2008 Woodie Awards
Infestation and Health Code Infractions Cause Brief Closure at FC Cafeteria
The FC cafeteria was closed briefly last week due several major and minor infractions of OC Health Codes
Alli Kirkham
Issue date: 9/27/06 Section: News
In the last month, the Fullerton College Campus Dining Area (under the management of Harmony Foods Inc.) has been closed down twice, much
to the frustration of the student body.
On September 5, after failing a routine inspection, the cafeteria was shut down overnight for a number of major and minor Health Department violations.
According to the Orange County Environmental Health website, ochealthinfo.com, the Campus Dining Area was shut down for such major infractions as vermin, low water temperature, improper food temperature and preparation.
Minor violations included poor employee practices (hairnets, hand washing, etc.) miscellaneous structure issues, improper food storage, and a minor vermin violation. Their food service permit was reinstated the next day, but was brought into question only two weeks later, causing concern among students and faculty.
The second closure was based on a complaint of a major violation; vermin in a critical area.
According to Peggy Solorza, General Manager of the Campus Dining Area, the first closure was legitimate, based on actual problems with employees and the general area, but the second closure, prompted by a complaint was motivated by
other causes.
"The complaint came from a disgruntled employee who had been fired and was unhappy. The Health Department came out and inspected, and we got our license back," said Solorza.
The complaint was also sorted out in a day, and the cafeteria has since made major changes to prevent a similar episode in the future, working with other departments on campus.
"We've been working with the maintenance department since [the closures] happened, but it's still a problem," Solorza said.
"As long as you have a doorway you can see light under, rats can get in and we're trying to fix the problem. We've been filling and checking any holes, and keeping the doors closed to keep them out."
As to the other violations cited in the first closure, Solorza attributes these to inattention on the part of the employees.
to the frustration of the student body.
On September 5, after failing a routine inspection, the cafeteria was shut down overnight for a number of major and minor Health Department violations.
According to the Orange County Environmental Health website, ochealthinfo.com, the Campus Dining Area was shut down for such major infractions as vermin, low water temperature, improper food temperature and preparation.
Minor violations included poor employee practices (hairnets, hand washing, etc.) miscellaneous structure issues, improper food storage, and a minor vermin violation. Their food service permit was reinstated the next day, but was brought into question only two weeks later, causing concern among students and faculty.
The second closure was based on a complaint of a major violation; vermin in a critical area.
According to Peggy Solorza, General Manager of the Campus Dining Area, the first closure was legitimate, based on actual problems with employees and the general area, but the second closure, prompted by a complaint was motivated by
other causes.
"The complaint came from a disgruntled employee who had been fired and was unhappy. The Health Department came out and inspected, and we got our license back," said Solorza.
The complaint was also sorted out in a day, and the cafeteria has since made major changes to prevent a similar episode in the future, working with other departments on campus.
"We've been working with the maintenance department since [the closures] happened, but it's still a problem," Solorza said.
"As long as you have a doorway you can see light under, rats can get in and we're trying to fix the problem. We've been filling and checking any holes, and keeping the doors closed to keep them out."
As to the other violations cited in the first closure, Solorza attributes these to inattention on the part of the employees.
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