5411 EMPANADAS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY 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: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR SUCH A PERSON ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. 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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: INOPERABLE METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE UNABLE TO MONITOR HOT COOKING TEMPERATURES OF EMPANADAS AND COLD FOODS. MUST PROVIDE. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL SERVICE REPORT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW. LAST PEST SERVICE REPORT AVAILABLE DATED 4-26-22. MUST HAVE A LICENSED PEST CONTROL CO. SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT AND PROVIDE A CURRENT SERVICE REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) 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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED UNLOCKED BOX FREEZERS (3) FILLED WITH FROZEN EMPANADAS IN THE HALLWAY TOWARD THE WASHROOMS WITH CUSTOMER ACCESS TO THE STORED FOODS. MUST STORE ALL FOODS PROTECTED FROM THE PUBLIC AND CONTAMINATION.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INTERIOR PLASTIC DOOR OF THE TALL REACH-IN FREEZER DAMAGED WITH EXPOSED INSULATION. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE OR REPLACE.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE THE COOLERS.----MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING ABOVE THE KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE THE COOLERS.----MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING ABOVE THE KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.

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.