TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE #NC-101

REPEAT 2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. No employee present is certified.

REPEAT 3-202.12 Food may not contain unapproved food additives or additives exceeding levels generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as specified in 21 CFR 181-186. -P 3-302.14 Protection from Unapproved Additives (P) Observed “Dynamite Force - Fat Burner and Energizer” pill tablets that are not intended to be blended into smoothies. CDI - Establishment will discontinue use of these products until they have been approved. Menu board items were covered and product was removed from the make station.

REPEAT 2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. Observed an employee preparing food while wearing bracelets.

REPEAT 5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. 5-501.114 Drains in dumpsters and waste containers shall have drain plugs in place. Observed open dumpster doors and a broken drain plug.

REPEAT 2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. No employee present is certified.

2-401.11 (A). Employee beverages must be stored in a designated area where contamination of food, clean equipment, utensils, linens, and single-use articles cannot occur. Observed an employee drink cup stored on a prep surface.

3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it has not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P The PIC should train and assign staff to monitor date marking to prevent the use of food products that are no longer in compliance with 3-501.17 (A), (B), or (C) Observed an open bag of sausage with two date mark stickers: 3/18 and 3/23. CDI - Item was voluntarily discarded.

REPEAT 3-202.12 Food may not contain unapproved food additives or additives exceeding levels generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as specified in 21 CFR 181-186. -P 3-302.14 Protection from Unapproved Additives (P) Observed “Dynamite Force - Fat Burner and Energizer” tablets that are not FDA approved for commercial food service. CDI - Establishment will discontinue use of these products until they have been approved. Menu board items were covered and product was removed from the make station.

6-202.15 Protect outer openings of establishment from insect or rodent entry. Observed a light gap at the bottom of the back door that could allow pests to enter.

2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. Observed an employee preparing food while wearing a watch.

REPEAT 5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. 5-501.114 Drains in dumpsters and waste containers shall have drain plugs in place. Observed open dumpster doors and a broken drain plug.

REPEAT 2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. No employee present is certified.

2-501.11 A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. -Pf Observed no written policy for vomiting or diarrheal events. CDI - EHS provided during inspection.

3-202.15 Food packaging must be in good condition, intact and protect the food inside. Pf Observed one dented can of pineapple in dry storage. CDI - Can was removed to be returned to the supplier.

3-701.11(A) Food that is unsafe, adulterated, or not honestly presented shall be discarded or reconditioned according to an approved procedure. -P Observed two bags of cut lettuce in the walk-in cooler with visible signs of microbial growth and breakdown. CDI - Product was voluntarily discarded.

3-202.12 Food may not contain unapproved food additives or additives exceeding levels generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as specified in 21 CFR 181-186. -P 3-302.14 Protection from Unapproved Additives (P) Observed “Dynamite Force - Fat Burner and Energizer” tablets that are not FDA approved additives. Observed “Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides” made from Beef Collagen that is unapproved by the FDA. CDI - Establishment will discontinue use of these products until they have been approved. EHS will make a follow up visit to ensure the items are removed from the menu board.

3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf Observed cut tomatoes attempting to cool in the top of a prep cooler. CDI - Items were moved to the walk-in cooler to rapidly cool.

3-305.11 Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed a boxes of food stored on the floor next to the walk-in cooler.

5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. 5-501.114 Drains in dumpsters and waste containers shall have drain plugs in place. Observed open dumpster doors and a broken drain plug.

2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. Observed no certified food protection manager on staff at time of inspection. REPEAT VIOLATION.

2-201.11(E) Ensure food employees report illnesses, symptoms and exposure. -Pf Observed no written EH policy containing “big 6” illnesses on file at time of inspection. CDI: EHS provided copy of EH policy via email and PIC printed and signed.

3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P Observed kale slaw being held above 41F in make table. Product prepared 03/08/25. Product overstacked. CDI: PIC voluntarily discarded product. REPEAT VIOLATION.

2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. Observed no certified food protection manager on staff at time of inspection. REPEAT VIOLATION.

4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf Observed dicer stored as clean soiled with food waste. CDI: PIC sent to be re-W/R/S.

3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P Observed kale slaw being held above 41F in make table. Product prepared 08/24/24. Product overstacked. CDI: Education provided and PIC voluntarily discarded product.

4-601.11(C ) Keep non food contact surfaces of equipment clean to avoid build up of dust, food residue or debris.4-602.13 Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Observed inside of ice scoop holder soiled with black/brown buildup.

2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. Observed no CFPM in establishment. -REPEAT- -1 point- For more information on becoming a certified food protection manager please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation

2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. Observed employees preparing food while wearing bracelets. -0 points-

2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. Observed no CFPM in establishment during inspections. -1 point- For more information on becoming a certified food protection manager please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation

6-501.111 Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed fruit flies around rear trash can. Control insects and remove harborage to prevent infestation. -0 points-

3-302.12 Label all working containers of food (oils, spices, salts, flour, sugar) except food that is easy to identify such as dry pasta. Observed large white container near smoothie prep station not labeled. PIC stated this is sugar. Ensure these containers are labeled with identifying name of product.

2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. Observed employee prepping food with wrist jewelry on.

4-501.12 Resurface or replace cutting surfaces that can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized. Observed small green cutting boards with significant grooves/wearing, no longer smooth and easily cleanable. EHS discussed replacing cutting boards, may need to replace green boards more often if these are used to cut the most often.

4-601.11(C ) Keep non food contact surfaces of equipment clean to avoid build up of dust, food residue or debris.4-602.13 Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Observed outsides of cleaned plastic containers with sticker residue on non-food contact surfaces.

4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf. For more information please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 . Observed dried food debris on can opener and dicer. CDI sent back to wash, rinse, sanitize.