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Facility: Carniceria 3 Hermanos
Address: 1055 W. Childs Ave., Merced, CA

The most recent inspection of this food facility resulted in a rating of
Good (Total Points: 3.00)
0-6  Points: Good
7-13 Points: Satisfactory
14+  Points: Unsatisfactory
Rating on date 4-22-2024: Good (Total Points: 3.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
4-22-2024 All food shall be separated and protected from contamination. (113984, 113986, 113988, 113990, 114060, 114067, 114069, 114077, 114079, 114089.1 (c), 114143 (c)) 1.00 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 the use of towels to cover uncooked foods (bell peppers to be incorporated in meats and raw meat). Use a nonporous cover for food. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT
4-22-2024 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 rubber base has fallen off at the north end by the 3 compartment sink. Repair. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT
4-22-2024 Food shall be thawed under refrigeration, completely submerged under cold running water of sufficient velocity to flush loose particles, in a microwave oven, or during the cooking process. (114018, 114020, 114020.1) 1.00 Frozen potentially hazardous food shall only be thawed in one of the following ways:
(a) Under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F or below.
(b) Completely submerged under potable running water for a period not to exceed two hours at a water temperature of 70°F or below, and with sufficient water velocity to agitate and flush off loose particles into the sink drain.
(c) In a microwave oven if immediately followed by immediate preparation.
(d) As part of a cooking process.
Observed cornish hens thawing in a container of water. Thaw under running water. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT


Rating on date 11-23-2022: Good (Total Points: 0.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
11-23-2022 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 observed 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT


Rating on date 8-12-2021: Good (Total Points: 0.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
8-12-2021 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. All violations from the previous inspection have been corrected. No violations noted. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT


Rating on date 7-22-2021: Unsatisfactory - reinspection required (Total Points: 33.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
7-22-2021 Food employees shall keep their hands and exposed portions of their arms clean, and shall maaintain fingernails so they are cleanable. Employees are required to wash their hands: before beginning work; before handling food / equipment / utensils; as often as necessary during food preparation to remove soil and contamination; when switching from working with raw to ready-to-eat foods; after touching body parts; after using the toilet room; or any time when contamination may occur. (113952, 113953.3, 113968, 113973 (a-g). Whenever gloves are worn, they shall be changed as often as handwashing is required. 7.00 The food employee shall wash their hands and portion of arms as required, and use utensils and gloves appropriately. REPEAT: Observed the only handwashing sink in the meat counter area was blocked by shrimp inside the sink. Shrimp was VCD. It is extremely important that handwashing facilities are always available for handwashing purposes, and that handwashing sinks are used for no other purpose, especially as this is the only handwashing sink in the meat cutting area. Due to REPEAT status on this violation, recommend a visual indicator (such as a wide red line) on the floor area in front of the handwashing sink to remind staff to always keep the area clear. Failure to provide adequate access to handwashing facilities in a food preparation area. Corrected during inspection.

NEW: Observed an employee not washing their hands properly. Corrected during inspection.
0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT
7-22-2021 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) 3.00 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 water at the kitchen sinks were at 118F. Provide hot and cold water under pressure through a mixing valve to each sink compartment. Hot water shall be at least 120ºF. Warm tempered water may be substituted for hot and cold water at handwashing sinks. Corrected to 120F during inspection. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT
7-22-2021 Each food facility shall be kept free of live animals and vermin: rodents (rats, mice), cockroaches, flies.( 114259.1, 114259.4, 114259.5) 6.00 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.
REPEAT: Observed flies throughout the meat area. The premises of each food facility shall be kept free of vermin. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT
7-22-2021 Potentially hazardous foods shall be held at or below 41°/ 45°F or at or above 135°F. (113996, 113998, 114037, 114343(a)) 3.00 Hold potentially hazardous foods either at or above 135°F or at or below 41°F. Hold the following potentially hazardous foods at 45°F: raw shell eggs, unshucked live molluscan shellfish, pasteurized milk and pasteurized milk products in original, sealed containers. Potentially hazardous foods held for dispensing in a serving line or a salad bar (not in a display case) may be held at 45°F or less during periods not to exceed 12 hours in any 24-hour period. Discard all potentially hazardous food that has been out of an approved time and temperature range. Observed the temperature of the meat walk in was measured at 43 °F. Keep all cold potentially hazardous foods at or below 41°F. Adjust and / or repair this unit; do not use it for the display of PHF (potentially hazardous food) items until it is shown to consistently capable of holding food at or below 41ºF at all times. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT
7-22-2021 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) 2.00 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.



REPEAT: Observed dried chili bags stored on the floor. Ensure that all food is stored on smooth and easily cleanable storage surfaces that are a minimum of six inches off the floor. Corrected during inspection. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT
7-22-2021 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 three compartment sink sprayer leaks water when the faucet is running. Repair. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT
7-22-2021 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 an employee washed their hands then turned off the sink with their clean hands instead of a paper towel. Corrected during inspection. Train proper hand washing procedures. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT
7-22-2021 Failure to keep food pure and free from contamination, adulteration and spoilage. Any food is adulterated if it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance that may render it impure or injurious to health. (113967, 113976, 113980, 113988, 113990, 114035, 114254(c), 114254.3) 7.00 Provide adequate protection at all times to keep food pure and free from contamination, adulteration and spoilage. Destroy all contaminated, adulterated and spoiled food. Observed shrimp in the hand sink. Shrimp destroyed during inspection. 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.

Observed meat stored above produce (tomatillos). Do not store meat above produce.
0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT
7-22-2021 The premises of each food facility shall be kept clean and free of litter and rubbish; all clean and soiled linen shall be properly stored; non-food items shall be stored and displayed separate from food and food-contact surfaces; the facility shall be kept free of vermin. (114067 (j), 114123, 114143 (a) & (b), 114175, 114178, 114185, 114185.1, 114185.2, 114185.3, 114185.4, 114256, 114256.1, 114256.2, 114256.4, 114257, 114257.1, 114259, 114259.1, 114259.2, 114259.3, 114279, 114281, 114282) 1.00 All food facilities shall be kept clean, fully operative, and in good repair. A food facility shall at all times be so constructed, equipped, maintained, and operated as to prevent the entrance and harborage of animals, birds, and vermin, including, but not limited to, rodents and insects. The premises of each food facility shall be kept clean and free of litter, rubbish, and vermin.

Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be provided and used for the orderly storage of employee clothing and other possessions. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be located in a designated room or area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles cannot occur. Dressing rooms or dressing areas shall be provided and used by employees if the employees regularly change their clothes in the facility.
Observed employee drinks and other personal food in the display refrigerator. Removed during inspection. 0111 RETAIL MARKET 2001-6000 SQFT