Raw meat, poultry, or seafood not separated from ready-to-eat food, or food left unprotected during prep, storage, or display.
Roaches, rodents, flies, or other pests present — or doors and openings that let them in not protected.
Cleaning chemicals or other toxic substances unlabeled or stored where they can reach food.
Handwash sink missing, blocked, or used for other purposes, or missing soap, towels, or the handwash sign.
A sick or symptomatic employee present, or staff unaware of when illness bars them from working with food.
Missing or expired food manager certification, or employee food-safety training not documented.
High-risk food (like meat) thawed improperly, promoting bacterial growth.
Surfaces that touch food — cutting boards, ice bins, dish racks — soiled or not sanitized.
Clean equipment and utensils stored improperly or not air-dried.
Plumbing not installed or maintained properly — leaks, mop sink issues, unserviced water filters, or missing backflow prevention.