minorCode MN Rule 4626.0506AEquipment and utensils
Official wording
Food service equipment must be certified for sanitation. The certification must be by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited program.
Inspector’s notes
Observed residential fridge in kitchen. Licensed establishments must have commercial equipment. Replace with approved equipment.
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.
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0715Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Have a test kit for the type of sanitizer used.
Inspector’s notes
Operator unable to locate test strips at time of inspection. Ensure you have test strips for each type of sanitizer used 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.
Have a thin-tipped food thermometer easily available to measure the internal temperature of thin pieces of food.
Inspector’s notes
Operator did not have a thin tipped thermometer. Obtain thin tipped thermometer.
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.
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0900Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Sanitize food contact surfaces before using and after cleaning.
Inspector’s notes
Observed no sanitizer on site during inspection. Per operator, they had just ran out and were waiting for it to come in. Discussed importance of keeping sanitizer on site with both person in charge on site and with operator/owner over the phone. Meals for clients are delivered pre-portioned, minimal ware-washing required 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 4626.0450BCDECleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Remove all multi-use equipment, utensils, and food storage containers that are not: • Smooth • Easily cleanable • Durable • Nonabsorbent • In good condition
Inspector’s notes
Removed protective wrapping from underneath 3 compartment 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.
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 (CFPM) certificate on sight. Ensure you employ at least one CFPM and post the 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.
Keep handwashing sinks accessible at all times. Make sure they are only used for handwashing.
Inspector’s notes
Observed dish soap bottles stored in the handwash sink. Ensure handwash sink is used for handwashing only and is accessible at all times.
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.
Observed no soap at handwash sink. Discussed with operator. Ensure all handwash sinks are supplied with soap at all times.
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.
Keep at each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks one of: • A supply of disposable towels • A continuous towel system • An approved air temperature hand drying device
Inspector’s notes
Observed no towels or means to dry hands at handwash sink in the kitchen.
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.
Post a sign at all handwashing sinks used by employees to remind them to wash their hands.
Inspector’s notes
Ensure all handwash sinks have the proper signage.
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 4626.1040BWater, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Keep the plumbing system in good repair.
Inspector’s notes
Observed leak at handwash sink. Repair leak
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0450BCDECleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Remove all multi-use equipment, utensils, and food storage containers that are not: • Smooth • Easily cleanable • Durable • Nonabsorbent • In good condition
Inspector’s notes
Observed protective wrapping on underside of three compartment sink has not been completely removed. Remove wrapping.
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.
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0900Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Sanitize food contact surfaces before using and after cleaning.
Inspector’s notes
Observed no bleach appropriate for food contact surfaces available onsite during the inspection. Per discussion with operator, they ran out the day before and someone was out purchasing more at the moment. Only single use utensils and serving equipment can be used until sanitizer is back 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.
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 managerial control for food safety onsite ( no illness log, no sanitizer on site, inadequate handwashing station, etc.) Ensure there is a person in charge that is controlling for food safety on site at all times the establishment is open.
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.