ALLENDE RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDSINK NEAR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS 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.

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER FOOD STORAGE IN REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. OPEN UNCUT CILANTRO , BELL PEPPER, COOKED RICE, STORED BELOW GROUND BEEF. WHOLE INTACT BEEF STORED BELOW GROUND BEEF. VEGETABLES SITTING DIRECTLY ON TOP OF RAW MEAT. INFORMED THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF PROPER FOOD STORAGE REARRANGE AND MAINTAIN. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNATARILY DISCARDED VEGETABLES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERED 20 POUNDS OF BEANS IN REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA NOT AT PROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE. NOTED A BUCKET OF BEANS AT TEMPERATURE OF 59.9F STORED IN REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF BELOW 41.0F AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF ABOVE 135.0F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. TOTAL WEIGHT 20 LBS, TOTAL VALUE $100.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED CASES OF SODA STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT SEATING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED PLASTIC TSHIRT BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN FREEZER AND FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS TO STORE FOOD ITEMS 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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD COOKING EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS (POTS, PANS,ETC.) TOO LARGE FOR 3-COMPARTMENT WAREWASHING SINK. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE SINK COMPARTMENTS SHALL BE LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE IMMERSION OF THE LARGEST EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. IF SAID EQUIPMENT OR UTENSILS ARE TOO LARGE FOR WAREWASHING SINK, A WAREWASHING MACHINE OR ALTERNATIVE EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROVIDED OR INSTALLED AND OR SUBMIT A SOP FOR PROPER CLEANING/SANITIZING TECHNIQUE OF OVERSIZE ITEMS OR REMOVE FROM FACILITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A SERVICE/UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF DIRTY MOP WATER 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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED THE PEROSN IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED THE PEROSN IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.