The Big Blue Cafe

846 G St, Arcata

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

Conditions Observed: Observed employee add sliced oranges to a side of fruit using their bare hand. Observed an employee transferred a salad into a container with their bare hands. As discussed during the inspection, use a clean utensil to minimize barehand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

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)”

08. Proper hot and cold holding temperatures.

Conditions Observed: Measured foods above 41 F in the kitchen upright fridge (shell egg, 48 F; grape, 52 F) and in the top of the deli prep (cheese, 48 F; sliced turkey, 46 F). Adjust/service/repair to cold-hold at 41 F or below.

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))”

10. Proper cooling methods.

Conditions Observed: Measured beans prepared yesterday to be 46 F. PIC discarded beans - COS. Revise cooling method to rapidly cool foods (see description above. Avoid stacking coolings foods or overfilling fridges to allow cool, dry air to flow over foods.n

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)”

28. Food separated and protected.

Conditions Observed: Observed loaves of bread stored directly on the rack in the Saturn fridge. Cover foods to prevent contamination.

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))”

34. Non-food-contact surfaces clean.

Conditions Observed: Observed excessive build-up on bottom exterior of fridges. Clean.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. (114115(b))”

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

Conditions Observed: Ice machine near server’s station lacks a cover; observed build-up on right interior side of ice machine. Provide a cover. Clean impacted surface. Maintain all equipment in good condition.

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)”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed excessive build-up and staining on walls thru-out the kitchen and dish room. Clean; consider replacing failed finishes.

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)”

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 The Big Blue Cafe! Yum yum!!”

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

Conditions Observed: Inspector met dishwasher as they returned to the warewashing area after a break. Inspector instructed dishwasher to wash their hands prior to resuming warewashing and directed dishwasher to the handwashing sink. COS. Train all employees in handwashing as it relates to their assigned duties. All employees shall their hands after taking breaks, eating, or smoking.

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)”

08. Proper hot and cold holding temperatures.

Conditions Observed: Measured major temperature violations in the ice bath to the right of the the deli prep (crushed garlic, 60 F); measured shell eggs holding at ambient temperature (75 F). Observed these items returned to the fridge; Inspector observed eggs, garlic, and ginger pulled from the fridge for discarding. Revise your cold-holding method to keep foods at 41 F or below. The violation requires a reinspection on/after April 5, 2019. Measured foods in the top of the deli prep to be above 41 F (cheese, 44 F; salsa 48 F) as well as in the 2door Turbo (grape, 49 F; beans, 46 F). Adjust/service/repair to cold-hold at 41 F or below.

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))”

15. Food contact surfaces: clean and sanitized.

Conditions Observed: Observed build-up on the bottom ledge and back of deli slicer. Carefully remove build-up; wash, rinse, and sanitize impacted surfaces.

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: No cover on ice machine at time of inspection. Keep ice covered at all times; repair or replace cover.

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))”

34. Non-food-contact surfaces clean.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. (114115(b))”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed a box of to-go containers stored directly on the floor. Keep all utensils at least 6 inches above the ground.

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)”

39. Thermometers provided and accurate.

Conditions Observed: Unable to locate a thermometer in the deli-prep unit. Provide a thermometer for this unit.

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)”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed an excessive amount of food debris in the water heater closet. Please remove, clean, and check for vermin activity prior to the reinspection on/after 4/8/19. Observed a food spill below the potato boxes in the back storage area. Clean and sanitize promptly to minimize vermin attraction.

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:

“Humboldt foodies rejoice! Our reports show that The Big Blue Cafe knows how to get you fed in a sanitary manner. Now that's nummy!!”

Routine Inspection
08. Proper hot and cold holding temperatures.

Conditions Observed: Measured the following minor temperature violations in two-door Turbo Air: salsa 46.5F, cooked beef 47.5F, veggie gravy 47F (prepared previous day - discarded). Integral exterior thermometer not accurate; DEH thermometer measured ambient to be 44.3F. Adjust/service unit and provide thermometer to ensure foods are held at or below 41F.

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))”

20. Consumer advisory provided for raw or undercooked foods.

Conditions Observed: Facility cooks eggs and steaks to order and does not provide a consumer advisory. Update menu with a disclosure that clearly identifies foods that are served raw or undercooked and the reminder that “Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.”

ROACHY SAYS:

“If a food of animal origin is served raw, undercooked, or without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens, either in ready-to-eat form or as an ingredient in another ready-to-eat food, the permitholder shall inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming those foods by way of a disclosure pursuant to subdivision (b) of 114093 and reminder pursuant to subdivision (c) of 114093, using brochures, deli case or menu advisories, label statements, table tents, placards, or other effective written means. (114012, 114093)”

22. Hot and Cold Water Available

Conditions Observed: Measured water at three-comp sink faucet to be 112.5F. Adjust/service water heater to provide water at or above 120F at all times.

ROACHY SAYS:

“An adequate, protected, pressurized, approved potable supply of hot and cold water shall be provided at all times. Hot water shall be supplied at a minimum temperature of 120F when measured from the faucet. The temperature of water provided to handwashing facilities shall be at least 100F. Handwashing facilities equipped with non-adjustable faucets shall have their temperature set between 100F and 108F. Hot water shall be provided at the food preparation sink and janitorial sink. (113953(c), 114099.2(b), 114163(a)(3), 114189, 114192, 114192.1, 114195)”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed rodent droppings in wooden cabinet located in back dry storage/employee storage area. Permit holder states droppings are old and facility has monthly pest service provided by Accurate. Thoroughly wet droppings using 1:10 bleach solution and remove. Continuously monitor the facility for any rodent activity and immediately alert pest service provider if observed. Continuous monitoring requires maintaining the floors to be able to quickly identify droppings.

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)”

34. Non-food-contact surfaces clean.

Conditions Observed: Observed build-up on handles of two-door Turbo Air freezer and two-door Randell frig. Clean and sanitize equipment handles frequently to prevent cross-contaminating hands.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. (114115(b))”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed gasket of Randell frig failed; taped on. Replace gasket to allow door to properly seal.

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 scoop in bulk dry food stored with handle in contact with food. Store handles up and out of 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)”

39. Thermometers provided and accurate.

Conditions Observed: Unable to locate thermometers in all refrigeration units or integral thermometer not accurate. Provide thermometers in all refrigeration units and locate in a place that is easily accessible so employees can continuously monitor.

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)”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed food debris under cooking equipment. Thoroughly clean floors and maintain in a sanitary condition to deter attraction of vermin and allow monitoring for any such activity.

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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