge regarding food handling such as cooling requirements and the prevention of foodborne diseases.
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.