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Facility: Country Waffles #928
Address: 1794 W. Olive Ave., 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 11-14-2024: Good (Total Points: 0.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
11-14-2024 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 prior violations were corrected. 0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS


Rating on date 11-13-2024: Unsatisfactory - reinspection required (Total Points: 15.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
11-13-2024 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. 		0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS
11-13-2024 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 the lack of paper towels in the paper towel dispenser for the cook line hand washing station. Observed paper towels stored on top of the dispenser due to the unavailability of the proper paper towels for the type of dispenser. Keep extra stock of paper towels to avoid this issue or use a different dispenser. 0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS
11-13-2024 All food contact surfaces of utensils and equipment shall be clean and sanitized. (113984(e), 114097, 114099.1, 114099.4, 114099.6, 114101 (b-d), 114105, 114109, 114111, 114113, 114115 (a, b, d), 114117, 114125(b), 114135, 114141) 3.00 A food facility that prepares food shall not be operating if there is no method to properly clean and sanitize equipment or utensils. A food facility shall not be operating if there is gross contamination of food contact surfaces that may result in the contamination of food products. Observed the concentration of sanitizer for the mechanical washer measured at <10 ppm of chlorine. Repair the mechanical washer sanitizer dispenser. Manually sanitize until the washer is repaired. 0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS
11-13-2024 When time only, rather than time and temperature is used as a public health control, records and documentation must be maintained. (114000) 6.00 If food is found in the temperature danger zone due to improper implementation of time as a public health control, discard all food that is out of acceptable temperature ranges. Time only, rather than time in conjunction with temperature, may be used as the public health control for a working supply of potentially hazardous food before cooking or for ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food that is displayed or held for service for immediate consumption, only when the following requirements are met:
(1) The food shall be marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is four hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control.
(2) The food shall be cooked and served, served if ready-to-eat, or discarded within four hours from the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control.
(3) The food in unmarked containers or packages marked to exceed a four-hour limit shall be discarded.
(4) Written procedures shall be maintained in the food facility and made available to the enforcement agency upon request, that ensures proper cooling if the food is prepared, cooked, and refrigerated before time is used as a public health control. 		Observed the temperature of the food in the top section of the prep refrigerator on the cook line measured between 39F-49F. Observed the lid was left open when not in use. Keep the refrigerator lids closed when not in use.

Repeat: Observed the temperature of the pancake batter measured at 58F and did not have a marked time control. Batter was made within 4 hours and staff was instructed to discard at the end of the 4 hours. Provide a written time control or keep under refrigeration. 		0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS
11-13-2024 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) 1.00 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. 		Observed the concentration of the sanitizer in the towel buckets measured >200ppm. Keep sanitizer between 100-200ppm to prevent chemical contamination of working surfaces. 0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS
11-13-2024 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 use tape to repair the flour bin. Tape is not a easily cleanable surface. Remove the tape. 0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS


Rating on date 11-15-2023: Good (Total Points: 6.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
11-15-2023 Exhaust hoods shall be provided to remove toxic gases, heat, grease, vapors, and smoke and be approved by the local building department. Canopy-type hoods shall extend 6" beyond all cooking equipment. All areas shall have sufficient ventilation to facilitate proper food storage. Toilet rooms shall be vented to the outside air by a screened openable window, an air shaft, or a light-switch activated exhaust fan, consistent with local building codes. (114149, 114149.1) Adequate lighting shall be provided in all areas to facilitate cleaning and inspection. Light fixtures in areas where open food is stored, served, prepared, and where utensils are washed shall be of shatterproof construction or protected with light shields. (114149.2, 114149.3, 114252, 114252.1) 1.00 All areas shall have sufficient ventilation to facilitate proper food storage and to provide a reasonable condition of comfort for each employee, consistent with the job performed by the employee.

Light fixtures in areas where food is prepared, open food is stored, or utensils are cleaned shall be of shatterproof construction or shall be protected with shatterproof shields and shall be readily cleanable. In every room and area in which any food is prepared, manufactured, processed, or prepackaged, or in which equipment or utensils are cleaned, sufficient natural or artificial lighting shall be provided to produce the following light intensity, while the area is in use:
(a) At least 10-foot candles for the following:
(1) At a distance of 30 inches above the floor, in walk-in refrigeration units, and dry food storage areas.
(2) At a working surface on which alcoholic beverages are prepared or where utensils used in the preparation or service of alcoholic beverages are cleaned.
(3) Inside equipment, such as reach-in or under-the-counter refrigerators.
(b) At least 20-foot candles for the following:
(1) At a surface where food is provided for consumer self-service or where fresh produce or prepackaged foods are sold or offered for consumption.
(2) In server stations where food is prepared.
(3) At a distance of 30 inches above the floor in areas used for handwashing, warewashing, and equipment and utensil storage, and in toilet rooms.
(c) Except in server stations where food is prepared, at least 50-foot candles at a surface where a food employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor. 		1- Observed the light fixture in the hood was not shatterproof, light bulbs at the storage area may be burned out. Replace bulb and / or repair fixture. Failure to provide adequate lighting.

2- Observed the little freezer gasket taped with duct tape. Cease this practice. Repair / Replace. 		0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS
11-15-2023 All potentially hazardous food shall be RAPIDLY cooled from 135°F to 70°F, within 2 hours, and then from 70°F to 41°F, within 4 hours. Cooling shall be by one or more of the methods outlined below. (114002, 114002.1) 3.00 Destroy all contaminated food. All potentially hazardous food must be rapidly cooled within the following time frames: from 135°F to 41°F or below within 6 hours and, during this time the decrease in temperature from 135°F to 70°F shall occur within the first 2 hours. Potentially hazardous food prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature shall be cooled within 4 hours to 41°F or less.

The rapid cooling of potentially hazardous foods shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified above by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of food being cooled:
(1) Placing the food in shallow pans.
(2) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions.
(3) Using rapid cooling equipment .
(4) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer.
(5) Adding ice as an ingredient.
(6) Using ice paddles.
(7) Inserting appropriately designed containers in an ice bath and stirring frequently.
(8) In accordance with an approved HACCP plan or by other means that have been approved by the Division of Environmental Health. 		1-Observed the operator was cooling foods. Gave more informations about the cooling process, exact temperatures and time to cool the foods before moving it to the refrigerator.

2-Observed the perishable foods were sitting on ice with no time control. Please use some time control stickers to track the time and toss them after four hours when they out of the refrigerator. 		0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS
11-15-2023 Food facilities that prepare food shall be equipped with warewashing facilities. Testing equipment and materials shall be provided to measure the applicable sanitization method. (114067(f,g), 114099, 114099.1, 114099.2, 114099.3, 114099.4, 114099.5, 114099.6, 114099.7, 114101, 114101.1, 114101.2, 114103, 114107, 114125) 1.00 Provide a sink with at least 3 compartments with 2 integral metal drainboards. The sink compartments and drainage facilities shall be large enough to accommodate the largest utensil or piece of equipment to be cleaned therein.

Clean the utensils in one of the following ways:

(1) Manual warewashing shall be accomplished by using a 3-compartment sink where the utensils are first pre-cleaned, then washed, rinsed, sanitized, and air dried. The temperature of the washing solution shall be maintained at not less than 100°F or the temperature specified on the cleaning agent manufacturer's label instructions. The utensils shall then be rinsed in clear water before being immersed in a sanitizing solution. Manual sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by one of the following:
(a) Immersion for at least 30 seconds where the water temperature is maintained at 171°F or above.
(b) The application of sanitizing chemicals by immersion, manual swabbing, or brushing, using one of the following solutions:
(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 a solution of ozone that meets the requirements of Section 180.940 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations and that is generated by a device located onsite at the food facility that meets all of the requirements of 114099.6.
(c) Other methods approved by the enforcement agency.

(2) Mechanical machine warewashing shall be accomplished by using an approved machine installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Soiled items to be cleaned in a warewashing machine shall be loaded in racks, trays, or baskets or onto conveyors in a position that exposes the items to the unobstructed spray during all cycles and allows the items to drain. Mechanical sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by one of the following:
(a) By being cycled through equipment achieving a utensil surface temperature of 160°F or above.
(b) The mechanical application of sanitizing chemicals by pressure spraying methods using one of the following:
(1) Contact with a solution of 50 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 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 both the sanitizer manufacturers use directions and the machine manufacturer's specifications.

Provide testing equipment and materials to adequately measure the applicable sanitization method. 		Observed no available test strips to measure the sanitizing level of the sanitizer for the ware washing. Please provide a valid test strips to measure the sanitizing level for ware washing. 0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS
11-15-2023 All food waste and rubbish shall be kept in leak proof and rodent proof containers. Containers shall be covered at all times. All waste must be removed and disposed of as frequently as necessary to prevent a nuisance. The exterior premises of each food facility shall be kept clean and free of litter and rubbish. (114244, 114245, 114245.1, 114245.2, 114245.3, 114245.4, 114245.5, 114245.6, 114245.7) 1.00 Maintain storage areas, enclosures, and receptacles for refuse, recyclables, and returnables in good repair. Store receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables so as to not create a public health hazard or nuisance or interfere with the cleaning of adjacent space. Trash containers inside a food facility need not be covered during periods of operation unless leaving them uncovered creates a public health hazard or nuisance or interferes with the cleaning of adjacent space. Remove refuse, recyclables, and returnables from the premises at a frequency that will minimize the development of objectionable odors and other conditions that attract or harbor insects and rodents. 1- Observed the big garbage bin was open. Make sure garbage bins are closed.

2- Observed food waste bin was out and not secured. The operator stated that the City Waste management does not allow him to lock it down by himself. However, Food Waste bin needs to be secured to prevent access by vermin and homeless. The owner of the facility must provide a method to secure the food waste bin inside the garbage area, such as by installing a lockable gate. 		0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS


Rating on date 10-17-2022: Good (Total Points: 1.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
10-17-2022 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 buildup of grime on the can opener blade. Clean can opener 0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS


Rating on date 12-21-2021: Good (Total Points: 6.00)
DateViolationPointsCorrectionInspector CommentsFacility Area
12-21-2021 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. 		REPEAT VIOLATION
Failure to maintain proper concentration of sanitizing solution used for cleaning cloths. Observed lack of 100ppm chlorine in the wiping cloth bucket. Please provide sanitizer. Added during inspection. 		0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS
12-21-2021 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) 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 a trash can in front of the hand sink in the kitchen. Moved during inspection. Do not block the hand sink. 0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS
12-21-2021 Food facilities that prepare food shall be equipped with warewashing facilities. Testing equipment and materials shall be provided to measure the applicable sanitization method. (114067(f,g), 114099, 114099.1, 114099.2, 114099.3, 114099.4, 114099.5, 114099.6, 114099.7, 114101, 114101.1, 114101.2, 114103, 114107, 114125) 1.00 Provide a sink with at least 3 compartments with 2 integral metal drainboards. The sink compartments and drainage facilities shall be large enough to accommodate the largest utensil or piece of equipment to be cleaned therein.

Clean the utensils in one of the following ways:

(1) Manual warewashing shall be accomplished by using a 3-compartment sink where the utensils are first pre-cleaned, then washed, rinsed, sanitized, and air dried. The temperature of the washing solution shall be maintained at not less than 100°F or the temperature specified on the cleaning agent manufacturer's label instructions. The utensils shall then be rinsed in clear water before being immersed in a sanitizing solution. Manual sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by one of the following:
(a) Immersion for at least 30 seconds where the water temperature is maintained at 171°F or above.
(b) The application of sanitizing chemicals by immersion, manual swabbing, or brushing, using one of the following solutions:
(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 a solution of ozone that meets the requirements of Section 180.940 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations and that is generated by a device located onsite at the food facility that meets all of the requirements of 114099.6.
(c) Other methods approved by the enforcement agency.

(2) Mechanical machine warewashing shall be accomplished by using an approved machine installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Soiled items to be cleaned in a warewashing machine shall be loaded in racks, trays, or baskets or onto conveyors in a position that exposes the items to the unobstructed spray during all cycles and allows the items to drain. Mechanical sanitization shall be accomplished in the final sanitizing rinse by one of the following:
(a) By being cycled through equipment achieving a utensil surface temperature of 160°F or above.
(b) The mechanical application of sanitizing chemicals by pressure spraying methods using one of the following:
(1) Contact with a solution of 50 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 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 both the sanitizer manufacturers use directions and the machine manufacturer's specifications.

Provide testing equipment and materials to adequately measure the applicable sanitization method. 		Observed lack of test strips to measure the applicable manual sanitizer concentration. Obtain and use test strips to verify sanitizer is of sufficient strength to act as an appropriate manual sanitizing agent (100 ppm for chlorine, 200 ppm for quat ammonia). 0102 FOOD ESTAB. W/FOOD PREP 50-149 SEATS