AURA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INITIAL INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED AND ARRIVED APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES LATER WITH CERTIFICATE IN HAND. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED THE COOK HANDLING READY TO EAT BURGER BUNS, TOPPING FOR FOODS SUCH AS LETTUCE AND CHEESE WITH BARE HANDS. REVIEWED THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD. MANAGER INSTRUCTED COOK TO WASH HANDS AND WEAR GLOVES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.

Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.

Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: INADEQUATE HOT WATER IN BOTH THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS. WOMEN'S WASHROOM MAXIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT 81.5F AND MENS AT 75.9F. MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F. PRIORITY 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED AT THE BAR WHERE BEVERAGES ARE PREPARED AND SERVED, ICE FOR CONSUMPTION IS HANDLED. MUST PROVIDE A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THAT PROPERLY DRAINS, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED BOTH HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE PREMISES NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. THE PREP HAND SINK WAS BEING USED TO THAW FOOD NOTED IN A FOOD CONTAINER WITH WATER, THE DISHWASHING HAND SINK WAS BLOCKED BY A COOLER AND A GARBAGE CAN. STAFF REMOVED THAWING FOOD AND MOVED THE COOLER AND GARBAGE CAN. REVIEWED HAND WASHING SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FOR CITATION.

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-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: NOTED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINES UPPER WATER RESERVOIR WHERE ICE FOR CONSUMPTION IS PRODUCED WITH EXCESSIVE PINK AND BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE ON ICE CONTACT SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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 COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED PREPARED TCS FOODS HELD IN A ONE DOOR COOLER AND TWO DOOR COOLER ON THE PREP LINE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. COOKED ONION AT 68F, CEVICHE AT 51.8F, CHICKEN AT 52F, FISH DIP AT 44.2F. ALSO NOTED PASTA SALAD AT 46.5, COOKED PORK AT 62F AND COOKED VEGGIE BURGERS AT 69.8F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: NOTED ANIMAL ORIGIN FOOD SUCH AS TUNA TARTARE ON THE MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. MUST DISCLOSE AND REMIND CUSTOMERS OF SUCH FOOD ON BOTH THE PRINTED AND VIRTUAL MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED COOLERS ON PREMISES UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURES. ONE DOOR COOKS LINE COOLER WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 69.8F WITH COOKED ONION AT 68F, TWO DOOR PREP COOLER AT 60F WITH CEVICHE AT 51.8F. BOTH COOLERS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED, MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AND C.D.P.H CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 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.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: NOTED IMPROPERLY THAWING FOOD INSIDE A HAND WASHING SINK IN STANDING WATER. REVIEWED PROPER THAWING METHODS AND LOCATIONS TO THAW.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: BULK FOODS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER NOT LABELED. MUST PROPERLY LABEL WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: DISHWASHER NOTED WITHOUT AN EFFECT HAT/HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES.

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.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.

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: BROKEN DOOR ON THE COOKS LINE ONE DOOR COOLER AND ATTACHED WITH A ROPE. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR.

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: NOTED THE DISH MACHINE ON THE PREMISE NOT OPERATIONAL, NOT IN USE. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT RESUME USE UNTIL C.D.P.H CONTACTED BY WRITTEN REQUEST FOR INSPECTION OF MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: NOTED INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN 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.

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: INADEQUATE HOT WATER THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. MAXIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE NOTED AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT 83.8F AND HAND SINKS MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 84.5F AND 85.4F. WATER WAS NOT RUN FOR 20 MINUTES AND HOT WATER TANK WAS ABLE TO RESTORE ITS HOT WATER DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.

Adequate hot and cold running water required.

Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: UTILITY SERVICE SINK THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY LOCATED IN A CLOSET HAS BEEN REMOVED. MUST REPLACE.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED BROKEN FLOOR DRAIN COVER WITH LARGE HOLE AT THE GRILL LINE. MUST REPLACE.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: NOTED NO VENTILATION OVER THE TWO DEEP FRYERS AND FLAT TOP GRILL ON THE PREMISES. SUCH EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROPERLY VENTILATED.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.