ATHENA RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA - Comments: Observe bar hand sink without soap and paper towels. Observed soda gun holder drain line routed directly into bar handsink, and debris in basin. Instructed hand sink may only be used for washing hands. Instructed all hand sinks must be have soap and paper towels (or a sanitary drying device) available at all times. Operator corrected during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-030.

Missing supplies prevent proper handwashing, forcing inadequate cleaning that spreads pathogens.

All handwashing sinks must have soap and hand drying provisions.

Soap in dispensers at each sink; Paper towels in dispensers or air dryers; Supplies maintained during all hours; Waste receptacles if paper towels used.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD PROPERLY THAWED - Comments: Observed frozen potentially hazardous foods (octopus, squid, etc.) being improperly thawed in 2 compartment sink in rear of kitchen. Foods stored in basin which is full of cold standing water. Instructed must use approved method of thawing potentially hazardous foods as outlined in the Food Rules & Regulations such as: in a refrigeration unit with internal ambient air temperature of 40F or less; under potable running water at a temperature of 70F or below.; in a microwave only when part of continuous cooking process and finished in convention cooking facilities. Operator turned on water to allow water to continuous run over thawing foods. Serious violation 7-38-005(a).

Improper thawing allows surface bacteria to multiply while interior remains frozen.

Time/temperature control foods must be thawed safely.

Approved thawing methods: Under refrigeration; Under cold running water; In microwave if immediately cooked; As part of cooking. Never at room temperature.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: Observed 1-2 inch gap in between front exterior doors (top to bottom of doors). All doors must be tight fitting to prevent pest entry. Must repair to make tight fitting. Serious violation 7-38-020.

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: OBSERVED DRY STORAGE BINS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL AND MAINTAIN.

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED RUST ON THE SHELVES LOCATED IN THE WALK IN COOLER. OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL AND MAINTAIN.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: OBSERVED ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT LOCATED BY 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS. OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH A SLITE PINKISH SUBSTANCE LOCATED BY THE ICE MAKER OBSERVED FANS IN ONE DOOR REFRIGERATORS WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS. OBSERVED FANS IN WALK IN COOLER WITH ACCUMULATED DUST DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS IN FOOD PREP AREA AND BY DISH WASHING AREA NEED TO BE RE-GROUTED. OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS THRU OUT FOOD PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING AREA, DRY STORAGE AREA, AND WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: OBSERVED VENTS WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DUST DEBRIS LOCATED BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED WALLS AND CEILINGS BY THE DISH MACHINE WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Observed drain line for soda gun holder routed to hand sink in bar. Must remove. Drain line must be routed directly to floor drain. Must maintain same.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NEEDED ON THE FAUCET OF THE UTILITY SINK. INSTRCUTED TO PROVIDE ALL AND MAINTAIN.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: OBSERVED THERMOMETERS NEEDED IN 2 REFRIGERATORS AND COLD HOLDING UNITS LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE COOKING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: OBSERVED THERMOMETERS NEEDED IN 2 REFRIGERATORS AND COLD HOLDING UNITS LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE COOKING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.