A.A.A. FOOD AND MINI MART Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED DURING INSPECTION UTILITY & TOXIC PRODUCT CLOSET USED TO STORE CANDY, SWEDISH FISH, PISTACHIO, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SAID FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN AREA CLEAR OF FOOD ITEMS.

Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.

Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.

Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED DELI MEAT SLICING MACHINE WITH BUILD-UP FOOD DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP FREE OF AN ACCUMULATION OF DUST, DIRT, FOOD RESIDUE, AND OTHER DEBRIS.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: DURING INSPECTION, SLICED DELI MEAT, COOKED STEAK, RICE, BEEF STEW, CHICKEN WINGS, PREPARED SANDWICHES WITHOUT ANY LABELS INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING ON ALLTCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND STORED FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTEERS TO DISCARD SAID ITEMS. #7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: DURING INSPECTION, OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD INTERNAL TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN A THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED #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: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 125 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION: ALL SHELVING AREAS IN THE GROCERY, SUCH AS POTATO CHIP AREA, DOG FOOD, NOODLES, BEVERAGES, ETC.) SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR IN THE UTILITY CLOSET, REAR PREP AREA, WALK-IN STORAGE, AND STORAGE CLOSET BEHIND THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ALL SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL. MUST ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. PRIROITY 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT, DISPLAY COOLERS, ROLLING CARTS, AND SHELVING UNITS ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED ALL HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT, DISPLAY COOLERS, ROLLING CARTS, AND SHELVING UNITS ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.

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.