CONDITIONAL
5 Degree Tea House: Equipment & Ventilation Issues
November 24, 2025
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Routine Inspection
7
Total Violations
4
Major
3
Minor
2
Corrected On Site
Inspector's Report
Routine inspection revealed multiple violations including missing food safety manager certificate, household air fryer in use instead of commercial equipment, broken ice machine door, lack of proper ventilation, and gross buildup of grease on walls and ceilings. Minor sanitizer concentration issue was corrected on site. Follow-up required by December 1, 2025.
Violations Cited
7
#14
CORRECTED
MAJOR
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
Why This Matters
Dirty cutting boards and utensils cause 76% of cross-contamination. Biofilms protect bacteria from cleaning. One contaminated surface spreads pathogens to dozens of foods.
What Was Observed
Observed bucket of chlorine sanitizer solution measured at 25ppm in bucket at service area. Operator added more chlorine to the bucket. Solution measured at 100ppm.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114099, 114099.6, 114117
#35
MAJOR
Equipment Approved and Maintained
Why This Matters
Household equipment cannot withstand commercial use and harbors bacteria in cracks. Latex gloves cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
What Was Observed
Observed black air fryer at main kitchen food preparation table being actively used to prepare chicken bites. Observed ice machine door completely detached from ice machine at back kitchen area. Door fell on floor upon being opened.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114130, 114160
#37
MAJOR
Adequate Ventilation and Lighting
What Was Observed
Observed lack of approved mechanical exhaust ventilation at main kitchen area where air fryer was being used. Grease debris was observed on walls and fan equipment above ice machine.
#44
MAJOR
Floors, Walls and Ceiling Maintained
Why This Matters
Cracks and holes allow pest entry and make cleaning impossible. Deteriorated surfaces harbor bacteria that contaminate food and equipment.
What Was Observed
Observed gross buildup of debris and grease on walls and ceilings above ice machine and food preparation area.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114143, 114266
#1B
MINOR
Food Safety Manager Certification
Why This Matters
Certified managers reduce critical violations by 60%. They understand temperature control, contamination prevention, and proper hygiene that prevents outbreaks.
What Was Observed
Operator was unable to provide a valid manager's food safety certificate at the time of inspection.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113947.1
#34
MINOR
Warewash Facilities Test Strips
Why This Matters
Improper dishwashing spreads pathogens across all dishes. Hepatitis A survives on improperly washed dishes for weeks. Causes recurring outbreak cycles.
What Was Observed
Operator was unable to provide valid chemical test strips for measuring the concentration of chlorine sanitizer solution.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114095, 114099
#34
MINOR
Warewash Facilities Test Strips
Why This Matters
Improper dishwashing spreads pathogens across all dishes. Hepatitis A survives on improperly washed dishes for weeks. Causes recurring outbreak cycles.
What Was Observed
Operator was unable to provide valid chemical test strips for measuring the concentration of chlorine sanitizer solution.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114095, 114099