Return To Restaurant Listing | Return to Environmental Health Homepage

Facility: Wetzel's Pretzels
Address: 721 Merced Mall, Merced, CA

The most recent inspection of this food facility resulted in a rating of
Good (Total Points: 0.00)
0-6  Points: Good
7-13 Points: Satisfactory
14+  Points: Unsatisfactory
Rating on date 11-01-2022: Good (Total Points: 0.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
11-01-2022 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 noted 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)


Rating on date 7-21-2021: Good (Total Points: 0.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
7-21-2021 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
All other violations from the previous inspection have been corrected.
0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)


Rating on date 6-21-2021: Unsatisfactory - reinspection required (Total Points: 15.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
6-21-2021 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 walk in refrigerator was measured at 45°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. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
6-21-2021 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. Observed lack or a refrigeration thermometer in the short two door freezer in the back. to have a readily visible thermometer affixed to the warmest part of the refrigeration unit. Provide. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
6-21-2021 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. 3.00 The food employee shall wash their hands and portion of arms as required, and use utensils and gloves appropriately. Observed the employee at the cashier removed their gloves after handling money and started to put on a new pair before washing their hand. Whenever gloves are worn, they shall be changed, replaced, or washed as often as handwashing is required. When single-use gloves are used, they shall be discarded when damaged, soiled, or when interruptions in the food handling occur. Single-use gloves shall be used for only one task. Corrected during inspection. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
6-21-2021 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) 6.00 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.
REPEAT VIOLATIONS
Observed the hand washing sink in the back was blocked with a bucket. Bucket moved during inspection. Do not block hand sink.

Observed lack of soap in the approved dispenser at the handwashing sink in the back. Keep an approved soap dispenser filled and functional at all times for handwashing purposes. Loose soap bottle present.
0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
6-21-2021 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 faucet will not stop running when the hot and cold handles are off but the sprayer valve handle is closed to allow the faucet to run. The hot and cold handles should shut off the flow of water no matter if the sprayer is on or off at the valve. Repair. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
6-21-2021 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)


Rating on date 5-31-2019: Satisfactory (Total Points: 10.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
5-31-2019 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) 2.00 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 a scooter stored right in front of the back hand sink, blocking it. Employee clothing or personal effects stored in improper area of the food establishment. Move scooter. Moved during inspection. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
5-31-2019 Wiping cloths used to wipe service counters, scales or other surfaces that may come into contact with food shall be used only once unless kept in clean water with sanitizer. (114135, 114185, 114185.1, 11485.2, 114185.3) 2.00 Cloths used to wipe service counters, scales, and other surfaces that may directly or indirectly contact food shall be used only once until laundered or may be used repeatedly if held in a sanitizing solution, as described below. Cloths used with raw foods of animal origin shall be used only once until laundered or may be used repeatedly if kept in a separate container of sanitizing solution, as described below:
(1) Contact with a solution of 100 ppm available chlorine solution for at least 30 seconds.
(2) Contact with a solution of 25 ppm available iodine for at least one minute.
(3) Contact with a solution of 200 ppm quaternary ammonium for at least one minute.
(4) Contact with any chemical sanitizer that meets the requirements of Section 180.940 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations when used in accordance with the manufacturer's use directions.
Use of cleaning cloths to wipe service counters, scales, and other surfaces more than once before laundering or sanitizing. Observed a cleaning cloth sitting on top of the small under counter refrigerator in the front that is being used to wipe down the oven trays. Do not reuse cloths without sanitizing them in between use. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
5-31-2019 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.
Observed the grate cover over the floor sink near the computer in the back room is not strong enough and doesn't fit tightly enough to prevent someone from stepping into the sink and hurting themselves. Provide a stronger full grate over the sink. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
5-31-2019 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) 2.00 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 lack of soap in the approved dispenser at the handwashing sink in the back of the house. Keep an approved soap dispenser filled and functional at all times for handwashing purposes. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)
5-31-2019 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. 2.00 The food employee shall wash their hands and portion of arms as required, and use utensils and gloves appropriately. Observed the employees were turning off the faucet handle with their washed hands instead of a paper towel. Corrected during inspection. 0101 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 0-49 SEATS (HM4)