540 CAFE Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS ( EGGS, CHICKEN, TOMATOES, CUT MELONS, SOUP). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT TWO HAND-SINKS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. HAND-SINKS WERE LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA AS WELL AS AT FRONT PREP AREA HAND SINK NEAR SANDWICH, SALAD AND SOUP PREP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HAND-SINK AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C).CITATION ISSUED.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOOD ITEMS OUT OF TEMPERATURE LOCATED IN INDULGE GRILL PREP AREA @ IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES... APPROXIMATELY 7LBS OF COOKED SAUSAGE PATTIES AND LINKS, NOTED TEMPERATURE BETWEEN @68.5F AND 72.5F , AND APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS OF COOKED POTATOES NOTED TEMPERATURE @ 89.0F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL HOT HELD FOOD ITEMS @ 135F OR HIGHER AT ALL TIMES. MUST MAINTAIN. SAID FOOD ITEMS WERE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF CANBINET/REFRIGERATION UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF ACCUMULATED DEBRIS.

Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.

All surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED WATER LEAK ON HOT WATER NOZZLE ON HANDSINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR SALAD BAR AND SANDWICH PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF STORED MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND BOXES STORED ON FLOORS IN STORAGE ROOM NEXT TO ICE MACHINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN CEILING LOCATED IN DRY STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INTENSIFY LIGHTING IN SAID AREA. MUST MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN CEILING LOCATED IN DRY STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INTENSIFY LIGHTING IN SAID AREA. MUST MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.