Tequila Mexican Restaurant

Observed sliced tomatoes holding at a temperature greater than 41F in grill drawer cooler. PIC stated tomatoes had been placed in cooler drawer within past 20 minutes. CA: Cold TCS food items to be maintained at 41F or below. COS: PIC moved tomatoes to WIC to cool.

Observed multiple TCS food items holding at a temperature greater than 41F in 2 door reach-in cooler in prep area of kitchen. CA: Cold TCS food items to be maintained at 41F or below. COS: PIC stated reach-in cooler was having issues but was repaired day before. ALL TCS food items in cooler greater than 4 hours were discarded.

Observed multiple containers of bulk site-made sauces (enchilada sauce & burrito sauce) holding at a temperature greater than 41F in walk-in cooler. CA: Cold TCS food items to be maintained at 41F or below. COS: Datemarking & PIC verified sauces had been prepared the day before, therefore items in cooler greater than 4 hours were discarded.

Observed multiple bulk containers of site-made salsa prepped today tightly sealed with plastic lid in walk in cooler to cool. CA: Food containers in which food is being cooled shall be arranged in the equipment to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls; and loosely covered or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination during the cooling period to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the food. COS: PIC had employee uncover salsa and move to walk-in cooler to rapidly cool.

Observed employee bring soiled/used dishes from dining area into dish area, and return to service alley to provide container of salsa without washing hands between tasks. CA: Employees shall wash hands after handling soiled equipment or utensils. COS: PIC had employee wash hands.

Observed multiple expired CFSM certifications posted in public view. All certifications expired in August 2025. CA: All licenses, certificates, diplomas, or other similar credentials issued or granted to an owner or operator who has successfully completed an approved or accredited food safety certification course and exam shall expire on the expiration date determined by the credentialing organization. Within ninety days of the expiration of the CFSM certificate, the CFSM shall enroll in an approved food safety training course, pass an approved exam and obtain a new certificate.

Observed employee drinks (single-use cups without lids & straws) stored on top of food equipment (commercial cheese grater) in main kitchen area. CA: Employee drinks to be in single service cup with lid & straw and stored in an area to prevent contamination of food, ingredients, utensils, and equipment. COS: Drinks were discarded.

Observed multiple bulk containers of site-made sauces, diced onions, and raw meat stored in walk in cooler without lid or covering. CA: Food is to be stored covered if not in an active cooling state. COS: PIC covered all containers with lids.

Observed multiple containers of beans, carnitas, and sauces stored in reach in cooler without lid or covering. CA: Food is to be stored covered if not in an active cooling state. COS: PIC covered food items with lids.

Observed light around left side & bottom left corner of back entry. CA: outer openings of a food service establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings.

UPDATE: Follow-Up Inspection on 1/9: Door Seal had been repaired.

Observed evidence of pests in facility. CA: The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the premises. PIC to have pest control come to facility & have door seal repaired as soon as possible. Health Dept. to check back within 7 days.

Observed no hot water at either hand washing sink. CA: A handwashing sink shall be equipped to provide tempered water at a temperature of at least 85ºF (29.4 ºC) through a mixing valve or combination faucet. COS: PIC said that hot water had been leaking from faucet so they turned it off. PIC turned hot water back on and will have faucet repaired.

Observed facility using disinfectant cleaner instead of sanitizer on food contact surfaces. CA: Chemical sanitizers applied to food-contact surfaces eet requirements specified in 40 CFR s (Food-contact surface sanitizing solutions). COS: PIC mad sanitizer to correct concentration.

Observed light around back entry of back door on bottom portion. CA: PIC to replace with new gaskets.

Observed multiple food containers on drying rack stacked while wet. CA: PIC removed all containers to be rewashed and air dried properly. PIC also educated dishwasher on issue.

Observed multiple personal belongings (jackets) in dry storage area next to food products. CA: PIC to relocate items to designated area away from food/food contact surfaces.

Observed no sanitizer prepared in kitchen. CA: PIC prepared sanitizer to manufactuers recommended concentration.

Observed chemical spray bottle without label. CA: PIC labeled spray bottle.

Observed spray bottle with bleach cleaner being actively used to sanitize dining tables at a concentration lower than manufacturer's recommendation. CA: PIC re-made spray bottles to proper concentration.

Observed light around back entry door on bottom and left side. CA: PIC will have seal replaced by correct by date indicated.

UPDATE: Site visit made on 2/7/24, Back door had been resealed. Did not observe any light around door.

Observed drawer of grill cooler with broken seal. CA: PIC will have seal replaced to ensure no possible temperature issues.

UPDATE: Site visit made on 2/7/24, PIC stated grill cooler gasket had been repaired, however grill cooler was not closing properly & temperatures of product were above safe range. PIC notified to not use cooler till repaired. Health dept to check back.

Observed cooked rice and beans prepped today with label stating 10:30am, not cooled from 135F to 70F in 2 hours. CA: Starting temperature could not be verified, therefore PIC discarded food items.