Restaurant inspection:Leave mini fridge at home, health inspector says

At Ranchero, a Mexican restaurant in Clayton County, white mold growth was observed on green peppers, and raw chicken and raw pork were stored over onions, green peppers and tomatoes in a cooler during a recent routine inspection.

Also, the restaurant had a small household refrigerator sitting on top of the dishwasher, an area reserved for clean utensils. The inspector directed the staff to remove the refrigerator. Only commercial grade or other approved equipment should be used in the kitchen, and the drain board should be maintained clean and free of food debris, the inspector said.

Ranchero, 11175 Tara Blvd., Hampton, failed the inspection with a 68/U. Previous scores were 87/B and 81/B.

The inspector also advised the manager to discard the peppers and educate staff on monitoring food conditions. Employees rearranged food items in the refrigeration unit.

Other points were taken off because food items were uncovered and exposed to contaminants in the walk-in cooler and another cooler. A can of Raid pest control was stored next to frying oil underneath the prep table.

Employees’ personal items were found throughout the facility. Excedrin, Aleve, fish oil, eye contact solution were stored next to food items and food containers, the inspector said.

Other personal items around the kitchen included aprons, cups, bags, phones and chargers.