El Paisa Grocery (Carryout), 3414 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305 - Carry Out Food Service Only inspection findings and violations



Business Info

Restaurant: El Paisa Grocery (Carryout)
Address: 3414 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305
Type: Carry Out Food Service Only
Phone: 703 439-4660
Total inspections: 14
Last inspection: 02/03/2016

Restaurant representatives - add corrected or new information about El Paisa Grocery (Carryout), 3414 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305 »


Inspection findings

Inspection date

Type

This visit was made to follow up to a complaint inspection conducted last month. The facility has taken the following corrective actions:
- They are conducting regular cleaning around the kitchen and food prep areas
-a pest control company is making more frequent visits. Please have them continue to make regular visits
Please note the following issues that require attention:
- Please ensure that the space under the back entrance door is repaired to be tight fitting so as to prevent any rodents from entering the facility
- Please keep the kitchen orderly and clean up spills promptly.

No violation noted during this evaluation.
02/03/2016Follow-up
This visit was made to conduct a risk based assessment. The Person in Charge was very helpful during the visit. The following issues require attention:
1. Ensure that the 3 compartment sink is set up properly to wash, rinse and sanitize. Ensure that chlorine solution to sanitize has a concentration of between 50-100 ppm
Note:
- Observed fruit flies in the establishment. Please monitor and control with regular cleaning.
-Note that Time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS foods) must be kept at either 41°F or below or at 135°F or above.
- Introduced time as a public health control procedure for cut cabbage and salsa to be served with pupusas.
*Repeat Observations are Subject to Civil Penalty

  • Handwashing / Where to Wash (corrected on site)
    Observation: Observed food employees washing their hands in the mop sink.
    Correction: Instruct food employees to clean their hands in a handwashing sink. Food employees may not clean their hands in a sink used for food preparation, or in a service sink or a curbed cleaning facility used for the disposal of mop water. Discussed with Person in Charge and food employees about appropriate place to wash hands.
  • Critical: Food-Contact Surface Sanitized before Use after Cleaning (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed food equipment (pots and pans) and utensils being washed in
    Correction: In conjunction with Section 4-703.11, the food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils shall be sanitized before use and after cleaning. Food contact surfaces, equipment and utensils shall be washed, rinsed and then sanitized. Food employee set up sanitizing compartment with chlorine solution and concentration of 50 ppm.
09/11/2015Risk Factor
This visit was made to conduct a food safety training for all food handlers.
note: topics covered-- -Employee Health
- Cold holding, hot holding, cooling
- Proper handwashing
- Proper washing, rinsing, sanitizing
- Proper glove use

No violation noted during this evaluation.
05/26/2015Training
This visit was made to conduct a follow-up inspection. Facility has bought a new 2 door reach in (Kelvinator) to replace the glass reach in. Ambient temp for new unit was 39.5F. Foods in the reach in were also properly labeled and dated. A food safety training has been scheduled with facility for 5/26/15.
No violation noted during this evaluation.
05/20/2015Follow-up
  • Critical: Cooling Potentially Hazardous Foods (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed that the following potentially hazardous foods were not cooled from 135°F to 41°F within a total of 6 hours: chicken, pulled chicken, rice (all discarded)
    Correction: Potentially hazardous foods shall be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hoursand from and 135°F to 41°F within a total of 6 hours to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Foods that have been temperature abused must be discarded.
  • Critical: Hot Holding of Potentially Hazardous Food at 135°F or above (corrected on site)
    Observation: The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: pork, chicken (steam table containers were over filled. Foods sitting on top were removed)
    Correction: Potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be hot held at a temperature of 135°F or above.
  • Critical: Cold Holding of Potentially Hazardous Food at 41°F or less (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: cut cabbage, hot dogs (discarded)
    Correction: Potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be held cold at a temperature of 41°F or below.
  • Date Marking of RTE, PHF(TCS) Prepared On-Site, Stored at 41°F or less (repeated violation)
    Observation: The following ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food in the refrigeration unit is not used within 24 hours of preparation and is not properly dated for disposition within 7 days at 41°F: pupusas, chicken, pulled chicken, hot dogs (none of the foods in glass refrigerator were dated)
    Correction: Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) that are prepared on site and held at 41°For below shall be clearly labeled and date marked with a "USE BY" not exceeding 7 TOTAL DAYS. If the food is held for only 24 hours, no date marking is required. For example, if foods like leftover soups, chili, tuna salad, potato salad, pasta salad, etc. are prepared on 5/1 they shall be date marked with a "use by" date not exceeding 5/7.
  • Critical: Food-Contact Surface Sanitized before Use after Cleaning (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment were not observed sanitized: serving utensils (utensils were only washed and rinsed. Corrected onsite, 3 comp. sink was properly set up and new employee was trained on use)
    Correction: In conjunction with Section 4-703.11, the food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils shall be sanitized before use and after cleaning.
05/14/2015Risk Factor
  • Critical: Hands and Arms / Cleaning Procedure (corrected on site)
    Observation: Employee did not wash with soap for a full 20 secsonds (proper method demonstrated)
    Correction: -ALL food employees shall wash their hands in the following manner:
    1. remove and discard used gloves,
    2. turn on warm water at the hand sink,
    3. rinse hands/arms with warm water,
    4. lather hands/arms with soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds,
    5. rinse hands/arms with warm water, and
    6. dry hands/arms with paper towels and then turn off the water at the hand sink using the paper towel.
  • Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination / Other Sources
    Observation: Clean pots & pans subject to contamination from splash coming from mop sink.
    Correction: Protect clean pots and pans from miscellaneous sources of contamination ( install splash guard next to mop sink)
  • Physical Facilities in Good Repair
    Observation: wall and base board behind 3 compartment sink and tiles upstairs near walk in are not maintained in good repair
    Correction: Maintain physical facilities in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities.
  • Outer Openings, Protected
    Observation: An exterior door is not self-closing and tight-fitting. This may allow the entry of insects or rodents (gap at bottom of back observed)
    Correction: All exterior doors must be sold and tight-fitting, and must be self-closing. Exterior doors used only as emergency exits do not need to be self-closing.
01/13/2015Routine
This visit was made to conduct a training inspection. The following risk-factor/public health intervention violations were observed:
1. Poor personal hygiene/hands as a vehicle of contamination
2. Contaminated equipment/cross-contamination

No violation noted during this evaluation.
09/08/2014Training
This visit was made to conduct a follow-up. All items from previous inspection have been corrected except:
- Date marking of foods (cut cabbage/ vegetables,& pico in walk in must be dated)
--- It is recommended that facility come off of the 4 week risk control plan for cooling. Facility has reduced the amount of tamales they are making at a time and a great improvement has been seen in cooling. I recommend that facility continue to use logs voluntarily.

  • Date Marking of RTE, PHF(TCS) Prepared On-Site, Stored at 41°F or less (repeated violation)
    Observation: The following ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food in the refrigeration unit is not used within 24 hours of preparation and is not properly dated for disposition within 7 days at 41°F: tamales, pico, cut cabbage in walk in
    Correction: Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) that are prepared on site and held at 41°For below shall be clearly labeled and date marked with a "USE BY" not exceeding 7 TOTAL DAYS. If the food is held for only 24 hours, no date marking is required. For example, if foods like leftover soups, chili, tuna salad, potato salad, pasta salad, etc. are prepared on 5/1 they shall be date marked with a "use by" date not exceeding 5/7.
06/03/2014Follow-up
  • Utensils That are In-Use / Between-Use Storage (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: bowls with no handles are being used to dispense bulk dry foods and pico
    Correction: During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food utensils shall be stored in one of the following manners: 1) in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container, 2) in food that is not potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safe food) with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, 3) on a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized, 4) in running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain, 5) in a clean, protected location if the utensils are used only with a food that is NOT potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safe food), or 6) in a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F and the container is cleaned frequently.
  • Critical: Cooling Potentially Hazardous Foods (corrected on site)
    Observation: Observed that the following potentially hazardous foods were not cooled from 135°F to 41°F within a total of 6 hours: tamales, beans (discarded)
    Correction: Potentially hazardous foods shall be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hoursand from and 135°F to 41°F within a total of 6 hours to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Foods that have been temperature abused must be discarded.
  • Cooling Methods
    Observation: The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate cooling of the product from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours: placing cut lettuce, cabbage and tomatoes directly on prep unit without first pre-chilling.
    Correction: use similar methods as decribes above to pre-chill foods prepped from ambient temp.
  • Cooling Methods (repeated violation)
    Observation: The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate cooling of the product from 135°F to 41°F within 6 hours: placing hot foods directly in reach in cooler
    Correction: Cooling hot foods shall be accomplished as follows: 1) placing the food in shallow pans, 2) separating the food into smaller or thinner portions, 3) using rapid cooling equipment, 4) stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath, 5) using containers that facilitate heat transfer, 6) adding ice as an ingredient, or 7) other effective methods
  • Critical: Cold Holding of Potentially Hazardous Food at 41°F or less (corrected on site)
    Observation: The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: pico (pans on display were over filled)
    Correction: Potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be held cold at a temperature of 41°F or below.
  • Date Marking of RTE, PHF(TCS) Prepared On-Site, Stored at 41°F or less
    Observation: The following ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food in the refrigeration unit is not used within 24 hours of preparation and is not properly dated for disposition within 7 days at 41°F: tamales, pico, cut cabbage in walk in
    Correction: Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) that are prepared on site and held at 41°For below shall be clearly labeled and date marked with a "USE BY" not exceeding 7 TOTAL DAYS. If the food is held for only 24 hours, no date marking is required. For example, if foods like leftover soups, chili, tuna salad, potato salad, pasta salad, etc. are prepared on 5/1 they shall be date marked with a "use by" date not exceeding 5/7.
  • Consumer Advisory Required for Raw or Undercooked Animal Food (repeated violation)
    Observation: A review of the menu with the foodservice operator indicates that there is no consumer advisory for the following food item(s) that may be served raw and/or undercooked: eggs cooked to order
    Correction: If an animal food such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, milk, pork, poultry, or shellfish is served or sold raw or undercooked the permit holder shall inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming such foods by way of a disclosure and reminder using brochures, deli case or menu advisories, label statements, table tents, placards, or other effective written means.
  • Cutting Boards / Resurface / Discard
    Observation: The cutting board(s) along the serving line are heavily scratched and scored. The food contact surface is no longer easily cleaned and sanitized due to condition.
    Correction: Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.
  • Critical: Food-Contact Surface Sanitized before Use after Cleaning (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment were not observed sanitized: chlorine in sanitize basin was too low (corrected to 100 ppm)
    Correction: In conjunction with Section 4-703.11, the food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils shall be sanitized before use and after cleaning.
  • Outer Openings, Protected (repeated violation)
    Observation: An exterior door is not self-closing and tight-fitting. This may allow the entry of insects or rodents (gap on bottom of back door upstairs)
    Correction: All exterior doors must be sold and tight-fitting, and must be self-closing. Exterior doors used only as emergency exits do not need to be self-closing.
  • Removing Dead or Trapped Birds, Insects, Rodents, etc.
    Observation: Dead or trapped flies were found in the control device and/or on the premises (multiple dead flies on device)
    Correction: Remove dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, and other pests from control devices and the premises at a frequency that prevents their accumulation, decomposition, or the attraction of other pests.
05/06/2014Routine
  • Critical: Employee Health Policy Requirements (corrected on site)
    Observation: Through conversation and/or review of written policy, it was determined that the establishment's employee health policy (EHP) is not compliant with the Food Code because: employees did not know all BIG 5 illnesses or all reportable symptoms
    Correction: employee health material provided, review with staff
  • Critical: Hands and Arms / Cleaning Procedure (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed food employees using improper handwashing procedures (employee did ot turn off faucet with paper towel)
    Correction: ALL food employees shall wash their hands in the following manner: 1) remove and discard used gloves, 2) turn on warm water at the hand sink, 3) rinse hands/arms with warm water, 4) lather hands/arms with soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds, 5) rinse hands/arms with warm water, and 6) dry hands/arms with paper towels and then turn off the water at the hand sink using the paper towel. Effective handwashing will aid in the reduction of foodborne illness and is an important part of the food employee training program.
  • Utensils That are In-Use / Between-Use Storage
    Observation: Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: utensil for rice in bulk container does not have handle
    Correction: During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food utensils shall be stored in one of the following manners: 1) in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container, 2) in food that is not potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safe food) with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, 3) on a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized, 4) in running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain, 5) in a clean, protected location if the utensils are used only with a food that is NOT potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safe food), or 6) in a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F and the container is cleaned frequently.
  • Wiping Cloths/Use Limitation/Wet Towel Storage (corrected on site)
    Observation: Improper use of wet wiping cloths for the following activity: soiled wiping cloths stored on cutting boards
    Correction: Cloths in use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a specified concentration.
  • Food Storage / Preventing Contamination
    Observation: Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor (food in walk in on floor)
    Correction: Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food at least 6 inches off the floor on approved shelving units or dunnage racks. Milk crates, soda crates, or bread racks are not suitable for food storage.
  • Critical: Cooling PHF(TCS) Prepared from Ingredients at Room Temperature (corrected on site)
    Observation: The following food item prepared from ambient air temperature ingredients is not being adequately cooled to 41°F or less within 4 hours: cut lettuce
    Correction: Potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be cooled within 4 hours from 41°F or less if prepared from ingredients at ambient air temperature (i.e. reconstituted foods and canned tuna).
  • Cooling Methods (corrected on site)
    Observation: The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate cooling of the product from 135°F to 41°F within 6 hours: tightly wrapping hot tamales and placing in reach in, placing hot rice tightly covered in reach in.
    Correction: Cooling hot foods shall be accomplished as follows: 1) placing the food in shallow pans, 2) separating the food into smaller or thinner portions, 3) using rapid cooling equipment, 4) stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath, 5) using containers that facilitate heat transfer, 6) adding ice as an ingredient, or 7) other effective methods.
  • Consumer Advisory Required for Raw or Undercooked Animal Food
    Observation: A review of the menu with the foodservice operator indicates that there is no consumer advisory for the following food item(s) that may be served raw and/or undercooked: eggs cooked to order (breakfast)
    Correction: If an animal food such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, milk, pork, poultry, or shellfish is served or sold raw or undercooked the permit holder shall inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming such foods by way of a disclosure and reminder using brochures, deli case or menu advisories, label statements, table tents, placards, or other effective written means.
  • Equipment / Good Repair / Operation (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: The following mechanical refrigeration unit is not currently operating as required to cold hold food at a temperature of 41°F or less: 3 door low boy in carryout
    Correction: do not use for storage of potentially hazardous foods.
  • Critical: Food-Contact Surface Sanitized before Use after Cleaning (corrected on site)
    Observation: The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment were not observed sanitized: pans, utensils (leak in sanitize basin, not able to fill basin)
    Correction: use 3 comp. sink in meat department until repaired.
  • Plumbing / Maintained in Good Repair
    Observation: Plumbing connections under the sanitize basin of 3 compartment sink is leaking.
    Correction: A plumbing system shall be maintained in good repair.
  • Outer Openings, Protected
    Observation: An exterior door is not self-closing and tight-fitting. This may allow the entry of insects or rodents (back door, upstairs in front of walk in)
    Correction: All exterior doors must be sold and tight-fitting, and must be self-closing. Exterior doors used only as emergency exits do not need to be self-closing.
01/10/2014Routine
  • Critical: Hands and Arms / Cleaning Procedure (corrected on site)
    Observation: Observed food employees using improper handwashing procedures. Employee failed to wash her hands for 20 seconds. Corrected during the inspection.
    Correction: ALL food employees shall wash their hands in the following manner: 1) remove and discard used gloves, 2) turn on warm water at the hand sink, 3) rinse hands/arms with warm water, 4) lather hands/arms with soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds, 5) rinse hands/arms with warm water, and 6) dry hands/arms with paper towels and then turn off the water at the hand sink using the paper towel. Effective handwashing will aid in the reduction of foodborne illness and is an important part of the food employee training program.
  • Food Storage / Preventing Contamination (corrected on site)
    Observation: Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor. Beans are improperly stored on the floor. The beans were elevated during the inspection.
    Correction: Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food at least 6 inches off the floor on approved shelving units or dunnage racks. Milk crates, soda crates, or bread racks are not suitable for food storage.
  • Critical: Hot Holding of Potentially Hazardous Food at 135°F or above (corrected on site)
    Observation: The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: chicken strew and fried chicken. Foods were reheated to 165 during the inspection.
    Correction: Potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be hot held at a temperature of 135°F or above.
  • Critical: Cold Holding of Potentially Hazardous Food at 41°F or less (corrected on site)
    Observation: The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: eggs salad, sour cream, and boiled eggs. Food items were placed on ice and large tubs of sour cream and mayonnaise were relocated to a colder refrigeration unit.
    Correction: Potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be held cold at a temperature of 41°F or below.
  • Equipment / Good Repair / Operation
    Observation: The following mechanical refrigeration unit is not currently operating as required to cold hold food at a temperature of 41°F or less: the front reach-in refrigerator.
    Correction: Refrigerators shall be capable of holding foods at a temperature of 41°F or below. Repair the unit(s) immediately. Foods exposed to temperature abuse for over 2 hours shall be discarded, otherwise, the foods shall be stored in properly operating refrigerators.
  • Lockers or Employee Storage in Designated Room/Area (corrected on site)
    Observation: Observed that lockers and personal storage facilities are not located to protect food, equipment, linens, and/or single-service items from contamination. Employee's belongings were relocated during the inspection.
    Correction: Relocate lockers and personal storage facilities to prevent the potential contamination of food, food equipment and utensils, linens, or single-service items.
09/19/2013Routine
  • Critical: Hot Holding of Potentially Hazardous Food at 135°F or above (corrected on site)
    Observation: The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: fish @ 103F. (discarded)
    Correction: Potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be hot held at a temperature of 135°F or above.
  • 3-Compartment Warewashing Sink Compartment Sizing
    Observation: The compartments of the 3-compartment sink are not large enough to accommodate the largest piece of equipment. Excessively large pot not fitting in the 3 compartment sink and cannot be properly cleaned.
    Correction: Sink compartments shall be large enough to accommodate immersion of the largest equipment and utensils. If equipment or utensils are too large for the warewashing sink, a warewashing machine or alternative equipment shall be used. Remove excessively large pot from the facility.
  • Equipment / Food-Contact / Visibly Clean (corrected on site)
    Observation: The following equipment/utensils were observed soiled to sight and touch: not setting up the 3 compartment sink properly in the carry-out area.
    Correction: Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to the sight and touch. A surface that is soiled cannot be effectively sanitized.
05/10/2013Routine
Hot water has been restored and carry-out section may reopen.
No violation noted during this evaluation.
01/11/2013Follow-up
No hot water in the carry-out area of the grocery store. This section of the establishment is closed until hot water has been restored and verified by AHD.
No violation noted during this evaluation.
01/11/2013Critical Procedures

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