Pondo Cafe & Lounge, The, 5832 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA - Restaurant inspection findings and violations

November 19, 2008 (Follow-up)

Violations:

• 0790 - Found Improper methods used to thaw ground beef. Ground beef was being thawed at room temperature in the back room where meat slicer was located.
  Thaw potentially hazardous foods by either of the following methods: 1. Under refrigeration ; 2.Under cold running water; (3) Microwave. Never thaw at room temperature.
• 2890 - Repeat Light bulb inside the refrigerator/freezer unit was not shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant.
  Shield or replace light bulb with a coated or shatter-resistant bulb.

Comments:
Noted the following: (1) Meat slicer in back room. If meat is being sliced in this area, a hand sink conveniently located is to be provided; (2) Always store raw meats on lower shelves and ready-to-eat foods on upper shelves; (3) Long neck bottles are not meant to be reused to store foods such as milk because of the difficulty to properly wash and sanitize them.
Food Permit issued today.

October 21, 2008 (Routine)

Violations:

• 0060 - Critical The person in charge could not explain the correct procedure for cleaning and sanitizing utensils.
  The person in charge needs to understand and practice the 3-sink method of cleaning and sanitizing utensils.
• 1770 C - The interior plastic surface of the ice making machine was covered with slime.
  Clean the slime covered interior surface of the ice making machine.
• 1860 - The 3-sink method of warewashing was incorrectly being done by the foodhandler.
  Utensils are to be washed , rinsed and sanitized in this manor.
• 2350 ii - The hot water was found turned off because the hot water tap was broken.
  Fix/replace the broken tap so that water can be turned back on.
• 2890 - Repeat Light bulb inside the refrigerator/freezer unit was not shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant.
  Shield or replace light bulb with a coated or shatter-resistant bulb.

Comments:
Noted the following: (1) Proper thawing methods were not being followed; (2)Proper cooling methods were not being followed; (3) There were no handwashing signages at sinks throughout the premises to remind staff to wash their hands; (4) There was no self-closure device on the handicapped washroom door. One that was slow in causing the door to close could be use and would not be an obstacle for the Wheelchair user; (5) There was no mop sink on the premises; (6) There was no restricted smoking areas on the premises.
Indicated to the owner that a Food Permit was not going to be issued today, that a reinspection would be done over the next few days to determine what changes were made. The owner was advised that his foodhandler(s) need to attend our food handler's class.

July 28, 2008 (Routine)

Violations:

• 1320 - There was no thermometer located in the G.E. refrigerator.
  Provide a temperature measuring device in all hot or cold holding equipment used to store potentially hazardous foods so that employees can routinely monitor the ambient air temperature.
• 2890 - Light bulb in G.E. refrigerator not shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant.
  Shield or replace light bulb with a coated or shatter-resistant bulb.

Comments:
Chlorine bleach and test strips available.

January 09, 2008 (Routine)

Comments:
No other violations observed. 2008 permit issued.

August 13, 2007 (Routine)

Violation: 0790 - Improper methods used to thaw vegetable soup at room temperature.
Thaw potentially hazardous foods by either of the following methods: 1. Under refrigeration that maintains food temperature at 41F. 2. Completely submerged under running water at a temperature of 70F or below with sufficient water velocity to agitate and float off loose particles in an overflow. Ready-to-eat food shall not exceed 41F and raw animal foods shall not exceed 41F for more than four hours 3. As part of the cooking process
Comments:
No other violations observed.

March 05, 2007 (Routine)

Violation: 0620 - Potatoes and onions stored under drainlines of the three compartment sink.
Relocate food storage to an approved area or shield the lines to intercept potential drips.
Comments:
Bleach available.

November 29, 2006 (Routine)

Comments:
Pre-opening inspection. Hot & cold water available under pressure. No violations observed. 2007 permit issued. Owner will be hiring 2 CFM's for on-premises.