Health Violations Report: Violations and Preventive Measures

1. Diamond Catering, 3185 S. Highland Drive, received 17 demerits Sept. 4. Violations included cleaner stored next to rice maker. GRADE: B

   1. The violation is a Chemical Hazard.
   2. The chemical hazard is indirect and could manifest problems due to the cleaning compounds of the cleaner, including sanitizers and other harmful substances found in the compounds.
   3. As a manager of the restaurant, I would immediately correct the problem (short term) by shifting the rice maker from the cleaner.
   4. As a long-term measure, I would conduct regular inspections and investigations and keep myself and all the other staff members abreast of the latest industry education with regard to the potential hazards posed due to the chemical contamination of food. I would also educate myself and the involved staff members on the possible problems which could be caused due to the chemical contamination.
2. El Pollo Loco, 440 E. Silverado Ranch Parkway, received 18 demerits Sept. 4. Violations included dirty soda nozzles. GRADE: B

   1. The violation is a physical hazard.
   2. Dirt and germs would be present on the nozzle.
   3. As a short-term measure, I would ensure that the nozzle is cleaned immediately with hot water.
   4. As a long-term measure, I would ensure regular checks so that that the nozzle and other such equipment are clean. I would also conduct programs to enlighten the staff members and the employees, regarding the potential health hazards in case of such dirt contamination on equipment.
3. Half Shell Seafood & Gaming, 10430 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson, received 16 demerits Sept. 2. Violations included food not covered in the walk-in freezer. GRADE: B

   1. The violation is a biological hazard.
   2. If the violation is not corrected, there could be fear of Hepatitis A, which requires extremely small doses for the infections to spread through food contamination.
   3. As a short-term measure, I would ensure that all the foods are well covered so that direct contact by the contaminated person is prevented.
   4. As a long-term measure, I would ensure that the food handlers always keep the food covered at all times. It is also necessary to ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly before handling any food items and that paper towels that can be used and thrown are used in place of cloth towels.
4. Las Vegas Hilton buffet dessert station, 3000 S. Paradise Road, received 16 demerits Sept. 3. Violations included food not held at proper temperatures. GRADE: B

   1. The violation is a biological Hazard
   2. Failure in correcting the violation could lead to Salmonellosis, which is apparent through abdominal pain, vomiting, and subsequent blood poisoning.
   3. As a short-term measure, I would discard all the food for which there has been a failure to maintain appropriate temperatures.
   4. As a long-term measure, I would ensure that all the foods are stored in accordance with the Health guidelines which necessitate the storage of cold, perishable foods to be stored below 40 degrees and hot foods to be stored above 140 degrees. Appropriate training measures must be taken to educate the food handlers with regard to the fatal health consequences, in cases when the food is not stored at the appropriate temperatures.
5. Ryan’s Cafe at Nevada Power Co., 2215 E. Lone Mountain Road, received 13 demerits Sept. 4. Violations included meat slicer dirty. GRADE: B

   1. The violation is a biological hazard.
   2. Failure in correcting the violation could lead to food contamination and subsequent diseases such as Hemorrhagic colitis, Clostridium perfringens gastroenteritis, and Staphylococcal gastroenteritis.
   3. As a short term and long term measure I would ensure that the kitchen equipment is in accordance with the OSHA Standard 1910.141(h) which state that “In all places of employment where all or part of the food service is provided, food must be handled, processed, prepared, and stored in such a manner as to protect against contamination”.
6. Lucky Star Super Buffet buffet kitchen, 617 Mall Ring Circle, Henderson, received 45 demerits Sept. 2. Violations included dented cans. GRADE: Closed

   1. The violation is a chemical hazard.
   2. Failure in correcting the violation could lead to adulteration or potential contamination.
   3. As a short-term measure, I would ensure that all dented cans are discarded immediately.
   4. As a long-term measure, I would ensure that care and attention are taken while accepting the delivery of such cans so that dented cans do not find their way into the kitchens. The employees must be alerted of the possible contaminations and health hazards and extreme caution must be observed to ascertain that the cans are in good condition so that the integrity and contents of the cans are well protected.
7. Scoundrels Pub restaurant takeout, 4360 S. Decatur Blvd., received 24 demerits Sept. 3. Violations included can opener and food-contact surfaces dirty. GRADE: C

   1. The violation is a biological violation.
   2. Failure in correcting the violation could lead to food contamination and subsequent diseases.
   3. As a short-term measure, I would ensure that the can opener and the food contact surfaces are washed, cleaned, and sanitized thoroughly.
   4. As a long-term measure, I would ensure that all the surfaces which come in contact with the food do not have excessive food debris and are washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each and every use to prevent the build-ups of food debris on them. I would undertake regular checks and supervisions after educating the work managers regarding the harmful effects of such build-ups and ensure food safety.
8. Tailspin Grill, 6295 S. Pecos Road, received 20 demerits Sept. 5. Violations included mold-like growth on green peppers in the walk-in cooler. GRADE: B

   1. The violation is a biological violation.
   2. Failure in correcting the violation could lead to Bacillus cereus gastroenteritis, Clostridium perfringens gastroenteritis, and Salmonellosis.
   3. As a short-term measure, I would ensure that the affected food items are discarded immediately and the refrigerator is cleaned urgently as mold can build up in the refrigerator due to an unclean atmosphere.
   4. As a long-term measure, I would ensure that the inside of the refrigerator is cleaned every month or two with one tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in a quarter bucket of water. Keeping the level of humidity inside the refrigerator below 40 %.
9. Carl’s Donuts Processing, 6350 Sunset Corporate Drive, received 18 demerits Sept. 3. Violations included food stored uncovered in the walk-in freezer. GRADE: B

   1. The violation is biological.
   2. Failure in correcting the violation could lead to several diseases of the stomach and intestines including Bacillus cereus gastroenteritis, Staphylococcal gastroenteritis, and other intestinal infections.
   3. As a short-term measure, I would ensure that all the food in the freezer is immediately covered.
   4. As a long-term measure, I would ensure that practical measures are put into place and the containers have proper covering lids which are appropriately labeled so that all the containers have their proper covers.
10. Palms pool main bar, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, received 19 demerits Sept. 3. Violations included sanitizer solution too strong. GRADE: B

    1. The violation is a chemical hazard.
    2. Failure in correcting the violation could lead to contamination of food by the harmful chemicals in the sanitizer which could produce harmful odors and contaminate the food.
    3. As a short-term measure, I would ensure that all the equipment for which the sanitizer is used is thoroughly rinsed to ascertain that no odors or chemicals are present in the container.
    4. As a long-term measure, I would ensure that the sanitizer would be milder and in accordance with the regulations of the health and safety measures, so that there would be no risk of chemical contamination of food due to the sanitizer.
11. Famous John’s, 252 Convention Center Drive, received 29 demerits Sept. 3. Violations included no paper towels available at the hand sink. GRADE: C

    1. The violation is a biological hazard.
    2. Failure in correcting the violation could lead to viral infections and the spread of contagious diseases such as Hepatitis A.
    3. As a short-term measure, I would ensure that paper towels are immediately dispensed at the hand sink.
    4. As a long-term measure, I would ensure that the employees and staff members are regularly supervised and the area is regularly checked. I would ensure that there are no cloth towels as these present a greater risk of contamination and spread of germs and become dirty easily.
12. Kan’s Kitchen, 3407 S. Jones Blvd., received 16 demerits Sept. 7. Violations included raw chicken stored over other foods. GRADE: B

    1. The violation is a biological hazard.
    2. Failure in correcting the violation could lead to cross-contamination and is a biological hazard with the ability to cause Salmonellosis.
    3. As a short-term measure, I would ensure that the raw chicken is immediately removed and kept below the other foods which need little or no preparation.
    4. As a long-term measure, I would ensure that all the employees be notified that raw foods should be kept and stored separately, below other foods to prevent cross-contamination of foods.

References

Health Violation Report. Web.

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Web.