Restaurant inspections for Dec. 25

Comments are taken directly from the latest Thurston County inspection reports, which are available at each food establishment, at the Thurston County Environmental Health Office and their website at co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehfood. For questions concerning these reports, contact the health office at 360-867-2667.

Reading inspection scores:

▪ Attention should be given to the type of violation (red versus blue) and whether the restaurant has a history of red violations or repeat violations.

▪ Red violations are those most likely to cause food-borne illness and must be corrected immediately if feasible or according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: not keeping food at the right temperature.

▪ Blue violations relate to the overall cleanliness and condition of operation and must be corrected according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: a worn floor that needs replacing.

▪ Some common abbreviations: PHF/TCS is potentially hazardous food/time control for safety; RTE is ready to eat; PIC is person in charge; FWC is food worker card; CDI is corrected during inspection.

Dec. 17: 10 red; 0 blue

Comments: In glass case cooler, quiche pie on top is 43-44 F, likely due to light bulb underneath. Correction: Must be 41 F, so quiche moved to bottom. Stem thermometer reads 90 F, actual 70 F. Adjust with wrench to 32 F in wet ice.

Dec. 16: 0 red; 12 blue

Comments: Items stored on floor in walk-in. Food contamination shall be prevented during storage. Move food items 6 inches off the ground. Wiping cloth sanitizer over 200 ppm. Wiping cloth, chlorine solution shall be 50-100 ppm. Dilute with water promptly. Flooring in kitchen and in dishwash area by walk-in deteriorated and worn. Repair or replace within six months. Cool foods in 2 inch amounts, leaving uncovered until 41 F or below. Rapidly reheat previously cooled foods to 165 F prior to holding at 135 F. If serving immediately, no reheat temperature requirement.

Dec. 16: 10 red; 0 blue

Comments: Observed TCS foods (salad mix and turkey) above 41 F in cold hold at 44 and 45 F. Corrective action: PIC had both placed in walk-in for new foods until cooled below 41 F for re-use. Notes: Ensure all hot and cold held foods are at proper temperatures on line; saw multiple proper glove changes/handwashing. Cooling log used for cooling foods.

Dec. 13: 5 red; 0 blue

Comments: Multiple expired food handlers cards and some missing from list of employees. Corrective action: Have all employees with expired food handlers cards get new FWC prior to working. Correct by Dec. 30 and email. NOTE: Excellent use of barriers when handling ready-to-eat foods. All cold holding units at proper holding temperatures.

Dec. 11: 5 red; 0 blue

Comments: One employee on schedule has an expired FWC. Corrective action: All food workers must have up to date FWC upon request. Have employee get an updated FWC prior to next shift. Repeat violation requires RE-INSPECTION. All cold holding units at proper cold holding temperatures. Observed excellent hand washing by employee at food toasting area. Proper use of alternative barriers.

▪ Taco Bell #31337 (3815 Pacific Ave. SE)

This story was originally published December 25, 2019 at 6:14 AM with the headline "Restaurant inspections for Dec. 25."