Colorado has implemented restaurant inspection regulations that took effect Jan. 1.
The Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules and Regulations are based on a national standard for retail food sales, said Melissa Mathews, environmental specialist with the Montezuma County Health Department. She conducts inspections. There are several changes.
First, every entity serving food to the public must have at least one staff person be a certified food protection manager. Every shift does not have to have the certified person working, however.
Courses are typically two days with a test. Opportunities to take the class are available locally by calling 970-565-3056.
Other changes are that restaurants and food facilities can now use, sturdy, noncommercial-grade equipment, have any size of hand-washing sink, and prepare food in the three-sink area previously restricted to washing dishes. Marking the date on stored foods and temperature control is also a new requirement.
A new revision allows the use of customer containers to place to-go food, but after the container is washed properly by the facility. Also, hand-washing between glove changes while doing the same task is no longer required. Hand-washing between glove changes when a different task is begun is still required.
Food facilities also must have procedures for cleaning up after vomiting and diarrheal events.
There are no “critical” and “noncritical” violation categories. The new violation categories are “Priority,” “Priority Foundation” and “Core.”
Mathews said “Priority” and “Priority Foundation” are critical violations that might cause foodborne illnesses. “Core” violations are noncritical but have less risk of causing foodborne illnesses.
The Journal publishes local restaurant inspection reports provided monthly by the Montezuma County Health Department. Inspections are done at least yearly and are unannounced.
Mathews conducts about 145 inspections every year for Montezuma and Dolores counties as the Health Department’s environmental health specialist.
They are completed on-site and include standards set by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment.
Fiesta Mexican No. 3430 Colorado Highway 145, Cortez
date: June 27
priority violations: 2
1. Hands cleaned and properly washed category.
inspector comments: Employee observed washing hands in the hand sink without use of a cleaning compound. Sink was not equipped with soap. Problem was corrected during inspection.
2. Food contact surfaces, cleaned and sanitized category.
inspector comments: Knife used to cut frozen whole fish was then used to cut cooked chicken into pieces. Problem was corrected during inspection.
priority foundation violations: 3
1. Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events category.
inspector comments: Facility does not have a procedure in place. Problem was corrected during inspection.
2. Adequate hand-washing sinks properly supplied and accessible category.
inspector comments: Hand sink was not equipped with soap. Problem was corrected during inspection.
3. Proper date marking and disposition.
inspector comments: Facility has not adopted a date-marking procedure. Foods are used within three days of production. Discussed a procedure the facility can begin using. Problem was corrected.
core violations: 2
1. Certified food protection manager category.
inspector Comments: An employee attended a certification class but has not received notification of pass or fail.
2. Approved thawing methods used category.
inspector comments: Thawing raw meats in the prep sink at room temperature.
Millwood Junction101 Railroad Ave., Mancos
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 1
1. Consumer advisory category.
inspector comments: Caesar dressing needs to be included in the consumer advisory since it is made with raw eggs. Will change on next menu; until then will post a sign indicating the use of raw eggs in the dressing. Problem was corrected during inspection.
core violations: 0
Lotsa Pasta439 E. Main St., Cortez
date: June 20
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Tequila’s1740 E. Main St., Cortez
date: June 19
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Chavalito’s Mexican Restaurant104 S. Second St., Dolores
date: June 18
priority violations: 1
1. Food separated and protected category.
inspector comments: Raw chicken in a pan is stored above ready-to-eat foods (limes). Problem was corrected during inspection.
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 1
1. Proper date marking and disposition category.
inspector comments: Facility is not date-marking foods being held for more than 24 hours. Foods are prepared in small quantities and facility only holds for a maximum of three days. Will begin to date mark foods prepared and held for more than 24 hours. Problem was corrected during inspection.
Olio114 W. Grand Ave., Mancos
date: June 13
priority violations: 0
priority founation violations: 0
core violations: 1
1. Certified food protection manager.
inspector comments: Facility does not have a certified manager. Have enrolled for a July date to take the course.
Fenceline Cider141 Main St., Mancos
date: June 13
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Conquistador Golf Shop2018 N. Dolores Road, Cortez
date: June 14
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Majestic Dude Ranch42688 County Road N, Mancos
date: June 17
priority violations: 0
priority Foundation Violations: 1
1. Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events category
inspector comments: Facility does not have a policy in place. Problem was corrected during inspection.
core violations: 1
1. Proper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use category.
inspector comments: Open beverage observed in the kitchen.
Destination Grill2121 E. Main St., Cortez
date: June 14
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Fiesta Theatre23 W. Main St., Cortez
date: June 11
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Frederick’s Craft Meat Co.119 E. Main St., Cortez
date: June 11
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
La Casita de Cortez332 E. Main St., Cortez
date: June 11
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Best Western Turquoise535 E. Main St., Cortez
date: June 12
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Days Inn of Cortez430 N. State St., Cortez
date: June 12
priority violations: 0
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Thai Cortez1430 E. Main St., Unit 2, Cortez
date: June 5
priority violations: 1
1. Food separated and protected category
inspector comments: If used, single-use gloves shall be used for only one task. Discard when damaged or soiled or when interruptions occur. Observed employee gloved preparing Sushi and then with the same gloved hand portion-cooked sushi rice onto a plate for a baby. Problem was corrected during inspection.
priority foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Family Dollar Stores of Colorado LLC #31029324 S. Broadway, Cortez
date: June 3
priority violations: 0
priority Foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0
Family Dollar Stores of Colorado LLC 31273560 W. Menefee St., Mancos
date: June 3
priority violations: 0
priority Foundation violations: 0
core violations: 0