Ethio Cafe, 3045a Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 - Other Food Service inspection findings and violations



Business Info

Restaurant: Ethio Cafe
Address: 3045a Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
Type: Other Food Service
Phone: 703 302-3772
Total inspections: 8
Last inspection: 02/01/2016

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Inspection findings

Inspection date

Type

  • Consumer Advisory/Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw, Undercooked, or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (corrected on site)
    Observation: The food establishment serves or sells raw or undercooked food and the permit holder does not inform consumers of the significantly increased risk 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. No consumer advisory information on the menu for kafta. Corrected by instruction for next menu printing.
    Correction: The permit holder shall inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming such foods by way of a disclosure and reminder, as specified in paragraphs (B) and (C) of this section using brochures, deli case or menu advisories, label statements, table tents, placards, or other effective written means. (B) Disclosure shall include: (1) A description of the animal-derived foods, such as "oysters on the half shell (raw oysters)," "raw-egg Caesar salad," and "hamburgers (can be cooked to order);" or (2) Identification of the animal-derived foods by asterisking them to a footnote that states that the items are served raw or undercooked, or contain (or may contain) raw or undercooked ingredients. (C) Reminder shall include asterisking the animal-derived foods requiring disclosure to a footnote that states: (1) Regarding the safety of these items, written information is available upon request
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment
    Observation: A temperature control knob was missing on the griddle under the hood.
    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.
  • Plumbing System/Maintained in Good Repair (repeated violation)
    Observation: The faucet at the 3 part sink was leaking.
    Correction: A plumbing system shall be maintained in good repair. Improper repair or maintenance may result in the creation of obnoxious odors or nuisances, and may also adversely affect the operation of warewashing equipment or other equipment which depends on sufficient volume and pressure to perform its intended functions.
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing
    Observation: Holes were observed in the drywall in men's restroom.
    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.
02/01/2016Routine
  • Handwashing Sink/Using/Operation and Maintenance (corrected on site)
    Observation: The handwashing station at the front counter is being used to clean equipment and utensils.
    Correction: The handwashing facility identified above is to be used for washing hands only.
08/06/2015Risk Factor
  • Contamination/Miscellaneous Sources of (corrected on site)
    Observation: Cartons of eggs were improperly stored above cartons of milk in 2 door uprt unit
    Correction: Food shall be protected from contamination that may result from a factor or source not specified under Subparts 3-301 - 3-306.
  • Sanitizing Solutions, Testing Devices (corrected on site)
    Observation: A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration of the sanitizing solution is not provided.
    Correction: A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of sanitizing solutions shall be provided. Testing devices to measure the concentration of sanitizing solutions are required for 2 reasons: 1. The use of chemical sanitizers requires minimum concentrations of the sanitizer during the final rinse step to ensure sanitization
  • Equipment/Fixed, Spacing or Sealing
    Observation: The hand sink in the men's restroom was in need of re-sealing to wall.
    Correction: Counter-mounted equipment that is not easily movable shall be installed to allow cleaning of the equipment and areas underneath and around the equipment by being: (1) Sealed
  • Handwashing Sink/Using/Operation and Maintenance (corrected on site)
    Observation: The handwashing sink at front counter was observed with glasses in basin.
    Correction: A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Sinks used for food preparation and warewashing can become sources of contamination if used as handwashing facilities by employees returning from the toilet or from duties which have contaminated their hands.
01/21/2015Routine
  • Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (repeated violation)
    Observation: Soda crate is used as shelf for chemicals.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be free of unnecessary ledges, projections, and crevices, and designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and to facilitate maintenance. Hard-to-clean areas could result in the attraction and harborage of insects and rodents and allow the growth of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. Well-designed equipment enhances the ability to keep nonfood-contact surfaces clean.
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment (repeated violation)
    Observation: Counter top back splash in poor repair (not sealed).
    Front hand sink counter is in poor repair/
    Shelves/drawers in poor repair.

    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.
11/25/2014Follow-up
  • Nonfood-Contact Surfaces
    Observation: Soda crate is used as shelf for chemicals.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be free of unnecessary ledges, projections, and crevices, and designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and to facilitate maintenance. Hard-to-clean areas could result in the attraction and harborage of insects and rodents and allow the growth of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. Well-designed equipment enhances the ability to keep nonfood-contact surfaces clean.
  • Ventilation Hood-Systems, Drip Prevention/Functionality
    Observation: No catch pan at exhaust hood.
    Correction: Exhaust ventilation hood systems in food preparation and warewashing areas including components such as hoods, fans, guards, and ducting shall be designed to prevent grease or condensation from draining or dripping onto food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service and single-use articles. The dripping of grease or condensation onto food constitutes adulteration and may involve contamination of the food with pathogenic organisms. Equipment, utensils, linens, and single service and single use articles that are subjected to such drippage are no longer clean.
  • Food Temperature Measuring Devices
    Observation: No food thermometer.
    Correction: Food temperature measuring devices shall be provided and readily accessible for use in ensuring attainment and maintenance of food temperatures as specified under Chapter 3. The presence and accessibility of food temperature measuring devices is critical to the effective monitoring of food temperatures. Proper use of such devices provides the operator or person in charge with important information with which to determine if temperatures should be adjusted or if foods should be discarded.
  • Sanitizing Solutions, Testing Devices
    Observation: No test kit for sanitizer.
    Correction: A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of sanitizing solutions shall be provided. Testing devices to measure the concentration of sanitizing solutions are required for 2 reasons: 1. The use of chemical sanitizers requires minimum concentrations of the sanitizer during the final rinse step to ensure sanitization
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment
    Observation: Counter top back splash in poor repair (not sealed).
    Front hand sink counter is in poor repair.
    Shelves/drawers in poor repair.

    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.
  • Toilet Rooms, Enclosed
    Observation: Mens restroom door is not self-closing.
    Correction: Except where a toilet room is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall, a toilet room located on the premises shall be completely enclosed and provided with a tight-fitting and self-closing door. Completely enclosed toilet facilities minimize the potential for the spread of disease by the movement of flies and other insects between the toilet facility and food preparation areas.
  • Outer Openings, Protected
    Observation: Gap observed at bottom threshold of front door.
    Correction: Outer openings of a food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: (1) Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings
  • Intensity/Lighting
    Observation: Lights out in restroom.
    Correction: The light intensity shall be at least 108 lux (10 foot candles) at a distance of 75 cm (30 inches) above the floor, in the walk-in refrigeration units and dry food storage areas and in other areas and rooms during periods of cleaning. Properly distributed light makes the need for cleaning apparent by making accumulations of soil conspicuous.
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing
    Observation: Open window to storage room (duct tape and plastic bag used to close off).
    Hole in mens restroom wall by hand sink.
    Cove base in poor repair by entrance to kitchen.

    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.
  • Drying Mops
    Observation: No mop rack.
    Correction: After use, mops shall be placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, equipment, or supplies. Mops can contaminate food and food preparation areas if not properly cleaned and stored after use. Mops should be cleaned and dried in a sanitary manner away from food flow areas.
11/20/2014Pre-Opening
No violation noted during this evaluation.04/15/2014Follow-up
  • Person in Charge/Duties/Employees Sanitizing Equipment
    Observation: Employees are not properly sanitizing cleaned multiuse equipment and utensils before they are reused.
    Correction: The person in charge shall ensure that employees are properly sanitizing cleaned multiuse equipment and utensils before they are reused, through routine monitoring of solution temperature and exposure time for hot water sanitizing, and chemical concentration, pH, temperature, and exposure time for chemical sanitizing.
  • Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco/Food Contamination Prevention (corrected on site)
    Observation: The employees are eating in an area other than designated break area while preparing/handling food or contacting clean food contact surfaces. Observed an upholstered chair with a table in the kitchen with plates of food. Corrected by instruction.
    Correction: All employees who are eating must be in the designated break area away from food preparation/handling areas to prevent cross contamination.
  • Critical: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot Holding (corrected on site)
    Observation: Samosas hot holding at the improper temperature of 76 F in the display case. 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, 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 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.
  • RTE, TCS, Date Marking/On-Premises Preparation
    Observation: Foods prepared and held in the food establishment for more than 24 hours are not clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded.
    Correction: Except when packaging food using a reduced oxygen packaging method as specified under section 3-502.12, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and held in a food establishment for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, based on the temperature of 5ºC (41ºF) or less for a maximum of 7 days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. A date marking system that meets the criteria of this section may include: (1) Using a method approved by the regulatory authority for refrigerated, ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food that is frequently rewrapped, such as lunchmeat or a roast, or for which date marking is impractical, such as soft serve mix or milk in a dispensing machine
  • Equipment and Utensils/Durability and Strength
    Observation: The food processors, GE toaster, Black and Decker rice cooker are not designed and constructed to be durable.
    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.
  • Cutting Surfaces (repeated violation)
    Observation: The surfaces of the cutting board are no longer effectively cleaned and sanitized.
    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. Cutting surfaces such as cutting boards and blocks that become scratched and scored may be difficult to clean and sanitize. As a result, pathogenic microorganisms transmissible through food may build up or accumulate. These microorganisms may be transferred to foods that are prepared on such surfaces.
  • Critical: Equipment/Food-Contact/Before Use After Cleaning/Sanitized
    Observation: Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment were not sanitized after cleaning. Corrected by instruction.
    Correction: Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be sanitized before use after cleaning. Sanitization is accomplished after the warewashing steps of cleaning and rinsing so that utensils and food-contact surfaces are sanitized before coming in contact with food and before use.
  • Handwashing Sink, Installation
    Observation: The handwashing sink is not equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 100°F through a mixing valve or combination faucet. No hot water available at handwashing sink in kitchen.
    Correction: A handwashing sink shall be equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 38°C (100°F) through a mixing valve or combination faucet. Warm water is more effective than cold water in removing the fatty soils encountered in kitchens. An adequate flow of warm water will cause soap to lather and aid in flushing soil quickly from the hands. ASTM Standards for testing the efficacy of handwashing formulations specify a water temperature of 40°C +/- 2°C (100 to 108°F). An inadequate flow or temperature of water may lead to poor handwashing practices by food employees. A mixing valve or combination faucet is needed to provide properly tempered water for handwashing.
  • Handwashing Sink/Using/Operation and Maintenance (repeated violation)
    Observation: The handwashing sink next to coffee machine is used for purposes other than handwashing.
    Correction: A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Sinks used for food preparation and warewashing can become sources of contamination if used as handwashing facilities by employees returning from the toilet or from duties which have contaminated their hands.
  • Handwashing Sink/Using/Operation and Maintenance (repeated violation)
    Observation: The handwashing sink located in the kitchen is not maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Upon arrival, observed containers of food in the hand wash sink.
    Correction: A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing and restricted for that use. Convenient accessibility of a handwashing facility encourages timely handwashing which provides a break in the chain of contamination from the hands of food employees to food or food-contact surfaces.
  • Plumbing System/Maintained in Good Repair
    Observation: The 3 compartment sink faucet is leaking and the drain pipe is leaking under the sink.
    Correction: A plumbing system shall be maintained in good repair. Improper repair or maintenance may result in the creation of obnoxious odors or nuisances, and may also adversely affect the operation of warewashing equipment or other equipment which depends on sufficient volume and pressure to perform its intended functions.
  • Hand Drying Provision (repeated violation)
    Observation: Each handwashing sink is not provided with individual, disposable towels
    Correction: a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel
  • Maintaining Premises, Unnecessary Items and Litter
    Observation: The premises is not free of items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment.
    Correction: The premises shall be free of items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used. The presence of unnecessary articles, including equipment which is no longer used, makes regular and effective cleaning more difficult and less likely. It can also provide harborage for insects and rodents.
  • Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions
    Observation: The floors under and behind equipment are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
    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.
  • Poisonous or Toxic Materials/Common Name/Working Containers (corrected on site)
    Observation: Working containers (spray bottle) used for storing poisonous or toxic materials are 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.
  • Permit to Operate/Responsibilities of Permit Holder
    Observation: The permit holder is not complying with the conditions on the license. Conditions are no grilling, cooking, or frying. The establishment is cooking as a full service restaurant using electric burners and no hood. Manager was advised to cease operation and discard food.
    Correction: Upon acceptance of the permit issued by the regulatory authority, the permit holder in order to retain the permit shall comply with directives of the regulatory authority including time frames for corrective actions specified in inspection reports, notices, orders, warnings, and other directives issued by the regulatory authority in regard to the permit holder's food establishment or in response to community emergencies.
04/04/2014Routine
  • Cutting Surfaces
    Observation: The surfaces of the small cutting board is no longer effectively cleaned and sanitized.
    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. Cutting surfaces such as cutting boards and blocks that become scratched and scored may be difficult to clean and sanitize. As a result, pathogenic microorganisms transmissible through food may build up or accumulate. These microorganisms may be transferred to foods that are prepared on such surfaces.
  • Handwashing Sink/Using/Operation and Maintenance (repeated violation)
    Observation: The handwashing sink located at the back room is not maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use.
    Correction: A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing and restricted for that use. Convenient accessibility of a handwashing facility encourages timely handwashing which provides a break in the chain of contamination from the hands of food employees to food or food-contact surfaces.
  • Plumbing System/Maintained in Good Repair (repeated violation)
    Observation: The 3-part sink faucet is dripping.
    Correction: A plumbing system shall be maintained in good repair. Improper repair or maintenance may result in the creation of obnoxious odors or nuisances, and may also adversely affect the operation of warewashing equipment or other equipment which depends on sufficient volume and pressure to perform its intended functions.
  • Refuse/Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered
    Observation: There is no covered receptacle in the toilet room used by females.
    Correction: A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins. Garbage containers should be available wherever garbage is generated to aid in the proper disposal of refuse.
  • Hand Drying Provision
    Observation: The front hand sink is not provided with individual, disposable towels
    Correction: a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel
  • Closing Toilet Room Doors
    Observation: Toilet room doors are not self-closing.
    Correction: Toilet room doors as specified under section 6-202.14 shall be kept closed except during cleaning and maintenance operations. Toilet room doors must remain closed except during cleaning operations to prevent insect and rodent entrance and the associated potential for the spread of disease.
05/03/2013Routine

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