Raw meat, poultry, or seafood not separated from ready-to-eat food, or food left unprotected during prep, storage, or display.
A sick or symptomatic employee present, or staff unaware of when illness bars them from working with food.
Dish machine or sinks not set up or working properly, or missing sanitizer test kit and gauges.
Water not safe, or hot (100°F) and cold water not available under pressure.
Food-contact or nonfood-contact surfaces improperly designed, constructed, maintained, or located.
Scoops and other in-use utensils stored improperly (e.g. handle down in the food).
Surfaces that touch food — cutting boards, ice bins, dish racks — soiled or not sanitized.
Shelves, counters, handles, or equipment exteriors soiled with grease, debris, or dust.
Clean equipment and utensils stored improperly or not air-dried.
Single-use items (cups, straws, to-go containers) stored or handled improperly.
Plumbing not installed or maintained properly — leaks, mop sink issues, unserviced water filters, or missing backflow prevention.