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AFRO JOE'S COFFEE & TEA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

AFRO JOE'S COFFEE & TEA 1818 W 99TH ST, CHICAGO 60643 Restaurant
December 15, 2023 Complaint License #2917817
17
Total Violations
5
Critical
4
Major
8
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

17
Violation #8
CRITICAL
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICIES BY FOOD HANDLERS AND DISH WASHER SUCH AS OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE WASHING DIRTY DISHES AND THEN HANDLING CLEAN DISHES WITHOUT HAND WASHING,ANOTHER MALE EMPLOYEE WIPING CUTTING BOARD WITH WIPING CLOTH AND RUNG OUT TOWEL WITH PLASTIC GLOVES ON AND TOOK OFF GLOVES AND PUT ON ANOTHER PAIR WITHOUT WASHING HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED LOW COLD & HOT RUNNING WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 #21
CRITICAL
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS 1/4LB COOKED SHORT RIB 118.9F.2LBS. COOKED CHICKEN BREAST 94.6F. INSIDE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 2 1/4 LBS. $8.(COS)(PRIORITY 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.
Violation #33
MAJOR
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 127.0F WITH TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. MANAGER HAD MADE AN ADJUSTMENT ON DIAL TO MAKE IT HOTTER NOW IT IS AT 147.8F.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SQUEEZE BOTTLES AND SHAKERS) WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
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 #43
MINOR
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF ICE BIN MUST STORE PROPERLY.
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
Violation #44
MINOR
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
Violation #45
MINOR
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
Violation #46
MAJOR
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: EMPLOYEES ARE NOT WASH HANDS AND CHANGING GLOVES WHEN NEEDED.
Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.
Single-use gloves must be used correctly.
Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LANDING IN BASEMENT UNDER STORAGE SHELVES,COUNTER TOPS UNDER EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA,WINDOW SILLS BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA,LID ON CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT.
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.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MUST PLACE A LID ON SUMP PUMP IN BASEMENT.
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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SWINING DOOR DAMAGED IN FRONT PREP AREA.
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: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALL AT HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
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: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS AND BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE WATER AND SPILLAGE FROM FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
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: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE BOXES AND OTHER ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS AND BASEMENT.
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: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE BOXES AND OTHER ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS AND BASEMENT.
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