A sick or symptomatic employee present, or staff unaware of when illness bars them from working with food.
Handwash sink missing, blocked, or used for other purposes, or missing soap, towels, or the handwash sign.
Missing or expired food manager certification, or employee food-safety training not documented.
Scoops and other in-use utensils stored improperly (e.g. handle down in the food).
Dirty wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer, or soiled linens handled improperly.
Surfaces that touch food — cutting boards, ice bins, dish racks — soiled or not sanitized.
Clean equipment and utensils stored improperly or not air-dried.
Single-use items (cups, straws, to-go containers) stored or handled improperly.
Floors, walls, ceilings, or attached equipment dirty, damaged, or poorly vented.