Waffle House

Observed equipment and utensils not properly air-dried.(a) Equipment and Utensils, Air-Drying Required. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils:

1. Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining before contact with food; and 2. May not be cloth dried except that utensils that have been air-dried may be polished with cloths that are maintained clean and dry. PIC arranged dishes so they could properly air dry before storing away.

Observation: observed two employees preparing food wearing watches. Code: Except for a plain ring such as a wedding band food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands while preparing food. C/A: employees removed watches.

Observation: observed plates and bowls in the front food service area above the grill not covered or inverted. Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored as specified under paragraph 1 of this subsection and shall be stored:

(i) In a self-draining position that allows air drying; and

(ii) Covered or inverted.

The PIC had food employee wrap the first plate to use as a barrier or protector for all other plates. Food employee also inverted the bowls.

Observation: observed aper cups stored in manner not to be protected from contamination. Code: single-service and single-use articles shall be stored:

(i) In a clean, dry location;

(ii) Where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination.

C/A: PIC covered cups protecting from contamination.

Observed several TCS food items in the reach-in cooler in the front food service area uncovered and not protected from overhead contamination. Except as specified under paragraph 2. of this subsection and when cooling as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(e)2.(ii), storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination. The PIC placed lids and/or sealed the items to protect them from overhead contamination.

Observed the facility without thermometers available to check the temperature of food items. Food temperature measuring devices shall be provided and readily accessible for use in ensuring attainment and maintenance of food temperatures as specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04. Must correct within 10 calendar days.

Observed plates and bowls in the front food service area above the grill not covered or inverted. Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored as specified under paragraph 1 of this subsection and shall be stored:

(i) In a self-draining position that allows air drying; and

(ii) Covered or inverted.

The PIC had food employee wrap the first plate to use as a barrier or protector for all other plates. Food employee also inverted the bowls.

Observed food containers in the back kitchen area stacked while wet on the drying rack next to handwashing sink. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils:

1. Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining before contact with food; and

2. May not be cloth dried except that utensils that have been air-dried may be polished with cloths that are maintained clean and dry.

The PIC rearranged the food containers so that they could properly air dry.