Bencharong Thai House

600 F ST 9 #, Arcata

Routine Inspection
37. Equipment, utensils and linens: storage and use.

Conditions Observed: Observed a spatula and similar utensils held in a container of water at the stove. Rest utensils on a clean and sanitized surface or keep in hot water at or above 135 F.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Clean equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles shall be stored at least six inches above the floor in an approved location within the fully enclosed permitted food facility. Clean equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles shall not be exposed to splash, dust, vermin, or other forms of contamination. Non-food items shall be stored and displayed separate from food and food-contact surfaces. During pauses in food preparation utensils shall be stored with handles above the top of the food, on a clean sanitized surface, in running water, or in water that is at least 135øF. Single-use articles and multiservice utensils shall be handled, displayed, and dispensed so that contamination of food and lip-contact surfaces is prevented. Extra preset tableware shall be removed when a consumer is seated or cleaned and sanitized before further use. Pressurized cylinders shall be securely fastened to rigid structure. Linens must be free of food residue and soil and be laundered as required. (114074, 114075(a,b,d,e), 114081, 114119, 114121, 114161, 114172, 114178, 114179, 114083, 114185, 114185.2, 114185.3, 114185.4, 114185.5)”

Routine Inspection
15. Food contact surfaces: clean and sanitized.

Conditions Observed: Measured 0 PPM chlorine in the dishwasher. PIC called Owner to request service, assistant in troubleshooting. Wash dishes via the 3-compartment method until dishwasher is repaired. Maintain dishwasher to effectively deliver chlorine at 50 PPM. This violation requires a reinspection on/after 7/19/21.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Food-contact surfaces and multiservice utensils shall be effectively washed, rinsed, and sanitized to remove or completely loosen soils by use of manual or mechanical methods. Precleaning may be required. Manual sanitization shall be accomplished during the final rinse by contact with solution containing 100 ppm available chlorine, 200 ppm quaternary ammonium, or another approved sanitizer. Mechanical sanitization shall be accomplished in the final rinse by achieving a utensil surface temperature of 160F or by contact with solution containing 50 ppm available chlorine, 200 ppm quaternary ammonium, or another approved sanitizer. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils shall be air dried. Mechancial warewash machines must be approved and installed and operated according to manufacturer's specifications. Food contact surfaces, utensils, and equipment shall be cleaned and sanitized at the following times: before each use with different type of raw food of animal origin, when changing from raw food to ready to eat food, between uses with raw produce and potentially hazardous food, before using a thermometer, and any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred. Warewash sinks used to wash wiping cloths, wash produce, or thaw food must be cleaned and sanitized before and after these uses. Equipment, food contact surfaces, and utensils must be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day at least every four hours or as needed to prevent contamination. (114097, 114099.1, 114099.2, 114099.4, 114099.6, 114099.7, 114101, 114105, 114109, 114111, 114113, 114115(a,c), 114117, 114125(b), 114141)”

Routine Inspection
12. Proper reheating procedures for hot holding.

Conditions Observed: Measured peanut sauce reheated for hot holding to be 120F. As discussed during the inspection, reheat sauce to 165 F prior to hot holding. Hot hold foods at or above 135 F. Sauce was returned to stove - COS.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Potentinally hazardous food that is cooked, cooled, and reheated for hot holding shall be heated to a temperature of 165F for 15 seconds. Cooked and refrigerated food that is prepared for immediate service in response to an individual consumer order may be served at any temperature. Reheating for hot holding shall be done rapidly, and the time between 41F and 165F shall not exceed two hours. Potentinally hazardous food reheated in a microwave oven for hot holding shall be rotated or stirred midway during cooking, covered to retain surface moisture, be reheated to 165F in all parts of the food, and stand covered for at least two minutes after reheating. Ready-to-eat food taken from a commercailly processed hermetically sealed container or from an intact package from a food processing plant shall be heated to a temperature of 135F for hot holding. (114014, 114016)”

Routine Inspection

ROACHY SAYS:

“Huzzah! This establishment has successfully impressed the government! Kudos, Bencharong Thai House!!”

Routine Inspection

ROACHY SAYS:

“Both patrons and the health department agree! This place sets the standard for Humboldt food facility cleanliness! All hail Bencharong Thai House!!”

Routine Inspection
06. Hands clean and properly washed; gloves used properly.

Conditions Observed: Observed Cook add cilantro to soup using their bare hands. Use tongs or a similar utensil to minimize bare hand contact.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Food employees shall minimize bare hand and arm contact with nonprepackaged food that is in ready to eat form. Whenever gloves are worn, they shall be changed, replaced, or washed as often as handwashing is required. Single-use gloves shall not be washed. Employees shall wash their hands in the following situations: immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with nonprepackaged food, clean equipment and utensils and unwrapped single-use food containers and utensils; after touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean exposed portions of arms; after using the toilet room; after caring for or handling any animal; after coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating or drinking; after handling soiled equipment or utensils; during food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross-contamination when changing tasks; when switching from working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat foods; before initially donning gloves for working with food; before dispensing or serving food handling clean tableware and serving utensils in the food service area; after engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands. (113952, 113953.3, 113953.4, 113961, 113968, 113973)”

11. Proper cooking time and temperatures.

Conditions Observed: Measured chicken to be 154 F. Cook returned to pan and continued cooking for 2-3 minutes. Measured chicken to be 172 F - COS. Revise thawing, cooking as part of thawing process to ensure that all chicken reaches 165 F.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Fruits and vegetables that are cooked for hot holding shall be cooked to a minimum temperature of 135F. Single pieces of meat, fish, and raw shell eggs for immediate service, shall be heated to an internal temperature of 145F for 15 seconds. Comminuted meat, injected meat, raw eggs not for immediate service, or any food containing comminuted meat or raw eggs, shall be heated to an internal temperature of 155F for 15 seconds. Poultry, comminuted poultry, stuffed fish, stuffed meat, and stuffed poultry shall be heated to an internal temperature of 165F for 15 seconds. Other temperature requirements may apply. (114004, 114008, 114010)”

15. Food contact surfaces: clean and sanitized.

Conditions Observed: Measured chlorine in the dishwasher to be less than 50 PPM. Operator primed the line and repaired hose. Measured chlorine to be 50 PPM at the end of inspection - COS.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Food-contact surfaces and multiservice utensils shall be effectively washed, rinsed, and sanitized to remove or completely loosen soils by use of manual or mechanical methods. Precleaning may be required. Manual sanitization shall be accomplished during the final rinse by contact with solution containing 100 ppm available chlorine, 200 ppm quaternary ammonium, or another approved sanitizer. Mechanical sanitization shall be accomplished in the final rinse by achieving a utensil surface temperature of 160F or by contact with solution containing 50 ppm available chlorine, 200 ppm quaternary ammonium, or another approved sanitizer. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils shall be air dried. Mechancial warewash machines must be approved and installed and operated according to manufacturer's specifications. Food contact surfaces, utensils, and equipment shall be cleaned and sanitized at the following times: before each use with different type of raw food of animal origin, when changing from raw food to ready to eat food, between uses with raw produce and potentially hazardous food, before using a thermometer, and any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred. Warewash sinks used to wash wiping cloths, wash produce, or thaw food must be cleaned and sanitized before and after these uses. Equipment, food contact surfaces, and utensils must be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day at least every four hours or as needed to prevent contamination. (114097, 114099.1, 114099.2, 114099.4, 114099.6, 114099.7, 114101, 114105, 114109, 114111, 114113, 114115(a,c), 114117, 114125(b), 114141)”

28. Food separated and protected.

Conditions Observed: Observed a container of uncovered bean sprouts in the 2-door fridge. Employee provided a cover - COS. Keep foods covered.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Food shall be protected from contamination during transportation, storage, preparation, holding, and display. Adequate and suitable counter space shall be provided for all food preparation. Food preparation shall be conducted wthin an approved food compartment or fully enclosed food facility. Open-air barbecues shall be separated from public access. (113984(a-f), 113986, 114060, 114067(a,d,e,j), 114069(a, c, d), 114077, 114089.1(c), 114143(c,e))”

37. Equipment, utensils and linens: storage and use.

Conditions Observed: Observed rice scoop and spatula stored in a container of water. Keep utensils in a clean and empty container. Wash, rinse, and sanitize every 4 hours.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Clean equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles shall be stored at least six inches above the floor in an approved location within the fully enclosed permitted food facility. Clean equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles shall not be exposed to splash, dust, vermin, or other forms of contamination. Non-food items shall be stored and displayed separate from food and food-contact surfaces. During pauses in food preparation utensils shall be stored with handles above the top of the food, on a clean sanitized surface, in running water, or in water that is at least 135øF. Single-use articles and multiservice utensils shall be handled, displayed, and dispensed so that contamination of food and lip-contact surfaces is prevented. Extra preset tableware shall be removed when a consumer is seated or cleaned and sanitized before further use. Pressurized cylinders shall be securely fastened to rigid structure. Linens must be free of food residue and soil and be laundered as required. (114074, 114075(a,b,d,e), 114081, 114119, 114121, 114161, 114172, 114178, 114179, 114083, 114185, 114185.2, 114185.3, 114185.4, 114185.5)”

Reinspection

ROACHY SAYS:

“Humboldt foodies rejoice! Our reports show that Bencharong Thai House knows how to get you fed in a sanitary manner. Now that's nummy!!”

Routine Inspection
01. Demonstration of knowledge; food safety certification.

Conditions Observed: Observed sticky rice cooling in a lidded, plastic container on a shelf above three 5 gallon metal pots of curry. Cooling foods may rest uncovered (provided the food is otherwise protected from contamination). Cool foods quickly using shallow, metal containers. Employees shall have adquate knowledge of rapid cooling and shall be able to cool foods correctly. Train staff in rapid cooling. Consider developing a standard operating procedure for rapid cooling.

ROACHY SAYS:

“The Person In Charge (PIC) and all employees shall have adequate knowledge and shall be properly trained in food safety as it relates to their assigned duties. The PIC shall have adequate knowledge of major food allergens, foods identified as major food allergens, and the symptoms that a major food allergen could cause. The PIC means a designated person who has knowledge of safe food handling practices and the major food allergens as they relate to the specific food preparation activities that occur at the food facility. (113947)”

24. No rodents, insects, birds, or animals.

Conditions Observed: Observed 3 to 5 flies hovering over uncovered foods. Keep door closed/increase pest control to reduce flies in the facility.

ROACHY SAYS:

“A food facility shall be kept free of vermin. Live animals are prohibited from food facilities except as specified in 114259.5. Food facility employees shall not care for or handle animals that may be present in the food facility. Food facility employees are required to wash their hands after handling or caring for fish in an aquarium and/or shellfish, or crustacea, in display tanks and as specified in 114259.4. (114259.1, 114259.4, 114259.5)”

25. Person in charge present and performs duties.

Conditions Observed: Staff present at the time of the inspection seemed unsure of who was the Person-In-Charge. Designate a PIC for all shifts.

ROACHY SAYS:

“A Person in Charge (PIC) shall be present at the food facility during all hours of operation. The PIC shall ensure that persons unecessary to the food facility operation shall not be allowed in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. The PIC shall ensure that consumers are notified that clean tableware is to be used when they return to self-service areas such as salad bars and buffets. (113945, 113945.1, 113984.1, 114075(c))”

27. Approved thawing methods used; frozen food.

Conditions Observed: Observed chicken thawing in the third bin of the three part sink. Observed shrimp, ground pork, and chillies thawing together in the first bin of the three part sink. Thaw foods using an approved method (see regulation description above). Group thawing foods per final cooking temperature.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Frozen foods shall be stored or displayed in their frozen state unless being thawed in the following manner: under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41F or below, completely submerged under potable running water for a period not to exceed two hours at a water temperature of 70F or below and with sufficient water velocity to agitate and flush off loose particles into the sink drain, in a microwave oven if immediately followed by immediate preparation, or as part of a cooking process. (114018, 114020)”

28. Food separated and protected.

Conditions Observed: Observed package of noodles next to/touching pachage of pork. Store noodles above or away from raw meats.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Food shall be protected from contamination during transportation, storage, preparation, holding, and display. Adequate and suitable counter space shall be provided for all food preparation. Food preparation shall be conducted wthin an approved food compartment or fully enclosed food facility. Open-air barbecues shall be separated from public access. (113984(a-f), 113986, 114060, 114067(a,d,e,j), 114069(a, c, d), 114077, 114089.1(c), 114143(c,e))”

Routine Inspection
28. Food separated and protected.

Conditions Observed: Observed Cook preparing loose tea in the first bin of the 3-part sink. Food prep activities like this shall be done at the food prep sink.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Food shall be protected from contamination during transportation, storage, preparation, holding, and display. Adequate and suitable counter space shall be provided for all food preparation. Food preparation shall be conducted wthin an approved food compartment or fully enclosed food facility. Open-air barbecues shall be separated from public access. (113984(a-f), 113986, 114060, 114067(a,d,e,j), 114069(a, c, d), 114077, 114089.1(c), 114143(c,e))”

36. Equipment / Utensils approved; installed, clean, good repair, capacity.

Conditions Observed: Observed excessive build-up on handle and exterior of rice steamer. Remove build-up; clean and sanitize.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Utensils and equipment shall be kept fully operative and in good repair. All new and replacement equipment shall be properly installed and be certified or classified for sanitation by an ANSI accredited certification program. Electrical appliances must meet UL standards. Single-use articles shall not allow migration of deleterious substances or impart colors, odors, or tastes to food. Multi-use food contact surfaces must be smooth, free of breaks, chips, and similar imperfections; free of sharp internal angles, corners, and crevices; finished to have smooth welds and joints; be accessible for cleaning and inspection. Unless specified, wood and wood wicker may not be used as a food-contact surface. Unless specified, copper and copper alloys such as brass may not be used in contact with a food that has a pH below six or for a fitting between a backflow preventer and a carbonator. Beverage tubing and cold-plate beverage cooling devices cannot be installed in contact with stored ice intended to be used as food. Equipment that is not movable must be installed to allow for cleaning in place. Cutting or piercing parts of can openers must be readily removable. Facilities that wash, rinse, soak, thaw, or similarly prepare foods shall be provided with a approved food preparation sink. Reservoirs that supply water to produce foggers must be cleaned and maintained. Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced or replaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized. (114130, 114130.1, 114130.2, 114130.3, 114130.4, 114130.5, 114130.6, 114132, 114133, 114137, 114139, 114153, 114163, 114165, 114167, 114169, 114175, 114177, 114180, 114182)”

39. Thermometers provided and accurate.

Conditions Observed: Unable to locate a thermometer in the deli prep by the grill. Provide a thermometer for this and all other fridges.

ROACHY SAYS:

“An accurate easily readable metal probe thermometer suitable for measuring temperature of food shall be available to the food handler. Thermometers shall be calibrated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications as necessary to ensure their accuracy. A thermometer +/- 2 degrees F shall be provided for all refrigerators, hot and cold holding units, and high temperature warewashing machines. (114157, 114159)”

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