District Taco, 5723 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207 - Fast Food Restaurant inspection findings and violations



Business Info

Restaurant: District Taco
Address: 5723 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207
Type: Fast Food Restaurant
Phone: 703 237-1204
Total inspections: 8
Last inspection: 04/01/2016

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Inspection findings

Inspection date

Type

Provide handwash signs for each handsink. Provide splashguards for the handsink next to the 3-compartment sink. Approved for re-opening. A recheck will be conducted in approximately 2-3 weeks.
No violation noted during this evaluation.
04/01/2016Other
Outside waste receptacle area observed in need of cleaning (trash/debris observed on the ground). Floor tiles and baseboard coving throughout the kitchen observed in need of repair. Floor surface under/around equipment and in the kitchen observed in need of cleaning. Wall area around the 3-compartment sink observed in need of cleaning.
  • Cooling, Cooked Food (corrected on site)
    Observation: Large container of black beans (58-62ºF) prepared the previous day observed not properly cooled and at improper temperature. Product was discarded by the person in charge.
    Correction: Cooked time/temperature control for safety food shall be cooled: (1) Within 2 hours from 57ºC (135ºF) to 21ºC (70ºF)
  • Poisonous or Toxic Materials/Common Name/Working Containers (corrected on site)
    Observation: Working spray bottle containers used for storing chemical products observed not clearly and/or individually identified with the common name of the material.
    Correction: Working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. It is common practice in food establishments to purchase many poisonous or toxic materials including cleaners and sanitizers in bulk containers. Working containers are frequently used to convey these materials to areas where they will be used, resulting in working containers being stored in different locations in the establishment. Identification of these containers with the common name of the material helps prevent the dangerous misuse of the contents.
10/30/2015Risk Factor
  • Hands and Arms/When to Wash (corrected on site)
    Observation: A food employee failed to wash his or her hands before donning gloves for working with food.
    Correction: Instruct food employees to clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles (A) After touching bare human body parts other than clean, exposed portions of arms (B) After using the toilet room (C) After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals as specified in 2-403.11(B) (D) After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking (E) After handling soiled equipment or utensils (F) During food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks (G) When switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food (H) Before donning gloves for working with food and (I) After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands.
  • Equipment and Utensils/Durability and Strength
    Observation: Some shelving in the walk-in refrigerator and the dry storage area observed rusted and in need of replacement.
    Correction: Equipment and utensils shall be designed and constructed to be durable and to retain their characteristic qualities under normal use conditions. Equipment and utensils must be designed and constructed to be durable and capable of retaining their original characteristics so that such items can continue to fulfill their intended purpose for the duration of their life expectancy and to maintain their easy cleanability. If they can not maintain their original characteristics, they may become difficult to clean, allowing for the harborage of pathogenic microorganisms, insects, and rodents. Equipment and utensils must be designed and constructed so that parts do not break and end up in food as foreign objects or present injury hazards to consumers. A common example of presenting an injury hazard is the tendency for tines of poorly designed single service forks to break during use.
  • Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils (corrected on site)
    Observation: Food debris observed on several food pans/lids and equipment in the clean dish area.
    Correction: Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove organic matter from food-contact surfaces so that sanitization can occur.
  • Equipment/Nonfood-Contact Surfaces/Cleaning Frequency
    Observation: Inside of the cabinets, exterior of the dry storage bins, exterior of cook-line equipment and storage shelving throughout the facility observed in need of cleaning.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. The presence of food debris or dirt on nonfood contact surfaces may provide a suitable environment for the growth of microorganisms which employees may inadvertently transfer to food. If these areas are not kept clean, they may also provide harborage for insects, rodents, and other pests.
  • Equipment and Utensils, Air-Drying Required (repeated violation)
    Observation: After cleaning and sanitizing, some equipment and utensils observed not properly air-dried, adequately drained, and/or they are cloth dried before contact with food.
    Correction: After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils: (A) Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining as specified in the first paragraph of 40 CFR 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active and inert ingredients for use in antimicrobial formulations (food-contact surface sanitizing solutions), before contact with food
  • Refuse/Areas, Enclosures, and Receptacles, Good Repair
    Observation: Several areas of the outside back alley pavement observed in need of repair.
    Correction: Storage areas, enclosures, and receptacles for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be maintained in good repair. Storage areas for garbage and refuse containers must be constructed so that they can be thoroughly cleaned in order to avoid creating an attractant or harborage for insects or rodents. In addition, such storage areas must be large enough to accommodate all the containers necessitated by the operation in order to prevent scattering of the garbage and refuse.
  • Intensity/Lighting
    Observation: The light intensity in the front cooking area is below 50 foot candles where a food employee is working with food.
    Correction: The light intensity shall be at least 540 lux (50 foot candles) at a surface where a food employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor. Lighting levels are specified so that sufficient light is available to enable employees to perform certain functions such as reading labels
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing (repeated violation)
    Observation: Some areas of the wall/floor coving in the kitchen observed damaged. Some kitchen floor tiles observed in need of repair.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities. This requirement is intended to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained in order serve their intended purpose.
  • Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions
    Observation: Floor/wall surfaces under and around the cook-line equipment observed in need of cleaning. The wall surface in the warewashing area observed in need of cleaning.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Cleaning of the physical facilities is an important measure in ensuring the protection and sanitary preparation of food. A regular cleaning schedule should be established and followed to maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary manner.
05/06/2015Routine
  • Critical: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding (corrected on site)
    Observation: Guacamole at 49 F, discarded.
    Correction: Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control as specified under section 3-501.19, and except as specified under paragraph (B) of this section, time/temperature control for safety food shall be maintained at 5ºC (41ºF) or less. Bacterial growth and/or toxin production can occur if time/temperature control for safety food remains in the temperature "Danger Zone" of 5ºC to 57ºC (41ºF to 135ºF) too long. Up to a point, the rate of growth increases with an increase in temperature within this zone. Beyond the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for a particular organism, the rate of growth decreases. Operations requiring heating or cooling of food should be performed as rapidly as possible to avoid the possibility of bacterial growth.
  • Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils
    Observation: All the multicolor small cutting boards have a lots of stains, they are not longer cleanable.
    Correction: Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove organic matter from food-contact surfaces so that sanitization can occur.
  • Poisonous or Toxic Materials/Common Name/Working Containers
    Observation: Working container used for storing poisonous or toxic materials is not clearly and/or individually identified with the common name of the material.
    Correction: Working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. It is common practice in food establishments to purchase many poisonous or toxic materials including cleaners and sanitizers in bulk containers. Working containers are frequently used to convey these materials to areas where they will be used, resulting in working containers being stored in different locations in the establishment. Identification of these containers with the common name of the material helps prevent the dangerous misuse of the contents.
07/01/2014Risk Factor
The ceiling was being repaired during the inspection.
Great job cooling!

  • Critical: Responsibility of Permit Holder, Person in Charge, and Conditional Employees/Responsibilities and Reporting Symptoms and Diagnosis (corrected on site)
    Observation: The certified food manager(CFM) did not know the 5 big foodborne illnesses that are reportable diseases. A handout was provided to the CFM.
    Correction: The permit holder shall require food employees and conditional employees to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. A food employee or conditional employee shall report the information in a manner that allows the person in charge to reduce the risk of foodborne disease transmission, including providing necessary additional information, such as the date of onset of symptoms, if the food employee or conditional employee: (1) Has any of the following symptoms: (a) Vomiting, (b) Diarrhea, (c) Jaundice, (d) Sore throat with fever, or (e) A lesion containing pus such as a boil or infected wound that is open or draining and is: (i) On the hands or wrists, unless an impermeable cover such as a finger cot or stall protects the lesion and a single-use glove is worn over the impermeable cover, (ii) On exposed portions of the arms, unless the lesion is protected by an impermeable cover, or (iii) On other parts of the body, unless the lesion is covered by a dry, durable, tight-fitting bandage
  • Equipment/Fixed, Spacing or Sealing
    Observation: The handsink on the cookline, 1 compartment sink, and the handsink in the warewashing area are not sealed to the adjoining walls.
    Correction: Equipment that is fixed because it is not easily movable shall be installed so that it is: (1) Spaced to allow access for cleaning along the sides, behind, and above the equipment
  • Equipment and Utensils, Air-Drying Required (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils are not air-dried, adequately drained, and/or they are cloth dried before contact with food.
    Correction: After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils: (A) Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining as specified in the first paragraph of 40 CFR 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active and inert ingredients for use in antimicrobial formulations (food-contact surface sanitizing solutions), before contact with food
  • Water/Capacity/Quantity and Availability
    Observation: Hot water generation and distribution systems are not sufficient to meet the peak hot water demands throughout the establishment (The cookline handsink only).
    Correction: Hot water generation and distribution systems shall be sufficient to meet the peak hot water demands throughout the food establishment. Hot water required for washing items such as equipment and utensils and employees' hands, must be available in sufficient quantities to meet demand during peak water usage periods. Booster heaters for warewashers that use hot water sanitizing are designed to raise the temperature of hot water to a level that ensures sanitization. If the volume of water reaching the booster heater is not sufficient or hot enough, the required temperature for sanitization can not be reached. Manual washing of food equipment and utensils is most effective when hot water is used. Unless utensils are clean to sight and touch, they cannot be effectively sanitized.
02/19/2014Routine
All refrigeration units 40 F and below. All cold foods observed 41 F and below. Monitor food temperatures throughout service times. License suspension has been lifted Establishment approved to reopen.
No violation noted during this evaluation.
07/17/2013Follow-up
Establishment closed due to imminent health hazard. Cold foods not maintained at 41 F and below. Establishment may reopen when refrigeration units and all cold foods are maintained at 41 F and below. Call Christy Kunes at 571-438-4467.
  • Contamination/Miscellaneous Sources of
    Observation: Beans are not protected from contamination due to a plastic container with no handles found submerged in the large container of beans.
    Correction: Food shall be protected from contamination that may result from a factor or source not specified under Subparts 3-301 - 3-306.
  • Critical: Cooling, Cooked Food
    Observation: Chili, pintos, and black beans were not cooled within 2 hours from 57ºC (135ºF) to 21ºC (70ºF)
    Correction: and/or within a total of 6 hours from 57ºC (135ºF) to 5ºC (41ºF) or less. Foods were cooked on July 15 and observed at 58-60 F.
  • Cooling Methods
    Observation: Methods used for cooling large batches of foods such as beans and chili can not be accomplished with the time and temperature criteria. Foods were observed in large plastic containers with tight fitting lids.
    Correction: Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under section 3-501.14 by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of food being cooled: (1) Placing food in shallow pans
  • Critical: Potentially Hazardous Food, Hot Holding
    Observation: Observed steak hot holding at the improper temperature of 99 F. Hot holding unit the food was stored in was not turned on. Observed pork on spit at 99 to 110 F. Food was discarded.
    Correction: Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control as specified under section 3-501.19, and except as specified under paragraph (B) of this section, Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food) shall be maintained at 57ºC (135ºF) or above, except that roasts cooked to a temperature and for a time specified in paragraph 3-401.11(B) or reheated as specified in paragraph 3-403.11(E) may be held at a temperature of 54ºC (130ºF) or above. Bacterial growth and/or toxin production can occur if potentially hazardous food (time/temperature control for safety food) remains in the temperature "Danger Zone" of 5ºC to 57ºC (41ºF to 135ºF) too long. Up to a point, the rate of growth increases with an increase in temperature within this zone. Beyond the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for a particular organism, the rate of growth decreases. Operations requiring heating or cooling of food should be performed as rapidly as possible to avoid the possibility of bacterial growth.
  • Critical: Potentially Hazardous Food, Cold Holding (repeated violation)
    Observation: Various foods in all refrigeration units were observed cold holding at improper temperatures. Foods which were not 41 F and below were discarded. Observed the refrigeration units not maintaining an ambient air temperature of 41 F and below. Establishment air conditioning not operating and the ambient air temperature in the establishment was observed at 94 F. Establishment was closed until all refrigeration units are operating properly.
    Correction: Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control as specified under section 3-501.19, and except as specified under paragraph (B) of this section, Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food) shall be maintained at 5ºC (41ºF) or less. Bacterial growth and/or toxin production can occur if potentially hazardous food (time/temperature control for safety food) remains in the temperature "Danger Zone" of 5ºC to 57ºC (41ºF to 135ºF) too long. Up to a point, the rate of growth increases with an increase in temperature within this zone. Beyond the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for a particular organism, the rate of growth decreases. Operations requiring heating or cooling of food should be performed as rapidly as possible to avoid the possibility of bacterial growth.
  • Nonfood-Contact Surfaces/Nonabsorbent
    Observation: The nonfood-contact surface of the bottom shelving on prep tables which is rusting is not corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and/or smooth.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that requires frequent cleaning shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and smooth material. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment routinely exposed to splash or food debris are required to be constructed of nonabsorbent materials to facilitate cleaning. Equipment that is easily cleaned minimizes the presence of pathogenic organisms, moisture, and debris and deters the attraction of rodents and insects.
  • Temperature Measuring Devices
    Observation: Several refrigeration units were observed with thermometers which were not accurate. ensure that all refrigerators are equipped with at least one integral or permanently affixed temperature measuring device that is located to allow easy viewing of the device's temperature display and which is accurate.
    Correction: Cold or hot holding equipment used for potentially hazardous food (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be designed to include and shall be equipped with at least one integral or permanently affixed temperature measuring device that is located to allow easy viewing of the device's temperature display. This section does not apply to equipment for which the placement of a temperature measuring device is not a practical means for measuring the ambient air surrounding the food because of the design, type, and use of the equipment, such as calrod units, heat lamps, cold plates, bainmaries, steamtables, insulated food transport containers, and salad bars. A permanent temperature measuring device is required in any unit storing potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food because of the potential growth of pathogenic microorganisms should the temperature of the unit exceed Code requirements. In order to facilitate routine monitoring of the unit, the device must be clearly visible.
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment
    Observation: The M-3 prep refrigerator and the walk-in cooler are not maintaining an ambient air temperature of 41 F and below. The door on the walk-in cooler is damaged below and allowing air to seep in at the bottom.
    Correction: Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements specified under Parts 4-1 [Materials for Construction and Repair] and 4-2 [Design and Construction]. Proper maintenance of equipment to manufacturer specifications helps ensure that it will continue to operate as designed. Failure to properly maintain equipment could lead to violations of the associated requirements of the Code that place the health of the consumer at risk. For example, refrigeration units in disrepair may no longer be capable of properly cooling or holding potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) foods at safe temperatures.
  • Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils/Not Potentially Hazardous/Cleaning Frequency
    Observation: Surfaces of the drink fountain nozzle and the ice dispenser are not clean.
    Correction: Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under section 4-603.11, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred
  • Equipment and Utensils, Air-Drying Required
    Observation: After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils are not air-dried, adequately drained, and/or they are cloth dried before contact with food.
    Correction: After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils: (A) Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining as specified in the first paragraph of 40 CFR 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active and inert ingredients for use in antimicrobial formulations (food-contact surface sanitizing solutions), before contact with food
  • Refuse/Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures
    Observation: The storage area and/or enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables is not maintained free of unnecessary items and/or clean. Observed a build-up of grease around trash receptacles and grease receptacles.
    Correction: A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables shall be maintained free of unnecessary items, as specified under section 6-501.114, and clean. Proper storage and disposal of garbage and refuse are necessary to minimize the development of odors, prevent such waste from becoming an attractant and harborage or breeding place for insects and rodents, and prevent the soiling of food preparation and food service areas. Improperly handled garbage creates nuisance conditions, makes housekeeping difficult, and may be a possible source of contamination of food, equipment, and utensils.
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing
    Observation: Observed areas around the kitchen walls and walk-in unit not maintained in good repair.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities. This requirement is intended to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained in order serve their intended purpose.
  • Critical: Suspension of License or Certificate in Emergencies
    Observation: The license of this food establishment is suspended due to operating with an imminent health hazard. Cold foods were not being maintained at 41 F and below due to refrigeration units not maintaining ambient air temperature of 41 F and below. Establishment air conditioning not operating inside ambient air temperature observed at 94 F.
    Correction: If he deems an emergency to exist, the county manager may without warning, notice or hearing, order the suspension of any license or certificate under this chapter if the holder of the license or certificate does not comply with the requirements of this chapter, or if the operation of the food establishment does not comply with the requirements of this chapter, or if the operation of the food establishment otherwise constitutes a substantial and imminent health hazard to public health. Suspension is effective upon service of the notice. When a license is suspended, all food handling operations shall immediately cease unless another certified food manager or, where appropriate, certified limited food manager is present and in control. If the reason for the suspension is eliminated prior to the suspension being sustained by the county manager, the suspension shall be terminated.
07/16/2013Routine
  • Critical: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation/Preventing Food and Ingredient Contamination (corrected on site)
    Observation: Ready-to-eat food is not protected from cross contamination by separating them from raw animal foods. Raw beef observed over cooked beef in the WIC.
    Correction: Food shall be protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw ready-to-eat food including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish, or other raw ready-to-eat food such as fruits and vegetables, and (b) Cooked ready-to-eat food.
  • Critical: Food Contact with Equipment and Utensils/Preventing Contamination (corrected on site)
    Observation: Food in contact with soiled equipment or utensils. The handle of a scoop was observed touching cooked shrimp.
    Correction: Food shall only contact surfaces of: (A) Equipment and utensils that are cleaned as specified under Part 4-6 of this Code and sanitized as specified under Part 4-7 of this Code
  • Critical: Potentially Hazardous Food, Cold Holding (repeated violation)
    Observation: Pico de Guyo cold holding at the improper temperature of 46F in the salsa refigerator. Unit was adjusted during inspection.
    Correction: Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control as specified under section 3-501.19, and except as specified under paragraph (B) of this section, Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food) shall be maintained at 5ºC (41ºF) or less. Bacterial growth and/or toxin production can occur if potentially hazardous food (time/temperature control for safety food) remains in the temperature "Danger Zone" of 5ºC to 57ºC (41ºF to 135ºF) too long. Up to a point, the rate of growth increases with an increase in temperature within this zone. Beyond the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for a particular organism, the rate of growth decreases. Operations requiring heating or cooling of food should be performed as rapidly as possible to avoid the possibility of bacterial growth.
12/12/2012Risk Factor

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