07 Pest Control
Bugs, pests and other animals pose a risk in a restaurant of being a means of spreading disease or other sickness related to the food. Flies transfer bacteria from one food to another and so do roaches. Small animals such as rodents carry diseases that can be left behind in their feces and they too can transfer bacteria between foods by walking in them and chewing open bags. This section also deals with larger animals such as cats and dogs that are not allowed in the restaurant or its outdoor dining area unless they are performing a service function such as a Seeing Eye dog.
07a- Evidence of Insects or Rodents
Part of the inspection process involves shining a flashlight under storage racks and inside cabinets to look for the signs that bugs or rodents are living in the kitchen. The most common sign of an infestation is droppings. These infestations are fairly rare in Aspen but we do see a few from time to time.
07b- Pesticide Application
Most pesticides contain chemicals that are not safe for use in a food service area. When pesticides need to be applied they should be used by a professional who has the proper kinds of treatments for these facilities. Violations in this section we be the presence of a common chemical such as RAID being found in the kitchen. These items are toxic if ingested and should not be used in a kitchen. Items such as mouse traps are allowed in the kitchen as they pose no risk to food.
07c- Animals Prohibited
This is usually in reference to a dog or cat that has been brought into the restaurant. The only animals allowed inside the restaurant are service animals. This rule also applies to the outdoor seating area of a restaurant as well. The most common time to see this violation is in the summer when restaurants open up their seasonal outdoor seating.
Contact
Please contact CJ Oliver at 970-920-5008 if you have any questions or comments on food safety.