ALEXANDER'S Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED NO SOAP AT KITCHEN HAND WASH SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES. 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 DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: NOTED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED (SAUSAGE, OATMEAL, TURKEY ETC). INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND USED BY DATE. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 6 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $26.00 THROUGH DENATUIRNG PROCESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-005(A). CITATION ISSUED TODAY.

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.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: NOTED A PIECE OF FROZEN STEAK ON PREP TABLE AT THE REAR PREP AREA LEFT FOR DEFROSTING. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF DEFROSTING FOOD:- EITHER UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OF INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNIT. PRODUCT WAS STILL FROZEN.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: NOTED OVER 10 LIVE ROACHES ON FLOOR AROUND BAGS OF DIRTY LINENS AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND HAVE PREMISES TREATED. 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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: NOTED SERVING PLATE INSIDE THE CONTAINER OF MASHED POTATOES WITH NO HANDLE USED FOR SCOOPING AND SERVING FOOD AT THE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD.

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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: SOME NOTED EMPLOYEES AT THE PREP AREA PREPARING FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS OR PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.

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.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: NOTED SPATULARS STORED ON THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER WALL. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL EQUIPMENT INSIDE A DRAWER OR KNIFE RACK TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER AT THE BASEMENT FOOD DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED LOOSE AND BROKEN LID OF CHEST FREEZER TIED WITH A ROPE AT THE BASEMENT FOOD DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. 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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NOTED SPRAYER AT THE SINK USED FOR SCRAPPING FOOD FROM DISHINGS HANGING BELOW THE RIM OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE DEVICE TO HOLD THE SPRAYER ABOVE THE WATER RIM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NOTED SPRAYER AT THE SINK USED FOR SCRAPPING FOOD FROM DISHINGS HANGING BELOW THE RIM OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE DEVICE TO HOLD THE SPRAYER ABOVE THE WATER RIM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK

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.