Raw meat, poultry, or seafood not separated from ready-to-eat food, or food left unprotected during prep, storage, or display.
Missing or inaccurate food and equipment thermometers.
Missing or expired food manager certification, or employee food-safety training not documented.
High-risk food (like meat) thawed improperly, promoting bacterial growth.
Missing hair or beard restraint, dirty work clothes, jewelry, or painted/artificial fingernails during food prep.
Surfaces that touch food — cutting boards, ice bins, dish racks — soiled or not sanitized.
Clean equipment and utensils stored improperly or not air-dried.
Employee jackets, phones, drinks, or other personal items stored where they can contaminate food.