Taqueria El Poblano, 2503-A N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207 - Full Service Restaurant inspection findings and violations



Business Info

Restaurant: Taqueria El Poblano
Address: 2503-A N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207
Type: Full Service Restaurant
Phone: 703 237-8250
Total inspections: 7
Last inspection: 03/17/2016

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Inspection findings

Inspection date

Type

  • Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco/Food Contamination Prevention (corrected on site)
    Observation: Uncovered employee beverage observed on the cook-line preparation unit.
    Correction: A food employee may drink from a closed beverage container if the container is handled to prevent contamination of: (1) The employee's hands
  • Contamination from Hands/Preventing Contamination by Employees (corrected on site)
    Observation: Employee observed placing ready-to-eat toppings on a taco order with his/her bare hands.
    Correction: Except when washing fruits and vegetables as specified under 3-302.15 or as specified in paragraph D of this section, food employees may not contact exposed, ready-to-eat food with their bare hands and shall use suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single-use gloves, or dispensing equipment.
  • Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Container of shredded lettuce (44 F) and a container of guacamole (45 F) in the right side cook-line preparation unit observed cold holding at improper temperature (thermostat was adjusted by the person in charge).
    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/Fixed, Spacing or Sealing
    Observation: The wall caulking around the kitchen 3-compartment sink, dishmachine, and handsink was observed moldy and in need of cleaning/replacing.
    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
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment
    Observation: The gaskets to the left side cook-line preparation unit were observed damaged and in need of replacement.
    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, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils/Clean (repeated violation)
    Observation: Equipment/single service item storage shelving throughout the kitchen observed in need of cleaning. The reach-in freezer was observed in need of defrosting. Refrigeration gaskets observed in need of cleaning.
    Correction: The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove organic matter from food-contact surfaces so that sanitization can occur and to remove soil from nonfood contact surfaces so that pathogenic microorganisms will not be allowed to accumulate and insects and rodents will not be attracted.
  • Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils/Time Temperature Control For Safety Food/Cleaning Frequency (corrected on site)
    Observation: Surfaces of the bulk ice machine chute were observed in need of cleaning and sanitizing.
    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 time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred
  • Plumbing System/Maintained in Good Repair
    Observation: The dishmachine was observed slightly leaking when in use. The faucet connection of the kitchen food preparation sink was observed 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: The floor surface throughout the kitchen was observed damaged and 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: Ceiling tiles and light shields throughout the kitchen facility were 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.
03/17/2016Routine
  • RTE, TCS, Date Marking/On-Premises Preparation (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed several cooked foods prepared and held in the establishment for more than 24 hours are not marked to indicate date by which the food shall be consumed, sold, or discarded. Corrected.
    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
11/04/2015Risk Factor
Do not place any TCS foods in 2 door "True" prep unit unless temperatures reach 41 F or below.
  • Hands and Arms/When to Wash (repeated violation)
    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.
  • Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation (repeated violation)
    Observation: Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces are not held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution of proper concentration.
    Correction: Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be: (1) Held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a concentration specified under section 4-501.114
  • Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding
    Observation: Observed tamales, fish, cooked peppers, and duck cold holding at the improper temperatures of 45-51 F.
    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.
  • RTE, TCS, Date Marking/On-Premises Preparation
    Observation: Observed several cooked 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
  • Food-Contact Surfaces/Cleanability
    Observation: The food-contact surfaces of several food containers are not smooth, free of breaks, open seams, cracks, chips, and accessible for cleaning and inspection by an approved method.
    Correction: Multiuse food-contact surfaces shall be: (1) Smooth
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment
    Observation: The 2 door "True" prep unit is not maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of materials for construction and repair and/or design. Unit was measured at 48 F. Foods were relocated.
    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, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils/Clean
    Observation: The nonfood-contact surfaces of the green drying shelves for equipment and utensils are not kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and/or other debris. The upright freezer is in need of defrosting.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove soil from nonfood contact surfaces so that pathogenic microorganisms will not be allowed to accumulate and insects and rodents will not be attracted.
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing
    Observation: The caulking along the warewashing wall of the kitchen is moldy. There is one hood light that is in poor 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: The walls on the warewashing side of the kitchen are 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.
06/02/2015Routine
The employee health notice will be mailed in Spanish.
Do not store containers of food directly on the food in the prep refrigerator.

  • Critical: Equipment/Food-Contact/Before Use After Cleaning/Sanitized (corrected on site)
    Observation: Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment were not sanitized after cleaning. The low temperature warewashing machine is not dispensing sanitizer.The 3 compartment sink was setup during the inspection.
    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.
  • Critical: Sanitizers, Criteria/Chemicals for Food Contact Surfaces (corrected on site)
    Observation: The Quat sanitizer in the 3 compartment sink applied to food-contact surfaces does not meet requirements (observed at 500PPM+).
    Correction: Chemical sanitizers and other chemical antimicrobials applied to food-contact surfaces shall meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180.940 Tolerance exemptions for active and inert ingredients for use in antimicrobial formulations (food-contact surface sanitizing solutions). Chemical sanitizers are included with poisonous or toxic materials because they may be toxic if not used in accordance with requirements listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Large concentrations of sanitizer in excess of the CFR requirements can be harmful because residues of the materials remain. The CFR reference that is provided lists concentrations of sanitizers that are considered safe.
11/19/2014Risk Factor
Some fruit flies observed at the bar and in the kitchen. Food preparation was occurring during the time of inspection. The facility was opening at 5:00 pm today.
  • Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils/Time Temperature Control For Safety Food/Cleaning Frequency (corrected on site)
    Observation: Beverage dispensing nozzles at the bar observed in need of cleaning. Bulk ice machine chute observed in need of cleaning.
    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 time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred
  • Poisonous or Toxic Materials/Common Name/Working Containers (corrected on site)
    Observation: Spray bottle containers of cleaning chemicals observed not properly labeled.
    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.
05/12/2014Risk Factor
1. "GE" microwave oven is not designed and constructed to be durable.
2. "True" 4-drawer refrigerator's lid missing handle.
3. Wash hands frequently.
4. Do not use wet towels under cutting board.
5. Clean the ice maker.

  • Critical: Hands and Arms/When to Wash (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    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.
  • Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation (repeated violation)
    Observation: Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces are not held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution of proper concentration
    Correction: and/or not laundered daily.
  • Nonfood-Contact Surfaces
    Observation: The nonfood-contact surface of the milk crates used for storage of liquor bottles and shelving is not free of unnecessary ledges, projections, and crevices, and/or designed and constructed to be easily cleanable or maintained.
    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.
  • Intensity/Lighting (repeated violation)
    Observation: The light intensity is below 10 foot candles in the liquor storage room.
    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.
  • Intensity/Lighting (repeated violation)
    Observation: Light bulb in "True" 1-dr refrigerator is burnt out.
    Correction: The light intensity shall be at least 215 lux (20 foot candles): (1) At a surface where food is provided for consumer self-service such as buffets and salad bars or where fresh produce or packaged foods are sold or offered for consumption, (2) Inside equipment such as reach-in and under-counter refrigerators
01/28/2014Routine
One grill was not complete under the hood.
  • Critical: Hands and Arms/When to Wash
    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.
  • Critical: Contamination from Hands/Preventing Contamination by Employees (repeated violation)
    Observation: Employees observed contacting ready-to-eat (RTE) food with their bare hands, cutting RTE vegetables wearing only one glove.
    Correction: Except when washing fruits and vegetables as specified under 3-302.15 or as specified in paragraph (D) of this section, food employees may not contact exposed, RTE food with their bare hands and shall use suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single-use gloves, or dispensing equipment.
  • Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation
    Observation: Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces are not held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution of proper concentration
    Correction: and/or not laundered daily.
  • Critical: RTE, PHF(TCS), Date Marking/On-Premises Preparation
    Observation: Several containers of pico de gallo prepared and held in the food establishment for more than 24 hours is 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, potentially hazardous food (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 potentially hazardous food (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 (repeated violation)
    Observation: The GE microwave oven is 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.
  • Equipment/Nonfood-Contact Surfaces/Cleaning Frequency (repeated violation)
    Observation: The prep sink is moldy at the wall juncture. The hood filters are dirty. The WIC fan covers are dusty.
    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.
  • Critical: Equipment/Food-Contact/Before Use After Cleaning/Sanitized
    Observation: Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment were not sanitized after cleaning, the quaternary at the 3-part sink was less than 200 ppm..
    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.
  • Intensity/Lighting (repeated violation)
    Observation: The light intensity is below 50 foot candles where a food employee is working with food, one light out under the hood.
    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
04/02/2013Routine

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