Valley Azteca

5000 Valley West Blvd 6 Ste, Arcata

Routine Inspection
07. Adequate handwash facilities supplied and accessible.

Conditions Observed: No paper towels in the women’s restroom today. Owner brought paper towels to the restroom - COS. Keep handwashing sinks stocked with pump soap and paper towels at all times.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Handwashing facilities shall be provided within or adjacent to toilet rooms, food preparation, and warewashing areas. Handwashing facilities shall be clean, unobstructed, and accessible at all times. Handwashing facilities shall be provided with soap and sanitary single use towels in approved dispensers. Dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. A handwashing facility shall not be used for purposes other than handwashing. (113953, 113953.1, 113953.2, 114067(f))”

28. Food separated and protected.

Conditions Observed: Observed uncovered foods in the walkin (e.g., raw chicken). 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 a tacky, pale amber residue on the top of lids for bulk rice and beans. Showed observations to Owner. Clean and sanitize lids; replace cracked lid. Maintain tidy surfaces.

ROACHY SAYS:

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

39. Thermometers provided and accurate.

Conditions Observed: No metal stem thermometer available today. You must have a metal stem thermometer to know you are cooling. Obtain an NSF approved metal stem thermometer.

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)”

Routine Inspection
02. Food safety certification, food handler card compliance

Conditions Observed: Unable to verify current food cards for kitchen staff today. Keep California Food Handler cards for all staff on file at the facility.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Food facilities that prepare, handle, or serve non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food, shall have an owner or employee who has passed an aproved food safety certification examination. Food handlers that prepare, handle, or serve non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food, shall obtain a valid Food Handler Card within 30 days after date of hire. (113947.1-113947.5, 113948)”

40. Wiping cloths: properly used and stored.

Conditions Observed: Observed soap/bubbles in the sani-bucket. Keep in wiping cloths in an approved sanitizing solution (i.e., 100 PPM chlorine - no soap).

ROACHY SAYS:

“Wiping cloths used to clean food spills shall be used only once or stored in a sanitizing solution of an approved concentration as specified in section 114099.6. Dry or wet cloths that are used with raw foods of animal origin shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes, cloths that come into contact with raw foods of animal origin shall be kept in a separate sanitizing solution. Wiping cloths shall be free of food debris and visible soil. Working containers of sanitizing solutions for storage of in-use wiping cloths shall be used in a manner to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-use articles. Wet wiping cloths shall be laundered daily. Dry wiping cloths shall be laundered as necessary to prevent contamination of food and clean serving utensils. (114135, 114185.1, 114185.3(d-e))”

Routine Inspection

ROACHY SAYS:

“Ooo! Welcome to Sanitarytown! Population: Valley Azteca! I see lots of happy hungry mouths in this establishment's near future!!”

Routine Inspection

ROACHY SAYS:

“Take a victory lap, Valley Azteca! In the race that is maintaining a clean and healthy establishment you've earned Roachy's gold medal! Eat here today, everyone!!”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed Cook add lettuce, cheese to foods with their bare hands. Cook provided tongs for cheese and lettuce - COS. Use a clean utensil to handle 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)”

28. Food separated and protected.

Conditions Observed: Observed excessive build-up on margarita mix dispensers. Remove build-up; clean and sanitize. Observed a large crack in lid for rice bin. Replace with tightly fitting lid.

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))”

39. Thermometers provided and accurate.

Conditions Observed: Thermometer for kitchen deli prep in is in disrepair. Provide an NSF approved thermometer for all 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)”

Routine Inspection
14. Food in good condition; safe and unadulterated.

Conditions Observed: Observed minor build-up on the front, left corner of the divider in the ice machine. Observed build-up on rings in soda dispenser. Remove build-up; clean and sanitize surfaces.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Food shall be produced, prepared, stored, transported, and served so as to be free from adulteration and spoilage. Employees shall not commit any act that may cause the contamination or adulteration of food or food contact surfaces. Containers previously used to store poisonous or toxic materials shall not be used to store food, utensils, or single use articles. Utensils used for tasting shall be discarded or washed, rinsed, and sanitized between tastings. Ice used as a medium for cooling food and beverages shall not be offered for consumption. Food shall be inspected upon receipt and prior to any use, storage, or resale. Shell eggs shall be received clean, sound, and not exceed restricted tolerances for US Consumer Grade B Standards. (113967, 113976, 113980, 113982, 113988, 113990, 114035, 114041(a), 114254.3)”

28. Food separated and protected.

Conditions Observed: Observed dried peppers stored in a trash bag. Please store food in food grade containers. Avoid using trash bags/ plastic to-go bags to store food.

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))”

33. Food properly labeled and honestly presented.

Conditions Observed: Observed unlabeled buckets in the walkin. Label buckets with the date and contents.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Any food is misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading, if it is offered for sale under the name of another food, or if it is an imitation of another food for which a definition and standard of identity has been established by regulation. A retail food facility shall not sell or offer for sale infant formula or baby food after the "use by" date. Food prepackaged in a food facility shall bear a label that complies with the labeling requirements prescribed by the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law. A franchise food chain with 20 or more stores must disclose calories, carbohydrates, saturated fat, and sodium for each standard menu item. Labeling is to be in the form of a brochure on the table, a menu next to each standard menu item, a menu under an index section separate from the listing of standard menu items, a menu insert, or a table tent on the table. (114087, 114088, 114089, 114089.1(a,b), 114090, 114093.1, 114094, 114094.5, 114377)”

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

Conditions Observed: Observed the use of plastic container resting in sauce. Use utensils with handle or avoid storing container in sauce.

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 light leak at back door; observed flashing has failed. Repair door to be tightly fitting and to maintain a vermin proof facility. Observed general refuse (old decorations, filing cabinets) stock piled in the back interior corner of the facility. Remove items.

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:

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

Routine Inspection
10. Proper cooling methods.

Conditions Observed: Measured two 5 gallon buckets of pinto beans to be 45 F and 46 F. Per Operator, beans were made yesterday. Inspector requested beans be discarded. Revise cooling method to rapidly cool beans to 41 F or below in 6 hours. Consider making smaller amounts or cooling with shallow, metal containers. This violation requires a reinspection on/after 4/15/19.

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 open box of horchata mix next to bulk container of dishwashing soap below handwashing sink. Keep horchata mix tightly sealed and away from soaps/chemicals.

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))”

31. Food storage; food storage containers identified.

Conditions Observed: Observed a bucket of beans of the floor. Store all foods 6 inches above the ground.

ROACHY SAYS:

“Adequate and suitable space shall be provided for the storage of food. Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food in a clean, dry location, where it is not exposed to splash, dust, vermin, or other forms of contamination or adulteration, and at least six inches above the floor. Food shall not be stored in any of the following ways: in locker rooms, toilet rooms, dressing rooms, refuse rooms, mechanical rooms, under sewer lines that are not shielded to intercept potential drips, under leaking water lines, including leaking automatic fire sprinklers heads, or under lines on which water has condensated, under open stairwells or under sources of contamination. Working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages for use in the food facility shall be identified with the common name of the food. Non-prepackaged food may not be stored in direct contact with undrained ice. Products that are held by the permit holder for credit, redemption, or return to the distributor, such as damaged, spoiled, or recalled products shall be segregated and held in designated areas that are separated from food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles. (114047, 141049, 114051, 114053, 114055, 114067(h), 114069(b))”

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

Conditions Observed: Faucet at the handwashing sink is loose. Repair to be tightly fitting and easy to use.

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 the use of a plate and cup to portion foods. Use a scoop or a utensil with a handle. Keep handles up and out of food.

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 bottom of back door has failed, creating a gap between the door and the floor. Repair door to be tightly fitting and vermin proof.

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)”

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