Senor Chicken, 3410 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305 - Fast Food Restaurant inspection findings and violations



Business Info

Restaurant: Senor Chicken
Address: 3410 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305
Type: Fast Food Restaurant
Phone: 703 836-7150
Total inspections: 11
Last inspection: 09/30/2015

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Inspection findings

Inspection date

Type

This visit was made to conduct a risk factor assessment. Please note the following:
1) Hand sinks shall only be used for hand washing and no other purpose.
2) Do not store raw foods above ready-to-eat foods.

  • Critical: Food Protection from Contamination / Separate Raw from RTE (corrected on site)
    Observation: Raw animal food holding in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows:raw beef stored over sauces in 2-door reach in cooler.
    Correction: Food shall be protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods like poultry, beef, pork, seafood, and eggs during holding from ALL other foods such as cooked foods, ready-to-eat foods, washed produce, etc.
  • Handwashing Sink / Used for Hand Wash Only (corrected on site)
    Observation: The handwashing station at the kitchen entrance is being used for purposes other than washing hands. (a lot of charcoal debris in sink)
    Correction: A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than hand washing. (Discussed with staff and they washed out sink).
09/30/2015Risk Factor
  • Critical: Hands and Arms / Cleaning Procedure (corrected on site)
    Observation: Food handler did not wash for a full 20 sec. (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.
  • 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 (from yesterday, 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.
05/14/2015Risk Factor
  • Eating, Drinking, or Tobacco Use / Proper Food Employee Drinking Containers (corrected on site)
    Observation: Employees drinking from covered container with no straw
    Correction:
  • Physical Facilities Good Repair
    Observation: handsinks are not maintained in good repair (caulk sinks in bathroom and kitchen)
    Correction: Maintain physical facilities in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities.
  • Controlling Pests by Routine Inspection of Premises
    Observation: The premises is not being routinely inspected for the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests (pest records could not be produce. Some droppings were observed under shelves of prep table and shelving in hallway). Fax or email pest control records to A. Guerreiro (business card provided) Clean and sanitize all surfaces.
    Correction: Insects and other pests are capable of transmitting disease to people by contaminating food and food-contact surfaces. Routinely inspect the premises to control the presence of pests on the premises.
01/14/2015Routine
  • Eating, Drinking, or Tobacco Use / Proper Food Employee Drinking Containers (corrected on site)
    Observation: A food handler was unapproved beverage container while in the kitchen (coffee cup with no straw)
    Correction: Food employees may drink only from a covered container using a straw.
  • Approved Food Source / Labeling of Packaged Food (corrected on site)
    Observation: The following packaged food item(s) is not properly labeled as specified in Law: cookies (no label and owner was not able to verify where they were from). DO NOT SERVE until source is disclosed
    Correction: Packaged food shall be labeled as specified in Law, including 21 CFR 101 Food Labeling, 9 CFR 317 Labeling, Marking Devices, and Containers, and 9 CFR 381 Subpart N Labeling and Containers, and as specified under 3-202.17 and 3-202.18.
  • Critical: Food Protection from Contamination / Separate Raw from RTE (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Raw animal food holding in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: raw chicken in plastic bag over cabbage (reach in refrigerator)
    Correction: Food shall be protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods like poultry, beef, pork, seafood, and eggs during holding from ALL other foods such as cooked foods, ready-to-eat foods, washed produce, etc.
  • Food Storage / Exposed to Splash, Dust, etc. (corrected on site)
    Observation: Food stored in a location where it is subject to splash, dust or other contamination as follows: broom over preparation table (removed)
    Correction: Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food where it is not exposed to splash, dust or other contamination.
  • 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: rice and beans (from yesterday)
    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: Containers Properly Arranged & Covered (corrected on site)
    Observation: Food containers for cooling food are arranged so as not to allow for maximum heat transfer (salads that were recently prepared and at 65.1 F were being tighly covered to be cooled)
    Correction: Food containers in which food is being cooled shall be: 1) arranged in the equipment to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls, and 2) the food containers shall be loosely covered or uncovered as long as protected from contamination to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the food.
  • Date Marking of RTE, PHF(TCS) Prepared On-Site, Stored at 41°F or less (corrected on site) (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: rice and beans prepared yesterday
    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 9/1 they shall be date marked with a "use by" date not exceeding 9/7.
  • 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: pot (large pot was washed but not sanitized with bleach and was going to be used for cooking
    Correction: sanitize basin was set up during inspection)
  • Handwashing Sink / Used for Hand Wash Only (corrected on site)
    Observation: The handwashing station at the kitchen is being used for purposes other than washing hands (washing yuca in sink, dumping of rice in sink)
    Correction: A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than hand washing.
  • Cleaning Frequency for Physical Facilities (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed that the kitchen and shelving area near bathrooms is in need of cleaning ( old mouse dropping observed in these areas)
    Correction: Clean the physical facilities at a frequency necessary to ensure the protection and safe preparation of food.
09/10/2014Routine
All items from previous inspection has been corrected. Facility has undergone a deep cleaning and has been advised to keep up with proper pest control methods.
No violation noted during this evaluation.
05/29/2014Follow-up
  • Certified Food Manager: Certificate Process
    Observation: The Person in Charge (PIC) has a valid certificate of successful completion of an accredited Certified Food Manager (CFM) exam, but does not possess the Northern Virginia CFM card (manager did not have CFM card with her
    Correction: must fax or email proof of card to main office (703) 746-4919
  • Critical: Food Protection from Contamination / Separate Raw from RTE (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Raw animal food holding in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: raw shell eggs over lettuce.
    Correction: Food shall be protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods like poultry, beef, pork, seafood, and eggs during holding from ALL other foods such as cooked foods, ready-to-eat foods, washed produce, etc.
  • 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: yuca, chicken (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.
  • 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: yuca, chicken, rice and beans in reach 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: salad dressing (made with raw shell egg)
    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.
  • 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: 3 compartment sink was not set up at beginning of inspection.
    Correction: In conjunction with Section 4-703.11, the food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils shall be sanitized before use and after cleaning.
  • Physical Facilities Good Repair
    Observation: Observed that the ceiling in back storage area is not maintained in good repair (large hole in ceiling and seal around all pipes).
    Correction: Repair the physical facilities. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities.
  • Controlling Pests / Methods to Use When Pests Are Found
    Observation: Methods are not being used to control pests (manager stated pest contol company in only spraying for mice, no improvement seen since last inspection)
    Correction: Insects and other pests are capable of transmitting disease to people by contaminating food and food-contact surfaces. If pests are found on the premises methods shall be used to control their presence (recommend glue traps and secure rodent bait stations to control mice)
  • Cleaning Frequency for Physical Facilities
    Observation: Observed that the kitchen, shelving and prep units, back storage area and hallways are need of cleaning (clean behind and underneath all equipment to eliminate mouse droppings througout).
    Correction: Clean the physical facilities at a frequency necessary to ensure the protection and safe preparation of food.
05/19/2014Routine
This visit was made to conduct a routine inspection. The following items need correction:
- Implement an Employee Health Policy that requires all employees to know the BIG 5 foodborne illnesses and all reportable symptoms and Certified Food Managers to know when to restrict or exclude sick employees

  • Critical: Employee Health Policy Requirements (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    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: not all employees knew BIG 5 illnesses or reportable symptoms. New employee health poster and process tree given to facility
    Correction: review with all new staff
  • Critical: Food Protection from Contamination / Separate Raw from RTE (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Raw animal food holding in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: raw eggs over ready to eat foods
    Correction: Food shall be protected from cross contamination by separating raw animal foods like poultry, beef, pork, seafood, and eggs during holding from ALL other foods such as cooked foods, ready-to-eat foods, washed produce, etc.
  • 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: chicken, prepared yesterday
    Correction: discarded
  • Cooling Methods: Containers Properly Arranged & Covered (corrected on site)
    Observation: Food containers for cooling food are arranged so as not to allow for maximum heat transfer (cooling salads in covered containers in walk in)
    Correction: Food containers in which food is being cooled shall be: 1) arranged in the equipment to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls, and 2) the food containers shall be loosely covered or uncovered as long as protected from contamination to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the food.
  • 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: boiled yuca (put back in refrigerator)
    Correction: Potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be held cold at a temperature of 41°F or below.
  • 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: salad dressing (made with raw egg)
    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.
  • Critical: Food-Contact Surface in Contact with PHF(TCS) Cleaned Every 4 Hours
    Observation: The cleaning schedule for cutting board for cooked chicken is not approved based on the consideration of characteristics of the equipment and its use, the type of food involved, the amount of food residue accumulation, or the temperature at which food is maintained during the operation (now cleaned only once per day)
    Correction: If used with potentially hazardous foods (time/temperature control for safety food), equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned throughout the day at least every 4 hours.
  • 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 is not tight fitting)
    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.
  • Handwashing Signage at Handwashing Facilities Required (corrected on site)
    Observation: A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at all handwashing lavatories used by food employees (women/ men restrooms)
    Correction: signs provided
  • Controlling Pests by Routine Inspection of Premises (repeated violation)
    Observation: The premises is not being routinely inspected for the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests (mice droppings observed near front counter and shelves)
    Correction: Insects and other pests are capable of transmitting disease to people by contaminating food and food-contact surfaces. Routinely inspect the premises to control the presence of pests on the premises.
  • Critical: Rodent Bait Stations , Covered & Tamper-Resistant (repeated violation)
    Observation: The rodent bait station is not covered and tamper-resistant (open pellets on shelves near front counter)
    Correction: Contain rodent bait in a covered, tamper-resistant bait station. Open bait stations may result in the spillage of the poison being used.
01/31/2014Routine
  • 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: The manager was not aware of the symptoms or the reportable illnesses.
    Correction: Create and implement an EHP that: 1) requires employees to report certain symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, sore throat with fever, or a lesion/infected wound) and illnesses (Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella Typhi, E. coli, or Shigella)
  • Critical: Hands and Arms / Cleaning Procedure (corrected on site)
    Observation: Observed food employees using improper handwashing procedures. Employee failed to wash her hand for 20 seconds. EHS trained the on proper hand washing.
    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.
  • Critical: Food Protection from Contamination / Separate Raw from RTE (corrected on site)
    Observation: Raw animal food stored over ready-to-eat food in the refrigeration unit. Raw eggs are improperly stored above ready-to-eat foods in the reach-in refrigerator. Eggs were relocated during the inspection.
    Correction: Raw foods like poultry, beef, pork, seafood, and eggs shall be stored properly inside refrigerators and freezers to prevent cross contamination. Raw foods shall be stored on shelving units BELOW or SEPARATED from all cooked foods, commercially processed foods, washed produce, leftover foods, etc.
  • Food Storage / Preventing Contamination
    Observation: Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor. Mayonnaise and bottled soft drinks are improperly stored on the floor. Food 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.
  • Hand Drying Provision / Individual, Disposable Towels (corrected on site)
    Observation: Observed that paper towels were not provided at each handwashing sink. Paper towels were provided during the inspection.
    Correction: Provide paper towels at each hand sink to allow employees to properly dry their hands after handwashing.
  • Controlling Pests by Routine Inspection of Premises
    Observation: The premises is not being routinely inspected for the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed evidence of mice at the front counter area. Mouse droppings were observed on top lid of the white rubber maid container and in the food wrap box. Have pest control exterminate to get rid of mice.
    Correction: Insects and other pests are capable of transmitting disease to people by contaminating food and food-contact surfaces. Routinely inspect the premises to control the presence of pests on the premises.
  • Critical: Rodent Bait Stations , Covered & Tamper-Resistant (corrected on site)
    Observation: The rodent bait station is not covered and tamper-resistant. The open bait station was discarded during the inspection.
    Correction: Contain rodent bait in a covered, tamper-resistant bait station. Open bait stations may result in the spillage of the poison being used.
10/01/2013Routine
no violations.
No violation noted during this evaluation.
05/16/2013Risk Factor Assessment
Visit made to follow-up phone call from Jan 23, 2013 regarding delinquent permit payment. Spoke with manager and owner was called during the visit. He stated fee would be paid today.
No violation noted during this evaluation.
01/25/2013Follow-up
No violations.
No violation noted during this evaluation.
01/16/2013Risk Factor

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