Zen Ramen and Bento

Inspector notes: Observed sauce in reach-in-cooler in a reused single-use container with plastic wrap on outside of the container and excessive food debris on container and plastic wrap from spill. Per conversation with Owner/Manager, this sauce arrived from "headquarter" location today in Gainesville. With further questioning it was reported that some sauces are prepared and supplied by "headquarters". Per conversation with Owner/Manager, he does not have recipes to make sauces onsite and does not know the list of ingredients. CA: Facilities holding Food Service Permits are permitted for food sales to an end customer only and are not recognized as an approved source for other Food Service Permit holders. Sauces must be made onsite or be purchased from an approved source. Sauces from unapproved source m...

Inspector notes: Observed the facility not yet implementing a method of allergen notification for consumer. CA: unpackaged food items containing a major food allergen as an ingredient must have a written notification declaring which major food allergens are contained in that food item. Owner/Manager reported that he is working on this signage with "headquarter" location.

Inspector notes: Observed chicken and beef in the cooler drawers of the main kitchen at 47 degrees. After discussion with the Owner/Manager, it was determined that the chicken and beef was frozen, began thawing in the reach-in, and then placed on the counter to continue thawing for ~3hour hours prior to being moved to the cooler drawer. Other TCS items in the drawers temped appropriately. Determined the concern was not cold holding equipment, but thawing methods. CA: appropriate thawing methods include under refrigeration or under cold running water. Thawing may also occur in a microwave before immediate cooking, or the product can be cooked from a frozen state. COS: food items discarded voluntarily

Inspector notes: Observed multiple in-use utensils stored in bulk food stock containers with handle in contact with food item. CA: in use utensils may be stored in bulk food storage containers, but must be stored in a manner that prevents contamination of the food item when the utensil is utilized by staff. COS: utensils removed and will be correctly placed once warewashed.

Inspector notes: Observed three of the four lights under the vent hood to be burnt out and the space to be dark. CA: light intensity must be adequate in all areas of food handling. Owner/Manager will replace bulbs at close of service.