MERENGUE RESTAURANT AND CATERING INC

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed plastic container inside hand wash sink at cook line, hand wash sink is placed in between corns of wall and stove with limited space for access to employees. Operator removed plastic container Corrected On-Site

Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice at front counter ice machine. Operator removed. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic pitcher inside hand wash sink at cook line. Operator removed. Corrected On-Site

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle indirect contact with flour at prep counter. Operator removed. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken over raw beef not commercially packed in tall stainless reach in cooler. Operator stored items properly. Corrected On-Site

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed plastic container inside of hand wash sink at cook line. Operator removed. Corrected On-Site

Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour not labeled in plastic container under prep table in kitchen. Operator labeled items properly. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed Raw sausage over evaporated milk in tall white reach in cooler. Operator stored properly. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw Ground beef over raw pork at walk in cooler. Operator stored properly. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Mofongo sauce (cooked vegetables) (134F - Hot Holding) Per operator, out of temperature for approximately 2 hours. Operator returned to stove to reheat to 165+F. Corrective Action Taken

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Portion cups stored in reused cut cardboard box. Corrected On-Site

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw chicken over raw beef/reach in freezer/corrective action taken/operator stored raw products properly. Corrective Action Taken

Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.

Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.

Basic - Food stored on floor. Oil/shortening containers/storage area/corrective action taken/operator stored foods properly. Corrective Action Taken

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Quaternary test strips.

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Frontline

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Frontline

Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Corrective action taken/operator posted consumer advisory. Corrected On-Site

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Frontline