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Facility: Cuevas Distributing
Address: 3500 Atwater Blvd, Atwater, CA

The most recent inspection of this food facility resulted in a rating of
Satisfactory (Total Points: 13.00)
0-6  Points: Good
7-13 Points: Satisfactory
14+  Points: Unsatisfactory
Rating on date 3-27-2024: Satisfactory (Total Points: 13.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
3-27-2024 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 Paper Towels were missing at restroom hand washing sink. Paper towels were replaced during inspection CDI 0110 RETAIL MARKET<2000 SQ FT (HM3)
3-27-2024 All clean and soiled linens shall be properly stored; non-food items shall be stored and displayed separate from food and food-contact surfaces. (114185 - 114185.4) Utensils and equipment shall be handled and stored so as to be protected from contamination. (114067, 114074 - 114075, 114081, 114083, 114119, 114121, 114161, 114178, 114179, 114185, 114185.2, 114185.5) 1.00 Storage space for food, utensils, single-use articles, clean linens, and food-related equipment shall not be located in locker rooms, refuse rooms, mechanical rooms, under open stairwells, under lines on which water has condensed, under leaking water lines, under sewer lines that are not shielded to intercept potential drips, or under other sources of contamination.

During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored in one of the following ways:
(1) in a potentially hazardous food with their handles above the top of the food and the container.
(2) if not a potentially hazardous food, with their handles above the top of the food within containers that can be closed.
(3) on a clean portion of the food preparation table or equipment if cleaned and sanitized at the required frequency.
(4) in running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain.
(5) in a clean, protected location if the utensils, such as ice scoops, are used only with a food that is not potentially hazardous.
(6) in a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F and the container is cleaned at least every 24 hours or at a frequency necessary to preclude the accumulation of soil residues.

Observed refrigerator in the market was out of repair and being used as storage for items that were not being sold at the market. Remove or repair all equipment not being used in day to day operations. 0110 RETAIL MARKET<2000 SQ FT (HM3)
3-27-2024 All food shall be separated and protected from contamination. (113984, 113986, 113988, 113990, 114060, 114067, 114069, 114077, 114079, 114089.1 (c), 114143 (c)) 0.00 Destroy all contaminated food. All food shall be prepared, stored, displayed, dispensed, placed, transported, sold, and served as to be protected from dirt, vermin, unnecessary handling, droplet contamination, overhead leakage, or other contamination.
If unpackaged food is displayed and sold in bulk in other than self-service containers, then it shall be served by an employee of the food establishment directly to a consumer and shall be displayed in clean, sanitary, and covered or otherwise protected containers.
For bulk customer self-service food items, such as salad bars, buffet type foods, and other ready-to-eat food, install sneeze guards that intercept a direct line between the customer's mouth and the food being offered, dispense from approved mechanical dispensers, or employ other effective means to protect ready-to-eat food from contamination.
Protect all cartons, boxes, or other materials used in the packaging of any food from dirt, vermin, and other forms of contamination or adulteration.
Observed items for return were being stored on the floor near items for sale. Separate and label products for return to prevent items being confused for products for sale. PTS assigned on PE162 0110 RETAIL MARKET<2000 SQ FT (HM3)
3-27-2024 All nonfood contact surfaces of utensils and equipment shall be clean. (114115, 114130.4) 2.00 Clean nonfood contact surfaces of equipment at a frequency necessary to prevent accumulation of residue. (REPEAT VIOLATION) Plans submitted and approved on 4.2.24.

Observed the storage shelves in the walk in freezer are metal frames with compressed particle board type shelves that are unsealed, and do not constitute smooth and easily cleanable surfaces. Repair / replace the unsealed shelving material; ensure that all food / utensil contact and storage surfaces are smooth, easily cleanable, nonporous, and meet a commercial grade standard.
0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
3-27-2024 All food employees shall have adequate knowledge of and be trained in food safety as it relates to their assigned duties. The person in charge shall have adequate knowledge of, and shall educate employees of the food facility regarding major food allergens. (113947) Food facilities that prepare, handle or serve non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food, shall have an employee who has passed an approved food safety certification examination. (113947-113947.1) 3.00 The responsibilities of the staff member certified in food safety include ensuring that all employees who handle, or have responsibility for handling, unpackaged foods of any kind have sufficient knowledge to ensure the safe preparation and /or service of the food. The nature and extent of the knowledge that each employee is required to have may be tailored, as appropriate, to the employee's duties related to food safety issues. Observed that facility had knowingly changed their operation to accommodate for a broken piece of necessary equipment and did not inform MCDEH. Inform MCDEH any time the operation changes significantly or any major equipment necessary to the operation is down. CDI 0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
3-27-2024 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) 2.00 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.
1. Repeat. Plans approved 4.1.24.

Wooden floor in the walk in freezer is wearing, boards beginning to warp slightly, some ice build up, difficult to tell if any sealant remains on/in the wood (existing flooring in walk in unit). HIGHLY RECOMMEND repairing / resealing the floor in this unit the next time the freezer stock is down or when any other mechanical or structural repairs necessitate the walk in freezer being taken off line.

Ensure any replacement flooring material or sealants to be used on the wood are approved for use in a commercial food facility / are approved by MCDEH **prior** to installation or use. If significant additional wear or other unsafe conditions are noted at the time of any future inspection, this recommendation may be changed to a requirement.

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, easily cleanable, non porous, meet a commercial grade standard, be coved at the juncture of the floor and wall with a 3/8 inch minimum radius and shall extend up the wall at least 4 inches.


2. Observed a leak from the center of the walk-in. Evaluate and repair. All equipment shall be maintained in a good condition.
0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
3-27-2024 Food shall be stored in an approved manner, in approved containers and labeled as to contents. Food shall be stored at least 6" above the floor on approved shelving. (114047, 114049, 114051, 114053, 114055, 114067(h), 114069) 1.00 Provide adequate and suitable space for the storage of food. Store food at least 6 inches off the floor. Store bulk food not stored in original packaging in containers identifying the food by common name. Food shall not be stored in locker rooms, restrooms, dressing rooms, refuse areas, or mechanical rooms; under open stairwells; under lines on which water has condensed; under leaking water lines, including leaking automatic fire sprinkler heads: or under sewer lines that are not shielded to intercept potential drips.

Only prepackaged nonpotentially hazardous food or uncut produce may be displayed or sold outdoors by a food facility if outdoor displays have overhead protection that extends over all food items, and if all food items from the outdoor display are stored inside the fully enclosed food facility at all times other than during business hours.

Products that are held by the permit holder for credit, redemption, or return to the distributor, such as damaged, spoiled, or recalled products, shall be segregated and held in designated areas that are separated from food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles. All returned or damaged food products and food products from which the label has been removed shall be separated and stored in a separate area and in a manner that shall prevent adulteration of other foods and shall not contribute to a vermin problem.



1. Observed that the facility had boxes stored on the ground while pallets where accessible. Boxes of food may not be stored on the floor unless it is filled with pressurized cans or bottles that are sealed. All other items stored in the original unopened shipping container must be kept on a pallet/dolly/skid or similar. items no longer in their original shipping must be kept 6in above the floor.

2. Mobile units are not allowed to store food on their truck or at their personal homes overnight. As such commissaries are required to provide space to each unit for storage of Dry goods/Frozen Goods and Refrigerated Goods. This facility solely services frozen and dry good mobile units and as such shall provide an individual space in the freezer and an individual space in the dry goods area for each mobile unit to store their wares overnight. The commissary may not store their own food in these dedicated areas even if they are not being utilized.
0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
3-27-2024 An accurate easily readable metal probe thermometer suitable for measuring temperature of food shall be available to the food handler. A thermometer +/- 2°F shall be provided for each hot and cold holding unit of potentially hazardous foods and high temperature warewashing machines. (114157, 114159) 1.00 Have a thermometer accurate to within 2°F or 1°C in each hot and cold holding unit. Have a metal probe type thermometer readily available on premises (to all appropriate staff) that is calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications as necessary to ensure accuracy. Failure to provide an approved probe thermometer. Facility must have a thermometer to check on temperatures inside of refrigerator and help to ensure all thermometers are calibrated. Provide. 0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP


Rating on date 5-18-2021: Good (Total Points: 4.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
5-18-2021 No violations were noted during this inspection. 0.00 This food facility currently meets California Retail Food Code requirements, and is authorized by the Merced County Division of Environmental Health to be open for business. The permit is issued to the current business owner of record and is non-transferable. No violations noted during the inspection. 0110 RETAIL MARKET<2000 SQ FT (HM3)
5-18-2021 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.
Wooden floor in the walk in freezer is wearing, boards beginning to warp slightly, some ice build up, difficult to tell if any sealant remains on/in the wood (existing flooring in walk in unit). HIGHLY RECOMMEND repairing / resealing the floor in this unit the next time the freezer stock is down or when any other mechanical or structural repairs necessitate the walk in freezer being taken off line.

Ensure any replacement flooring material or sealants to be used on the wood are approved for use in a commercial food facility / are approved by MCDEH **prior** to installation or use. If significant additional wear or other unsafe conditions are noted at the time of any future inspection, this recommendation may be changed to a requirement.

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, easily cleanable, non porous, meet a commercial grade standard, be coved at the juncture of the floor and wall with a 3/8 inch minimum radius and shall extend up the wall at least 4 inches.
0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
5-18-2021 An adequate, protected, pressurized, potable supply of hot water and cold water shall be provided at all times. (113953(c), 114099.2(b) 114101(a), 114189, 114192, 114192.1, 114195) 0.00 Provide hot and cold water under pressure through a mixing valve to each sink compartment. The water supply shall be from a water system approved by the health officer or the state department. An adequate, protected, pressurized, potable supply of hot water, at least 120°F, and cold water shall be provided.

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. Handwashing facilities shall be sufficient in number and conveniently located so as to be accessible at all times for use by food employees
Observed hot water issue was resolved. Hot water temperatue was measured at a max of 113F. Facility ok to reopen. 0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
5-18-2021 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) 2.00 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.
(REPEAT VIOLATION) Observed the storage shelves in the walk in freezer are metal frames with compressed particle board type shelves that are unsealed, and do not constitute smooth and easily cleanable surfaces. Repair / replace the unsealed shelving material; ensure that all food / utensil contact and storage surfaces are smooth, easily cleanable, nonporous, and meet a commercial grade standard. 0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
5-18-2021 The potable water supply shall be protected with a backflow or back siphonage protection device, as required by applicable plumbing codes. (114192) All plumbing and plumbing fixtures shall be installed in compliance with local plumbing ordinances, shall be maintained so as to prevent any contamination, and shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. Any hose used for conveying potable water shall be of approved materials, labeled, properly stored, and used for no other purpose. (114171, 114189.1, 114190, 114192.1, 114193, 114193.1, 114195, 114197, 114199, 114201, 114269) 1.00 All plumbing and plumbing fixtures shall be installed in compliance with local plumbing ordinances, shall be maintained so as to prevent any contamination, and shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. Observed the handwash sink/janitorial sink plumbing was done but not correctly. Repair/replace with proper plumbing. No duct tape is allowed. 0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP


Rating on date 5-10-2021: Satisfactory (Total Points: 11.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
5-10-2021 The potable water supply shall be protected with a backflow or back siphonage protection device, as required by applicable plumbing codes. (114192) All plumbing and plumbing fixtures shall be installed in compliance with local plumbing ordinances, shall be maintained so as to prevent any contamination, and shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. Any hose used for conveying potable water shall be of approved materials, labeled, properly stored, and used for no other purpose. (114171, 114189.1, 114190, 114192.1, 114193, 114193.1, 114195, 114197, 114199, 114201, 114269) 1.00 All plumbing and plumbing fixtures shall be installed in compliance with local plumbing ordinances, shall be maintained so as to prevent any contamination, and shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. Observed janitorial/hand wash sink does ot drain to an approved sewer line. Currently the sink drains directly to the ground outside. Repair so it drains to an approved sewer line. 0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
5-10-2021 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.
Wooden floor in the walk in freezer is wearing, boards beginning to warp slightly, some ice build up, difficult to tell if any sealant remains on/in the wood (existing flooring in walk in unit). HIGHLY RECOMMEND repairing / resealing the floor in this unit the next time the freezer stock is down or when any other mechanical or structural repairs necessitate the walk in freezer being taken off line.

Ensure any replacement flooring material or sealants to be used on the wood are approved for use in a commercial food facility / are approved by MCDEH **prior** to installation or use. If significant additional wear or other unsafe conditions are noted at the time of any future inspection, this recommendation may be changed to a requirement.

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, easily cleanable, non porous, meet a commercial grade standard, be coved at the juncture of the floor and wall with a 3/8 inch minimum radius and shall extend up the wall at least 4 inches.
0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
5-10-2021 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) 2.00 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.
(REPEAT VIOLATION) Observed the storage shelves in the walk in freezer are metal frames with compressed particle board type shelves that are unsealed, and do not constitute smooth and easily cleanable surfaces. Repair / replace the unsealed shelving material; ensure that all food / utensil contact and storage surfaces are smooth, easily cleanable, nonporous, and meet a commercial grade standard. 0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
5-10-2021 An adequate, protected, pressurized, potable supply of hot water and cold water shall be provided at all times. (113953(c), 114099.2(b) 114101(a), 114189, 114192, 114192.1, 114195) 0.00 Provide hot and cold water under pressure through a mixing valve to each sink compartment. The water supply shall be from a water system approved by the health officer or the state department. An adequate, protected, pressurized, potable supply of hot water, at least 120°F, and cold water shall be provided.

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. Handwashing facilities shall be sufficient in number and conveniently located so as to be accessible at all times for use by food employees
Observed the lack of hot water at the hand wash/janitorial sink near the restroom. Hot water at a minimum of 120F must be provided at all times for proper cleaning and hand washing. Due to the lack of hot water, the facility must close and remain closed until hot water at a minimum of 100F is provided for hand washing. 0162 COMMISSARY / PREPACKAGED ONLY / NO PREP
5-10-2021 An adequate, protected, pressurized, potable supply of hot water and cold water shall be provided at all times. (113953(c), 114099.2(b) 114101(a), 114189, 114192, 114192.1, 114195) 7.00 Provide hot and cold water under pressure through a mixing valve to each sink compartment. The water supply shall be from a water system approved by the health officer or the state department. An adequate, protected, pressurized, potable supply of hot water, at least 120°F, and cold water shall be provided.

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. Handwashing facilities shall be sufficient in number and conveniently located so as to be accessible at all times for use by food employees
Observed the lack of hot water at the hand wash/janitorial sink near the restroom. Hot water at a minimum of 120F must be provided at all times for proper cleaning and hand washing. Due to the lack of hot water, the facility must close and remain closed until hot water at a minimum of 100F is provided for hand washing. 0110 RETAIL MARKET<2000 SQ FT (HM3)