Carnitas y Supermercado El Gigante Inc

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Noted no metal stem thermometer on site to monitor the internal temperature of tcs foods cooked, served, and delivered. Facility must obtain and maintain proper thermometers. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation issued

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Noted continued non-compliance from report #2597812 conducted on 07/22/24. Previous core violations not corrected: (47) observed cutting board with dark stains at meat prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain or replace. (47) observed cardboard used as liner on floor in prep area. Instructed manager to remove all cardboard from shelving units. All food and non-food contact surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed to seal or paint to provide a smooth and easily cleanable surface. Must correct core violations by the date on the report. Priority foundation violation #7-42-090. Citation issued.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed baking soda out of the original container without labels containing the product name. Instructed to label all foods and spices with common name that are out of the original containers.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed cutting board with dark stains at meat prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain or replace.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard used as liner on floor in prep area. Instructed manager to remove all cardboard from shelving units. All food and non-food contact surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found heavy dirt and grease build up on the walls and floors inside the carnitas prep room, as well as near the walk-in cooler. Instructed management to detail clean floors (near wall base), as well as detail clean walls to remove grease stains.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed vents in the walk-in cooler with built up dust. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 3-304.14--observed wet wiping cloth stored on cutting board in meat prep area. Instructed to store in sanitizing solution bucket when not in use.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: 4-501.12--observed dirty cutting board with dark stains at meat prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain or replace.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wet wiping cloth stored on cutting board in meat prep area. Instructed to store in sanitizing solution bucket when not in use.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed dirty cutting board with dark stains at meat prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain or replace.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no chemical test kit on site. Instructed to provide on site at all times. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Observed no ambient air thermometer inside the glass hot-holding case where carnitas are held. Instructed management to provide conspicuous and easily readable thermometers inside all hot-holding units to properly monitor the ambient air temperature of equipment.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk food containers on premises without a label (flour, salt, sugar, etc). Instructed to provide the common name on bulk containers to properly identify food item.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted the lid of the chest freezer closest to the carving station in disrepair; lid is broken and the plastic is peeling off from inside, exposing a foam material that has heavy dirt build up. Instructed management to replace or repair lid.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found heavy dirt and grease build up on the walls and floors inside the carnitas prep room, as well as near the walk-in cooler. Instructed management to detail clean floors (near wall base), as well as detail clean walls to remove grease stains.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found multiple ceiling tiles missing inside the carnitas prep room. Instructed management to replace ceiling tiles and maintain.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Observed 3-compartment sink behind meat counter not properly maintained. Observed waste water with food particles backing up from second compartment sink into first compartment sink when water is release from third compartment sink and slow draining. Priority foudation violation 7-38-025 citation issued.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Observed cooking pork carnitas frying pots that are too large to wash rinse and sanitize in 3-compartment sink. Instructed to provide removed equipment. Must install larger sink to fully submerge or provide an approved alternative procedure. Priority foundation violation 7-38-025. No citation issued.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no self-closing door device on the employee washroom door. Instructed to install a self-closing door device on washroom door and to maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed dust build up on ventilation vent inside employee washroom. Must clean and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violations not corrected from 09/6/2019 inspection#2311892 #41 observed wet wiping cloths stored on top of the counter and prep tables. Management instructed to store wet wiping cloths in a container of sanitizer when not in use. #43 observed the ice scoop on top of the ice machine. Management instructed to store the ice scoop in a clean container outside of the ice machine. #55 observed cardboard boxes used to cover the floor in the kitchen area. Management instructed to remove and use cleanable mats instead. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090. No citation issued.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: 3-602.11 observed prepared and prepackaged salsas stored in the deli cooler not labeled with weight and ingredients. Management instructed to properly label all prepackaged foods.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: 3-307.11 observed the meat cutting saw stored next to the exposed hand washing sink in the meat prep area. Management instructed to install a splash guard in between the sink and saw.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 3-304.14 observed wet wiping cloths stored on top of the counter and prep tables. Management instructed to store wet wiping cloths in a container of sanitizer when not in use.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 3-304.12 observed the ice scoop on top of the ice machine. Management instructed to store the ice scoop in a clean container outside of the ice machine.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 clean the floor of the food prep area under the cooking equipment.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard boxes used to cover the floor in the kitchen area. Management instructed to remove and use cleanable mats instead.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Observed no metal stem probe thermometer on the premises to take hot and cold food temperatures. Management instructed to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-005. Citation issued.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed prepared and prepackaged salsas stored in the deli cooler not labeled with name of product, weight, ingredients and name and address of the store. Management instructed to properly label all prepackaged foods.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 20 live small flies on the walls of the meat prep area and around the fruit and vegetable stand. Additional pest control service is needed to minimize or eliminate the pest activity. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed the meat cutting saw stored next to the exposed hand washing sink in the meat prep area. Management instructed to install a splash guard in between the sink and saw.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wet wiping cloths stored on top of the counter and prep tables. Management instructed to store wet wiping cloths in a container of sanitizer when not in use.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed the ice scoop stored inside of the ice machine. Management instructed to store the ice scoop in a clean container outside of the ice machine.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Replace the torn door gasket inside of the 1 door condiment prep cooler.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed frozen meats stored in plastic grocery bags in the freezer. Management instructed to use only food grade storage bags or containers.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Clean the interior of the microwave and interior of deli coolers.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered waste receptacle inside of the employee washroom. Management instructed to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Clean the floor of the food prep area under the cooking equipment.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed grease on the ventilation hood and filters above the cooking equipment. Must clean and maintain.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Observed cooked meat stored inside walk-in cooler not properly labeled or dated. Instructed to date and label all cooked and prepared foods inside coolers.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed rusty drying racks above 3-compartment sink in food prep area. Instructed to repair/replace and maintain. Observed accumulated food debris and dirt build up under the exposed hand sinks located in front food prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain. Instructed to repair chest freezer door. Instructed to repair/replace and maintain cutting boards in good repair and clean. Instructed to clean fan guards inside walk-in cooler and maintain.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris build up inside cold holding units and hot holding machine at front food prep area. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris build up on floor behind cook line, behind ice machine, under the exposed hand sinks at front food prep area, and grease build up with food debris on floor behind cooking equipment in rear food prep room, under the shelving inside walk-in cooler and under the snack shelf at front grocery area. Instructed to remove dirt build up with food debris and clean and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed grease splash on wall behind cooking equipment in rear food prep room, food debris on wall behind grill and behind/under the exposed hand sinks at front food prep area. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide and maintain thermometer inside hot holding units at front food prep area.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Observed food not protected during storage inside of walk in cooler .observed several variety of pans,buss pans,pots (small and large )on shelving units and floor with food stored inside not covered,ice machine had 2- can pops and a bottle of juice and a rotten piece of wood that is slimy and green unknown substance growing on wood that is holding up the drip tray inside of ice machine and the ice is used to top food items on display in deli and meat display unit.also 3-open large bins of food (peppers,pork skin)stored in rear dry food storage area and toxic items stored above (combat disc,spray cans of rustoleum paint,wd 40 spray and tools)instructed to remove toxic items and cover food properly and maintain.(serious 7-38-005a)

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers when foods are not in original container.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Must invert multiuse utensils on shelving units in prep and dish washing areas.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must provide a splash guard at hand sink between 3- compartment sink and saw machine in prep/dish washing area.must repair or replace worn door gaskets on 1- door prep cooler,worn cutting boards on top of chest freezers.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must clean dust build up on fan guard covers in walk in cooler.must clean food debris from shelving units in walk in cooler and prep cooler.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Must clean food debris from floor in walk in cooler ,taqueria,carnita prep area and floor drains.must repair or replace damaged floor tiles in deli/taqueria prep area.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace loose wall bases behind prep table in taqueria and carnita prep area under 3- comp sink.must adjust theshold at rear and front door.must clean debris from hood and filter in taqueria.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace missing filter at hood in carnitas prep area,leaky drain line in deli display unit.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Must provide a thermometer for prep cooler in taqueria

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Must store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution.

Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area

Inspector’s note: Observed a unauthorized person walk in through prep area to use toilet room.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Idph food handlers requirements are not met .must enroll and maintain.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of the microwave not clean, walk-in cooler, instructed to clean.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed water damaged ceiling tiles, instructed to replace. Also clean ceiling in walk-in cooler.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Observed some clutter in rear, instructed to organize and remove items not being used.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed the butcher area cutting boards, instructed to clean and sanitize.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed the small box freezer top in rear cooking area broken, instructed to repair/or replace.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed walk-in cooler storage shelves not clean, instructed to clean.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed the floor in the walk-in cooler not clean, instructed to clean under all storage racks in cooler.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed missing ceiling tiles over rear cooking area, instructed to replace. Also clean/recaulk walls behind both 3 compartment sinks, and clean ceiling and walls in the walk-in cooler.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Found bulk food not labeled. (hot peppers, sugar, flour.etc.)

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Found large pots not stored properly. Must store inverted.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Found shelving unit not smooth and easy to clean behind chorizo holder. Must repair or replace.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Found chipping paint behind 3 compartmnet sink. Must paint/seal.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Found lights not shielded above front main kitchen, at hot holding unit, pork skin cabinet, and exhaust hood. Must provide.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Found no metal stem thermometers at premises. Must provide.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Found mops and brooms not stored properly.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Found some food items not properly dated in reach in freezer, must properly date food items in reach in freezer.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Caulk around 3 compartment sink, exposed hand sink in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced. Cooler shelving that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/sealed. Reach in freezer lid in state of disrepair, had peeling paint, rust, and plastic edge broken, shall be repaired/sealed. Walk in cooler shelving/racks that had rust, shall be repaired/sealed.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Non food contact surfaces of walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, and storage shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in walk in cooler under shelving not clean, need cleaning(corners).

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Ceiling tiles that were damaged, peeling paint in kitchen prep area, shall be replaced/repaired.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Missing light shields in display cooler, produce cooler, shall be provided.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Exhaust canopy not clean, had excess grease build up, needs detailed cleaning, exhaust vents(ventilation) in walk in cooler, kitchen area, and bathroom not clean, need cleaning.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Must provide a label on guacamole thats store inside display cooler, with source of where product comes from

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must repaint chipping surfaces at produce display area

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain floors along the walls and in all corners under pallets in rear storage hallway

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must replace stained ceiling tile throughout premises, and repair chipping wall surfaces

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Single use articles not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensil to prevent contamination before use.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Exposed handsink installed next to three compartment. Instructed to install shield between exposed and three compartment sink.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Floor along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.

Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

Inspector’s note: Toilet room door not self closing. Instructed to install self-closing device.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Exhaust fan not working in toilet room. Instructed to repair exhaust fan. Handle-hot water faucet at first exposed handsink. Instructed to repair stripped handle.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Thermometer not visible inside coolers. Instructed to have thermometer conspicuous inside coolers.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS INSIDE JELLO DISPLAY COOLER. NOTED SOME BLACK MOLD-LIKE BUILD-UP.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS UNDER PALLETS IN REAR STORAGE HALLWAY.-----MUST RESEAL UNSEALED FLOOR BASEBOARD UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR KITCHEN.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS WITH SPILLAGE THROUGHOUT WALK-IN COOLER.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE PREP COOLER (TAQUERIA SIDE).

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR AREA TO PREVENT RODENT AND INSECT HARBORAGE.