Waffle House - Cedartown

Observed several TCS foods in 3 door RIC not cold held 41°F or below (see temp log).

CA: TCS foods shall be cold held at 41°F or below.

COS: PIC stated she just moved items from the WIC or the items that were already in there were in temp upon temperature checks (verified temp log) therefore items were rapidly cooled.

No TCS products to be stored in cooler until maintenance checks and health dept. to be contacted when repaired - will visit to confirm unit is holding temp.

*4/9/26 UPDATE: Was notified maintenance checked on cooler and that it was working - check back confirmed unit was in temp and could be used again.

Observed employees on grill and prep line with no hair restraints.

CA: Employees preparing or handling food shall use effective and clean, disposable or easily cleanable nets or other hair restraints (ex: hats or visors) and have hair past shoulder length pulled back.

COS: Employees put on hair restraints.

Observed dumpster drain plug missing.

CA: Using Drain Plugs. Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall have drain plugs in place.

Health dept. to check back by correct by date.

Observed multiple employee items stored throughout the facility (WIC, RIC & on counters).

CA: Areas designated for employees to eat, drink, use tobacco products and electronic devices shall be located so that food, equipment, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are protected from contamination.

COS: PIC removed and relocated items to an designated area.

Observed dumpster with door left open. CA: Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered with tight-fitting lids or doors if kept outside the food service establishment.

Observed dumpster missing drain plug. CA: Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall have drain plugs in place.

Observed coffee drink on/next to waffle irons. CA: Educated PIC and cook on proper storage location of employee drinks to prevent contamination. PIC discarded the drink.

Observed plastic container in multiple handwashing sink in main kitchen and back of kitchen areas. CA: PIC removed containers.

Observed employee handling food items with jewelry on hand/wrist (watch/ring with stone). CA: PIC had jewelry removed. 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.

Observed several Time and Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods in the prep top cooler not at 41°F or lower (diced ham 59°F; sliced ham 60°F and cheese 58oF) and in the cooler drawer (Raw steak 57°F; ham steak 54°F); see temps). Corrective Action: Person-In-Charge discarded items. She was instructed not to use this unit until it had been repaired an demonstrated that it had the ability to hold items as 41oF or below. Ice was placed under the prep top items to ensure that they would stay at 41oF or below until the unit was repaired and the PIC would monitor temperatures every hour throughout the day. Maintenance man is coming down today to repair unit.

Observed handsink in back of the operation with the drain broken and water being discharged to the floor. Corrective Action: Maintenance man is coming down today to look at the prep top cooler and will repair the drain as well.

Observed cook store drink on top shelf of grill next to eggs, not to prevent contamination if spillage occurs. CA: Educated PIC and cook on proper storage location of employee drinks. PIC discarded the drink.