El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe
Last inspected: Feb 11, 2025
55
Score
Going back to 2024, El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe has five inspections in the public record. On Feb 11, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Compared to the prior visit, the count dropped from 11 violations to six.
Non-food contact surfaces clean accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
Compared to other Johnston restaurants (averaging 77), there's room to close the gap. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
5
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 11, 2025
Re-Inspection
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Tomato based salsas (made on site) was observed held between 105-109 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be maintained at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC reheated.
3-501.16(A)
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (raw beef, raw ground meat, and raw eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (produce, beans, soup) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. PIC removed raw meats.
3-302.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (chopper) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. PIC moved chopper to 3 bay sink to be washed and sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Cooked shredded pork was observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the back kitchen, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the chorizo stuffer have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
55
Jan 22, 2025
Re-Inspection
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Salsa, which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. PIC discarded.
3-501.14
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Black beans and rice was observed held between 71 - 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be maintained at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC reheated.
3-501.16(A)
Improper cooling methods used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of PIC, salsa was placed hot in the refrigerator in containers greater than four inches deep and large, deep pot of beans were cooling at room temperature in the kitchen. PIC discarded the salsa and reheated the beans.
3-501.15
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was blocked by a stack of cases. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use. PIC removed items.
5-205.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (slicer) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. PIC took slicer out of service.
4-601.11(A)
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the kitchen, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
Inspector notes: Inspector observed various food items stored in non-food grade plastic containers and plastic bag. PIC informed and removed rice from plastic bag.
3-307.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the slicer have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
Mops not properly air-dried after use
Inspector notes: Mops must be allowed to air dry after use.
6-501.16
45
Jan 9, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 8 minor violations. 8 corrected on site.
View 13 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as raw meats) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as cooked vegetables) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. PIC rearranged walk-in.
3-302.11
Food thawed using improper method
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector observed ROP fish being thawed under refrigeration. The temperature of the fish was 37 degrees Fahrenheit. PIC opened ROP packaging.
3-501.13
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Empty bottles were observed in the hand-washing sink. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing. PIC removed bottles.
5-205.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (can opener and slicer) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Units taken out of service to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Working containers of toxic materials not identified
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Working containers used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical.
7-102.11
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the kitchen, is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector observed various food items stored in plastic shopping bags. PIC informed to use proper food grade storge bags/containers.
3-307.11
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector observed corn husks being soaked in a bowl in the 3 bay sink. PIC to stop practice and soak corn husks in a bowl on the counter or food prep sink.
3-305.14
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector observed staff washing a coffee pot in the mop sink. PIC notified that the mop sink is only intended for dumping mop water. Staff washed coffee pot in 3 bay sink.
3-307.11
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly
Inspector notes: Cleaned and sanitized equipment (pots) are not stored inverted.
4-903.11(A)
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the prep units have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
Mops not properly air-dried after use
Inspector notes: Mops must be allowed to air dry after use.
6-501.16
Non-food contact surfaces clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Employees' clothing or other personal belongings were observed stored in the kitchen area. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be used for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and other possessions.
6-305.11
39
Dec 11, 2024
Reinspection for Opening
4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Handwashing sign not posted
Inspector notes: Handwashing sinks in the kitchen are lacking signage.
6-301.14
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The ice scoop is stored on an unclean surface (top of the ice machine) between uses. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location.
3-304.12
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Wood is used in the construction of (kitchen door frame and handwashing sink ) in the (kitchen area ) area. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that require frequent cleaning must be constructed of a nonabsorbent and smooth material.
4-101.17
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the (cookline prep units and fans in walk in cooler ) have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
82
Dec 6, 2024
Opening
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (can opener, ice machine, knives, dough mixer) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch.
4-601.11(A)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of (roaches ) is not controlled as evidenced by (live activity and dead). The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.
6-501.111
Sanitizer test kit not available
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the (chlorine) sanitizing solution for the (dishwasher).
4-302.14
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items, litter and other debris were observed in the (outside dumpster) area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the (kitchen ), is not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the (prep tables, counter lowboys,counter shelves, food carts) have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors throughout the kitchen and walk in cooler have an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe on file is from Feb 11, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe?
Across the inspection record, non-food contact surfaces clean has been cited five times, more than any other issue at El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe.
How does El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe compare to other restaurants in Johnston?
El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Johnston average of 77.
Has El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around six violations compared to about 11 previously.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at El Comal Restaurante Y Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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