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Facility: Don Mario Taco Shop
Address: 801 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Merced, CA

The most recent inspection of this food facility resulted in a rating of
Good (Total Points: 1.00)
0-6  Points: Good
7-13 Points: Satisfactory
14+  Points: Unsatisfactory
Rating on date 11-18-2024: Good (Total Points: 1.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
11-18-2024 The walls / ceilings shall have durable, smooth, nonabsorbent, light-colored, and washable surfaces. All floor surfaces, other than the customer service areas, shall be approved, smooth, durable and made of nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable. Approved base coving shall be provided in all areas, except customer service areas and where food is stored in original unopened containers. Food facilities shall be fully enclosed. All food facilities shall be kept clean and in good repair. (114065, 114067, 114069, 114175, 114143, 114257, 114259.2, 114266, 114268, 114268.1, 114271, 114272) 1.00 All food facilities shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. Floor surfaces in all areas in which food is prepared, packaged or stored, where any utensil is washed, where refuse or garbage is stored, where janitorial facilities are located, and in all restrooms and hand washing areas shall be smooth and of durable construction and made from non absorbent material that is easily cleanable.

Each permanent food facility shall be fully enclosed in a building consisting of permanent floors, walls, and an overhead structure that meets minimum standards. Food facilities that are not fully enclosed on all sides and that are in operation on January 1, 1985, shall not be required to meet the requirements of this section until the facility is remodeled or has a significant menu change or a change in its method of operation. Full enclosure is not required for dining areas and certain other areas when approved for outdoor food services.
Observed the accumulation of grease and food debris under equipments and the accumulation of grease on the walls. Improve cleaning frequency. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)


Rating on date 10-13-2022: Good (Total Points: 1.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
10-13-2022 Toilet facilities shall be maintained clean, sanitary and in good repair. Toilet rooms shall be separated by a well-fitting self-closing door. Toilet tissue shall be provided in a permanently installed dispenser at each toilet. The number of toilet facilities shall be in accordance with local building and plumbing ordinances. Toilet facilities shall be provided for patrons: in establishments with more than 20,000 sq ft.; establishments offering on-site food consumption. (113953, 113953.1, 113953.2, 114250, 114250.1, 114276) 1.00 Provide clean toilet facilities in good repair. Provide permanently installed toilet tissue dispenser(s) in all toilet facilities. Provide handwashing facilities within or adjacent to all toilet facilities. Soap shall be provided in dispensers at, or adjacent to, handwashing facilities. Single-use sanitary towels in dispensers or hot-air blowers shall be provided at handwashing facilities.

Customer restrooms are required for food facilities of more than 20,000 square feet if they were constructed after July 1 1984, and also applies to facilities of any size that were constructed after January 1, 2004 where there is onsite consumption of food. A "take-out only" food facility, with no seating indoors or outdoors, may not be required to provide customer restrooms. Check with the Division of Environmental Health and with the appropriate Planning Department before removing or restricting access to customer restrooms.
observed that the paper towel dispenser in the toilet room is empty. Keep dispenser filled. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)


Rating on date 11-05-2020: Satisfactory (Total Points: 12.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
11-05-2020 All nonfood contact surfaces of utensils and equipment shall be clean. (114115, 114130.4) 1.00 Clean nonfood contact surfaces of equipment at a frequency necessary to prevent accumulation of residue. Observed the top of the soda syrup rack is degraded and can no longer be properly cleaned. Evaluate and repair or replace.

Observed dirt, grime, and / or food particle buildup on all the following locations:
1) Kitchen paper towel dispenser
2) Kitchen soap dispenser
3) Walls of the prep and sink areas
4) Under soda fountain shelving
Improve cleaning frequency and methods to ensure all equipment is kept in an appropriate state of cleanliness; ensure all equipment surfaces are smooth and easily cleanable, and all potential food contact surfaces are sanitized on a regular basis.
0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
11-05-2020 The walls / ceilings shall have durable, smooth, nonabsorbent, light-colored, and washable surfaces. All floor surfaces, other than the customer service areas, shall be approved, smooth, durable and made of nonabsorbent material that is easily cleanable. Approved base coving shall be provided in all areas, except customer service areas and where food is stored in original unopened containers. Food facilities shall be fully enclosed. All food facilities shall be kept clean and in good repair. (114065, 114067, 114069, 114175, 114143, 114257, 114259.2, 114266, 114268, 114268.1, 114271, 114272) 1.00 All food facilities shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. Floor surfaces in all areas in which food is prepared, packaged or stored, where any utensil is washed, where refuse or garbage is stored, where janitorial facilities are located, and in all restrooms and hand washing areas shall be smooth and of durable construction and made from non absorbent material that is easily cleanable.

Each permanent food facility shall be fully enclosed in a building consisting of permanent floors, walls, and an overhead structure that meets minimum standards. Food facilities that are not fully enclosed on all sides and that are in operation on January 1, 1985, shall not be required to meet the requirements of this section until the facility is remodeled or has a significant menu change or a change in its method of operation. Full enclosure is not required for dining areas and certain other areas when approved for outdoor food services.
Observed paint coming loose from the ceiling above the prep areas and in the customer restroom. Repair and repaint. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
11-05-2020 All utensils and equipment shall be fully operative, clean, and in good repair. (114115, 114175). All utensils and equipment shall be approved, installed properly, and meet applicable standards. (114130, 114130.1, 114130.2, 114130.3, 114130.4, 114130.5, 114130.6, 114132, 114133, 114137, 114139, 114143, 114153, 114155, 114163, 114165, 114167, 114169, 114172, 114175, 114177, 114180, 114182) 1.00 Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. The food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other debris accumulations.

Keep all food facilities, and all utensils, display cases, windows, counters, shelves, tables, refrigeration units, sinks, dishwashing machines, and other equipment or utensils used in the storage, preparation, sale, service, and display of food, clean, fully operative, and in good repair.

The non-food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Equipment shall be reassembled so that food-contact surfaces are not contaminated.
Observed the handle of the Coca-Cola refrigerator is broken. Replace. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
11-05-2020 All poisonous substances, detergents, bleaches, and cleaning compounds shall be properly labeled and stored separate from food, utensils, packing material, and food-contact surfaces. (114254, 114254.1, 114254.2) 1.00 All poisonous substances, detergents, bleaches, cleaning compounds, and all other injurious or poisonous materials shall be stored and used only in a manner that is not likely to cause contamination or adulteration of food, food contact surfaces, utensils, or packaging materials. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored or displayed so they cannot contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles by separating the poisonous or toxic materials by spacing or partitioning and locating the poisonous or toxic materials in an area that is not above food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles. Equipment and utensil cleaners and sanitizers may be stored in warewashing areas for availability and convenience if the materials are stored to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles.

Containers of poisonous or toxic materials and personal care items shall bear a legible manufacturer's label. 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. A container previously used to store poisonous or toxic materials shall not be used to store, transport, or dispense food, utensils, and linen.

Only those insecticides, rodenticides and other pesticides that are specifically approved for use in a food facility may be used. The use shall be in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
Observed a can of enamel spray paint located in the steam table which may result in potential contamination of food products or food prep surfaces. Relocate all chemicals/ non food items so that they are stored in a distinctly separate area below and away from all food products and food prep surfaces, in such a way so as to eliminate potential contamination. Removed during inspection. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
11-05-2020 Toilet facilities shall be maintained clean, sanitary and in good repair. Toilet rooms shall be separated by a well-fitting self-closing door. Toilet tissue shall be provided in a permanently installed dispenser at each toilet. The number of toilet facilities shall be in accordance with local building and plumbing ordinances. Toilet facilities shall be provided for patrons: in establishments with more than 20,000 sq ft.; establishments offering on-site food consumption. (113953, 113953.1, 113953.2, 114250, 114250.1, 114276) 1.00 Provide clean toilet facilities in good repair. Provide permanently installed toilet tissue dispenser(s) in all toilet facilities. Provide handwashing facilities within or adjacent to all toilet facilities. Soap shall be provided in dispensers at, or adjacent to, handwashing facilities. Single-use sanitary towels in dispensers or hot-air blowers shall be provided at handwashing facilities.

Customer restrooms are required for food facilities of more than 20,000 square feet if they were constructed after July 1 1984, and also applies to facilities of any size that were constructed after January 1, 2004 where there is onsite consumption of food. A "take-out only" food facility, with no seating indoors or outdoors, may not be required to provide customer restrooms. Check with the Division of Environmental Health and with the appropriate Planning Department before removing or restricting access to customer restrooms.
Observed dirt and grime buildup on the floors, toilet, and sink in the customer restroom. Improve cleaning frequency and methods to ensure all equipment is kept in an appropriate state of cleanliness; ensure all equipment surfaces are smooth and easily cleanable, and all potential food contact surfaces are sanitized on a regular basis.

Observed the toilet seat in the employee restroom is very loose. Tighten.
0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
11-05-2020 Each food facility shall be kept free of live animals and vermin: rodents (rats, mice), cockroaches, flies.( 114259.1, 114259.4, 114259.5) 3.00 Live animals are not allowed in a food facility, except as specified in section 114259.5.

A food facility shall immediately cease operation when there is a vermin infestation that has resulted in the contamination of food contact surfaces, food packaging, utensils, food equipment, or adulteration of food(s). The food facility shall remain closed until:
(a) there is no longer evidence of a vermin infestation.
(b) all contaminated surfaces have been cleaned and sanitized.
(c) contributing factors such as cleaning, repairs, and the elimination of harborages have been resolved.

All contributing factors must be resolved as quickly as possible. If there is a vermin infestation that warrants a major violation, then the permit to operate may be suspended. Professional pest control may also be required as frequently as needed to prevent the infestation from recurring.
Observed flies dead and alive throughout the facility. The premises of each food facility shall be kept free of vermin.

Observed back door, front door, and service windows were being left open allowing entrance of flies. Keep closed.
0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
11-05-2020 Handwashing signs shall be posted in each toilet room, directing attention to the need to thoroughly wash hands after using the restroom. (113953.5)

No smoking signs shall be posted in food preparation, food storage, and warewashing areas. (113978)

Consumers shall be notified that clean tableware is to be used when they return to self-service areas such as salad bars and buffets. (114075)

Any food facility constructed before January 1, 2004 without public toilet facilities shall prominently post a sign within the food facility in a public area stating that toilet facilities are not provided. (113725.1, 114276, 114381 (e))
1.00 Post permit in a conspicuous place (It is recommended that the permit be in customer view.). Post a notice advising patrons that a copy of the most recent routine inspection report is available for review by interested parties. Keep a copy of the most recent health inspection report at the facility for customer review purposes.

Post and maintain a legible and conspicuous sign in each toilet room directing attention to the need to thoroughly wash hands after using the toilet.

Post and maintain a legible "No Smoking" sign in food preparation, food storage, and utensil washing areas.

Observed lack of a visibly posted notice to inform patrons that the facility is inspected by the local health department. Maintain a sign in a conspicuous location to inform patrons that the facility is inspected. (A copy of the required notice is available on the Merced County Environmental Health website). 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
11-05-2020 Handwashing soap and single use towels or drying device shall be provided in dispensers adjacent to each handwashing facility; dispensers shall be maintained in good repair. (113953.2) Adequate separate facilities shall be provided for handwashing, food preparation, and the washing of utensils and equipment. (113953, 113953.1) 3.00 Handwashing facilities shall be sufficient in number and conveniently located so as to be accessible at all times for use by food employees. Employees shall not clean their hands in a sink used for food preparation, warewashing, or in a service sink or a curbed cleaning facility used for the disposal of mop water and similar liquid waste. Do not place objects in front of the handwashing station, and do not place items, utensils or wiping cloths in the handwashing sink.

Handwashing facilities shall be equipped to provide warm water under pressure for a minimum of 15 seconds. If the temperature of water provided is not readily adjustable at the faucet, the temperature of the water shall be at least 100°F, but not greater than 108°F. Soap shall be provided in approved dispensers at, or adjacent to, handwashing facilities (no bars of soap). Single-use sanitary towels or hot-air blowers shall be provided at handwashing facilities in approved dispensing devices.
Observed the paper towel dispenser at the hand sink in the kitchen opens when pulling the towel out. Repair it replace.

Observed the paper towel dispenser in the employee restroom is very loose and moves when trying to remove the towel. Tighten attachments.

Observed the customer restroom and kitchen soap dispensers open when pressed to release soap. Repair or replace.
0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)