Luis's Mexican Restaurant

946 West Ave, Eureka
Routine Inspection
06. Hands clean and properly washed; gloves used properly.

Conditions Observed: Observed employee sweep the floor then stir food heating on the stove without handwashing. Observed employee handle dirty dishes and then put away sanitized dishes without handwashing. Handwashing is required after changing tasks, before handling sanitized utensils and equipment, and prior to preparing food. Person in charge (PIC) instructed employee to handwash and will continue training new employees on proper handwashing, glove use and preventing bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods. This major violation was corrected.

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)”

30. Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used.

Conditions Observed: Observed unlabeled spray bottle on premises, containing 100PPM chlorine sanitizer solution. Label all chemicals for safety.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Only those insecticides, rodenticides, and other pesticides that are necessary, bear a legible manufacturer's label, and are specifically approved for use in a food facility may be used in a food facility in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materiails such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored or displayed to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles. (114254, 114254.1, 114254.2)”

44. Premises; personal/cleaning items; vermin-proofing.

Conditions Observed: Observed side door and back door, with a torn screen, propped open over the duration of the inspection. Maintain a vermin proof facility by keeping doors closed at all times, or install (repair/replace) screens to prevent entrance or harborage of animals, birds and vermin, including but not limited to, insects and rodents.

ROACHY SAYS:

“All premises of a food facility shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. The premise of a food facility shall be free of litter and items unnecessary to the operation of the facility. Areas designated for employees to eat and drink shall be located so that food, clean equipent and utensils, linens, and single-use articles are protected from contamination. Personal items shall be stored in a designated area to prevent contamination of food or utensils. Food prep sinks, warewashing sinks, and handwashing sinks shall not be used for the cleaning or maintenance of tools or cleaning supplies or to dispose of mop water and similar liquid wastes. A dedicated janitorial sink with a drain shall be provided and conveniently located. A separate room, area, or cabinet shall be provided for cleaning supplies. The facility shall be kept vermin proof. Insect electrocution devices shall retain the insect within the device and shall not be located over food or utensil handling areas. (114123, 114143(a, b), 114256, 114256.1, 114256.2, 114256.4, 114257, 114257.1, 114259, 114259.2, 114259.3, 114279, 114281, 114282)”

Reinspection

ROACHY SAYS:

“Zero violations! Now that's how you keep 'em coming back for more! I'll be sending all my human friends to Luis's Mexican Restaurant! Yum yum!!”

Routine Inspection
10. Proper cooling methods.

Conditions Observed: Measured carnitas 46F and large plastic 5 gallon container of whole beans 43F in walk-in refrigerator. Per manager, the beans and carnitas were prepared the day before. Potentially hazardous foods must be rapidly cooled from 135F - 70F in 2 hours and from 70F - 41F in 4 hours by separating large batches into smaller portions, use of ice baths, ice paddles, ice as an ingredient, use of shallow metal containers, etc. Both containers of improperly cooled foods were discarded. Use the food cooling log to verify you are rapidly cooling as required. This is a major violation that will require a reinspection on or after 3/22/21, please have the cooling log available for review.

ROACHY SAYS:

“After heating, potentially hazardous foods shall be rapidly cooled from 135F to 70F within 2 hours, and then from 70F to 41F within 4 hours. Potentially hazardous foods prepared from ambient temperature ingredients must be cooled to below 41F within 4 hours. Cooling shall be facilitated by one or more of the following methods: in shallow pans, separating food into smaller portions, adding ice as an ingredient, using an ice bath and stirring frequently, using an ice paddle, using rapid cooling equipment, or using containers that facilitate heat transfer. (114002, 114002.1)”

Reinspection

ROACHY SAYS:

“Huzzah! This establishment has successfully impressed the government! Kudos, Luis's Mexican Restaurant!!”

Routine Inspection
08. Proper hot and cold holding temperatures.

Conditions Observed: Measured several potentially hazardous foods (PHF) holding above 52F in salad prep refrigerator unit, see measured observations. PHF were discarded and operator set up an ice bath to hold cold foods at/below 41F until unit is serviced/repaired. Submit proof of correction to this office by 9/28/20 to avoid a reinspection.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Except during preparation, cooking, cooling, transportation to or from a retail food facility for a period of less than thirty minutes, when time is used as the public health control, or as otherwise specified, potentially hazardous foods shall be maintained at or below 41F or at or above 135F. The following foods may be held at or below 45F: raw shell eggs, unshucked live molluscan shellfish, pasteurized milk and pasteurized milk products in original sealed containers, potentially hazardous foods held during transportation. Potentially hazardous foods held for dispensing in serving lines and salad bars may be held at 45F, not to exceed 12 hours in a 24 hour period, if unused portions are discarded. Food preparation shall not exceed two cumulative hours without a return to the required holding temperatures. (113996, 113998, 114037, 114343(a))”

28. Food separated and protected.

Conditions Observed: Observed bags of raw beef and raw chicken commingled in bottom portion of cookline prep table. Observed packaged raw ground beef and raw whole intact muscle beef commingled in a bus tub stored in walk-in refrigerator. Store raw meats based on final internal cooking temperatures to prevent cross-contamination; see refrigerator food storage order handout that was provided.

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
08. Proper hot and cold holding temperatures.

Conditions Observed: Measured black beans 124.5F and pinto beans 118.5F with probe thermometer holding in counter-top hot hold unit. Observed hot hold unit power turned off. Per operator, the facility experienced a short power outage about an hour ago, and the counter-top hot hold unit had turned off. Instructed employees to reheat all foods in this hot hold unit to at least 165F then put back in unit. Ensure you check all equipment and monitor temperatures of foods after a power outage, prior to re-opening to ensure hot food is held at or above 135F and cold food is held at or above 41F at all times. Measured all foods reheated to at least 165F, this major violation was corrected.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Except during preparation, cooking, cooling, transportation to or from a retail food facility for a period of less than thirty minutes, when time is used as the public health control, or as otherwise specified, potentially hazardous foods shall be maintained at or below 41F or at or above 135F. The following foods may be held at or below 45F: raw shell eggs, unshucked live molluscan shellfish, pasteurized milk and pasteurized milk products in original sealed containers, potentially hazardous foods held during transportation. Potentially hazardous foods held for dispensing in serving lines and salad bars may be held at 45F, not to exceed 12 hours in a 24 hour period, if unused portions are discarded. Food preparation shall not exceed two cumulative hours without a return to the required holding temperatures. (113996, 113998, 114037, 114343(a))”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed scoop utensil stored on top of bulk container lid. You may store the utensil in the bulk container if the handle is facing up out of contact with the food, or store utensils in a separate sanitary container when not in use. Observed tong handle at the salad prep station submerged in salad dressing. Store utensils with handles facing up out of contact with food to prevent cross-contamination. Operator removed salad station tongs from salad dressing, thank you.

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
28. Food separated and protected.

Conditions Observed: Observed stacked inserts on top of uncovered foods in Superior prep table, top portion. Do not stack inserts, as the inserts on top are not in direct contact with refrigeration unit and may fall out of required holding temperature and uncovered foods stored under the inserts may become contaminated. Make room for all inserts inside of prep table, or store extra inserts in the bottom portion, covered. Observed sour cream container stored in shredded lettuce in Superior prep table, top portion. Store the sour cream in another location to prevent cross-contamination to the shredded lettuce.

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 rice cooker insert has holes and is past its service live. Replace rice cooker insert. Observed debris in soda machine floor sink. Maintain floor sinks clean and free of debris.

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)”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed utensil handles in direct contact with bulk flour and bulk rice. Store utensils with handles facing up out of contact with food to prevent cross-contamination.

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)”

44. Premises; personal/cleaning items; vermin-proofing.

Conditions Observed: Observed front door propped open at the beginning of the inspection. The facility is to remain vermin proof at all times. Keep door closed, or install a screen. Door was closed by the end of the inspection, thank you. Observed back screen door is torn. Repair/replace screen to prevent entrance or harborage of animals, birds or vermin, including but not limited to insects and rodents.

ROACHY SAYS:

“All premises of a food facility shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. The premise of a food facility shall be free of litter and items unnecessary to the operation of the facility. Areas designated for employees to eat and drink shall be located so that food, clean equipent and utensils, linens, and single-use articles are protected from contamination. Personal items shall be stored in a designated area to prevent contamination of food or utensils. Food prep sinks, warewashing sinks, and handwashing sinks shall not be used for the cleaning or maintenance of tools or cleaning supplies or to dispose of mop water and similar liquid wastes. A dedicated janitorial sink with a drain shall be provided and conveniently located. A separate room, area, or cabinet shall be provided for cleaning supplies. The facility shall be kept vermin proof. Insect electrocution devices shall retain the insect within the device and shall not be located over food or utensil handling areas. (114123, 114143(a, b), 114256, 114256.1, 114256.2, 114256.4, 114257, 114257.1, 114259, 114259.2, 114259.3, 114279, 114281, 114282)”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed mold-like substance in ice machine. Clean and sanitize ice machine per manufacturer’s instructions to prevent mold growth. Observed mold-like substance in Pepsi soda nozzle at soda machine. Clean and sanitize soda nozzles each day to prevent mold growth. Operator washed and sanitized Pepsi soda nozzle. Thank you.

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)”

38. Adequate ventilation and lighting, designated areas, use.

Conditions Observed: Observed 4 non-functional lights over warewash area of kitchen. Replace light bulbs to provide adequate lighting.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Approved exhaust hoods shall be provided to remove toxic gases, heat, grease, vapors and smoke. Canopy-type hoods shall extend six inches beyond all cooking equipment. Toilet rooms shall be consistent with local building codes and vented to the outside air by a screened openable window, air shaft, or light-switch activated exhaust fan. Adequate lighting shall be provided in all areas to facilitate cleaning and inspection. Light fixtures in areas where open food is stored, served, prepared, and where utensils are washed shall be of shatterproof construction or protected with light shields. (114149, 114149.1, 114149.2, 114149.3, 114252, 114252.1)”

41. Plumbing: proper backflow devices.

Conditions Observed: Observed hose connected to a water spigot without required backflow prevention device. Install backflow prevention device at water spigot to protect potable water supply. Observed Superior prep table waste line drains to a container. Equipment, such as refrigeration units, that discharge liquid waste shall be drained by means of indirect waste pipes through an air gap into a floor sink.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Steam tables, ice machines, ice bins, food preparation sinks, display cases, walk-in refrigeration units, and other similar equipment that discharge liquid waste shall drain into a floor sink with an air gap or other approved type of receptor. All plumbing and plumbing fixtures shall be installed in compliance with applicable local plumbing ordinances, maintained so as to prevent any contamination, kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. The potable water supply shall be protected with a backflow or back siphonage protection device. Any hose used for potable water shall be of approved materials, labeled, properly stored, and used for no other purpose. Liquid drain lines shall not pass through an ice machine or an ice storage bin. (114171, 114190, 114192, 114193, 114193.1, 114199, 114201, 114269)”

42. Garbage and refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained.

Conditions Observed: Observed uncovered recyclables stored in the facility attracting fruit flies/gnats. Obtain rigid containers with tight fitting lids to store recyclables in to minimize insect attraction. Recommend rinsing recyclables prior to storing in facility to remove food source/attractant for insects.

ROACHY SAYS:

“The exterior premises of a food facility shall be kept free of litter and rubbish. All food waste and rubbish shall be kept in nonabsorbent, durable, cleanable, leak-proof, and rodent-proof containers. Containers shall have close-fitting lids and be covered at all times. All waste must be removed and disposed of as frequently as necessary to prevent the development of objectionable odors and other conditions that attract or harbor insects or rodents. (114244, 114245, 114245.1, 114245.2, 114245.3, 114245.4, 114245.5, 114245.6, 114245.7)”

44. Premises; personal/cleaning items; vermin-proofing.

Conditions Observed: Observed latex caulk, caulk gun and paint thinner stored with food on wire rack. The premises shall be kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the facility. Chemicals, maintenance equipment and supplies shall be stored in an area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and single-use articles cannot occur. Observed bottle of IBuprofen stored with food on cookline. First aid supplies shall be stored in a kit or container that is located to prevent contamination. Please move these items to another appropriate location.

ROACHY SAYS:

“All premises of a food facility shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. The premise of a food facility shall be free of litter and items unnecessary to the operation of the facility. Areas designated for employees to eat and drink shall be located so that food, clean equipent and utensils, linens, and single-use articles are protected from contamination. Personal items shall be stored in a designated area to prevent contamination of food or utensils. Food prep sinks, warewashing sinks, and handwashing sinks shall not be used for the cleaning or maintenance of tools or cleaning supplies or to dispose of mop water and similar liquid wastes. A dedicated janitorial sink with a drain shall be provided and conveniently located. A separate room, area, or cabinet shall be provided for cleaning supplies. The facility shall be kept vermin proof. Insect electrocution devices shall retain the insect within the device and shall not be located over food or utensil handling areas. (114123, 114143(a, b), 114256, 114256.1, 114256.2, 114256.4, 114257, 114257.1, 114259, 114259.2, 114259.3, 114279, 114281, 114282)”

45. Floor, walls, and ceilings: built, maintained, clean.

Conditions Observed: Observed food debris and grease accumulation on floor under cookline equipment. Clean and sanitize floors regularly to prevent buildup.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Food facilities shall be fully enclosed in a building consisting of permanent floors, walls, and an overhead structure that meets minimum standards. The walls and ceiling shall be smooth, durable, nonabsorbent, and easily cleanable. Flooring and base coving shall be smooth, durable, and made of approved nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable. Floor surfaces shall be coved at the juncture of the floor and wall with a 3/8 inch minimum radius and shall extend up the wall at least 4 inches. (114143(d), 114266, 114268, 114268.1, 114271, 114272)”

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