El Paso health inspectors cited a Mexican restaurant for 19 health violations in April. The violations ranged from the refrigerator temperature outside the safe range to an employee with long facial hair preparing food without a beard guard.
A score of 70 or more is satisfactory. A score less than or equal to 60 will result in the closure of the establishment.
An inspection performed on any given day may not represent the overall long-term condition of the facility. Restaurants that fail inspections have the opportunity to remedy the violations and reinspect them.
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Restaurants cited for violations
Flautas y Paleteria Tepalca, 500 N Zaragoza road.
19 violations, Flautas y Paleteria Tepalca, 500 N Zaragoza Road
The next inspection took place on April 5 and the restaurant received an inspection score of 64.
Observed: Grated cheese at 46°F and flautas at 45°F; both found in the refrigerator drawers located under the flat rack. Note: TCS foods must be at a temperature of 41°F or lower. Corrective Action: The flautas and cheese were placed in a working refrigerator within reach during the inspection.
Observed: Two onions containing a black and gray mold-like substance found inside a container located on the back shelf. Note: All food products must be in good condition and safe for consumers.
Observed: raw bacon stored in the same containers as corndogs and ham; found inside the refrigerator. Note: To avoid cross-contamination, raw animal products should be stored below and away from raw or cooked ready-to-eat foods.
Observed: Can opener with food residue on its blade. Two knives containing food residue found on a knife rack. Ice cream scoop with food residue. Note: Food contact surfaces should be properly cleaned and disinfected.
Observed: Two heavily dented nacho cheese cans found on a can rack. Note: All dented cans should be removed from display, marked as damaged and/or discarded.
Observed: The employee did not wash his hands before washing dishes and changing workstations. Note: Food workers should properly wash their hands and exposed parts of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation, including working with exposed food, cleaning equipment and utensils, and as single-service and single-use items unpackaged and after various activities.
Observed: Unlabeled purple chemical found in spray bottle located in dishwashing area. Note: Toxic substances must be properly labeled.
Observed: No person holding a manager certificate was present during the inspection during opening hours. Note: At least one person accompanied by a food protection official must be present on the premises at all hours of operation. Ms. Solis must obtain a manager’s certificate within 10 days to avoid a citation.
Observed: Several rags found inside the rear sink. Lettuce being dumped into the hand washing sink in the front. Knife and fork placed inside front area hand washing sink during inspection. Note: Hand washing sinks should only be used for hand washing and for no other purpose.
Observed: Chipped plastic spatula found inside utensil drawer. Note: Multi-purpose food contact surfaces should be smooth, free of breaks, easy to clean, etc.
Observed: An employee with long facial hair preparing food without a beard guard. Half-eaten torta found on shelf in cooking area. Note: Employees should eat and drink only in designated areas to avoid contamination.
Observed: Cloths found inside sink for hand washing. Unattended used wiping cloths found throughout the facility, such as on prep tables and baking dishes, in the refrigerator and food items. Note: Between uses, wiping cloths should be stored in a disinfectant solution.
Observed: Containers of onions, lime and chili peppers placed directly on the floor of the back area. Salt discovered near dishwashing area. Uncovered breading placed under greasy and dusty cooking area shelves with hanging particles. Note: Food should be protected from contamination by storing it in a clean, dry area, at least 6 inches above the ground and away from sources of contamination.
Observed: Accessible refrigerator with drawers at 43°F; later it rose to 45°F; located under the flat grill. Note: All cold storage units must be at 41°F or lower. TCS food found inside was placed in a working cold storage unit during inspection. A withholding order was issued and a copy given to the manager. Needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
Observed: Unlabeled white powder food container found on shelf under rear area prep table. Unlabeled liquid food containers found in accessible refrigerator. Note: All food products must be properly labeled.
Observed: Shelves with grease and dust buildup found in cooking area. Hood system with accumulation of grease and dust. Note: Non-food contact surfaces should be properly cleaned and disinfected.
Observed: Ceiling with accumulated dust near hood system. Damaged exposed wall with hole found near ice machine. Hole in the dining room wall, near the counter. Cracked tile found in front counter area. Note: Physical facilities must be kept clean and in good repair. Walls, ceilings and floors must be smooth, non-absorbent and easily cleanable.
Observed: Three compartment sink leaks from faucet body when turned on. Note: Plumbing fixtures must be maintained in good condition.
Observed: Missing handwashing panel for cooking area handwashing sink. Note: All hand washing sinks must be equipped with a hand washing warning sign visible to all employees.
Click here to view inspection results from March 25 to April 11.
More: 2 El Paso County Mexican restaurants cited for multiple health code violations
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Mexican Restaurant Cited for 19 Health Code Violations
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