⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

5411 EMPANADAS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

5411 EMPANADAS 2045 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO 60647 Restaurant
July 22, 2019 Complaint License #2308213
9
Total Violations
6
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

9
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO 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.
Violation #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PRECEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASKS AND DISPOSABLE MOPS WITH THE APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT THE HAND WASHING SINK. PERSON IN CHARGE PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED. COS
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.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: EVIDENCE OF IMPROPER PEST CONTROL IN PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE HOUSE FLIES ON WALLS AND CEILING ON HALLWAY STAIRS LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND WHENEVER NEEDED. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE PEST PROBLEM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTS STORED ON TOP OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORED WIPING CLOTS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS AVAILABLE ON PREMISES TO MEASURE THE CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZER OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-005(A)
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE AT THE ICE MACHINE, COFFEE ESPRESSO MACHINE IN FRONT BAR AREA. MUST INSTALL A BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE 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.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BLACK MOLD ON WALLS IN BASEMENT. REFER TO BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
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.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BLACK MOLD ON WALLS IN BASEMENT. REFER TO BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
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.

Health Department Information

Department Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division Food Protection Program
Report Issues Call 311 or File Online
More Information CDPH Food Protection
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections