DA GE XIAO CHI

CONTAMINATION SPREAD: Dirty wiping cloths spread millions of bacteria across every surface wiped. Bacteria double every 20 minutes on damp cloths. One contaminated cloth can spread pathogens to 30+ surfaces, causing facility-wide contamination.

Store wiping cloths in sanitizer AT ALL TIMES between uses: 50-100ppm chlorine or 200-400ppm quaternary ammonium. Change solution when visibly dirty or every 4 hours. Use separate cloths for food contact vs non-food contact. Test sanitizer concentration every 2 hours.

PEST ATTRACTION: Harborage conditions support pest infestations. Gaps allow entry of rodents carrying 35+ diseases. Standing water breeds flies that spread 100+ pathogens. Clutter provides nesting for pests. Creates ongoing contamination risk.

Eliminate ALL harborage conditions: Seal cracks/holes (1/4 inch for mice, 1/2 inch for rats), Fix leaking pipes, Remove clutter/unused equipment, Eliminate standing water, Clean grease accumulation, Maintain 6 inches clearance from walls, Remove cardboard storage.

DISEASE VECTORS: Roaches carry 33 types of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms, 7 human pathogens. Travel from sewers/garbage to food surfaces. Spread Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus. Trigger severe asthma and allergies. One roach = likely infestation of hundreds.

Immediate elimination required: Professional extermination ASAP, Find and eliminate water sources (roaches need water daily), Seal all cracks/crevices, Deep clean with degreaser, Remove cardboard/clutter, Apply gel baits in non-food areas, Follow-up treatment in 2 weeks.

BACTERIAL BUILDUP: Unsanitized surfaces harbor millions of bacteria within hours. Cross-contamination affects all food prepared on surface. Major cause of multi-victim outbreaks. Cutting boards can contain 200x more bacteria than toilet seats.

Clean and sanitize ALL food contact surfaces: After each use, Between different food types, Every 4 hours in continuous use, When contaminated. Use proper concentration sanitizer (50-100ppm chlorine, 200-400ppm quat). Air dry. Test sanitizer every 2 hours.

Improper thawing allows surface bacteria to multiply while interior remains frozen

Thaw under refrigeration, under cold running water, in microwave, or as part of cooking

Unprotected food exposed to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and physical contaminants

Cover all food; store 6 inches off floor; protect from customer contamination; use sneeze guards

WATER CONTAMINATION: Backflow can siphon sewage into water supply, contaminating entire facility. Cross-connections spread pathogens throughout plumbing. Sewage backups create immediate health hazard. Can affect hundreds through contaminated water.

Install backflow preventers on ALL required fixtures. Maintain air gaps (2x pipe diameter minimum). Fix all leaks immediately. Ensure proper drainage - no standing water. Regular plumbing inspection. No direct connections between sewage and water supply.

KNOWLEDGE GAP: Establishments without certified managers have 2.5x more critical violations. Lack of food safety knowledge directly correlates with foodborne illness outbreaks. Certified managers reduce outbreak risk by 60% through proper training and oversight.

Obtain Food Protection Certificate immediately through NYC-approved course. Certificate holder must be present ALL operating hours. Post certificate conspicuously. Maintain valid certification (renew every 5 years). Train all staff on food safety basics.