AVANTI CAFFE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: Found the following potentially hazardous foods (appx 8lbs of pizza) at improper temperatures in hot holding unit in the front display case: Supreme pizza @ 126.3F; Cheese and tomato pizza @ 126.5F; sausage and pepperoni pizza @ 118.0F and chicken pizza @ 134.2F. Found the following potentially hazardous foods at improper temperatures in the reach in cooler in the front prep area: 2 lbs of ham @ 49.9F; 1lbs of roast beef @ 50.1F; 1.5lbs of tuna @ 50.2F; and 0.75 lbs of American cheese @ 46.2F. Found 1lb of vodka cream sauce @ 129.0F on the stove used for hot holding. Must keep all potentially foods at 140F or higher if hot, and 40F or less if cold, at all times. Operator voluntarily discarded denatured foods during inspection. Operator estimated total value to be $70. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: Found food (ice used for consumption) not protected during storage. Found large amounts of orange, brown and black slimy, mold-like substances throughout all areas of the upper interior of ice machine above the soda fountain in dining room. Instructed to remove substances, detail clean and sanitize machine. Food must be protected at all times. Ice maker turned off during inspection. Serious violation 7-38-005(a).

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.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: Found prepped, potentially hazardous foods (pastas, sliced meats, etc.) without proper label. Found bulk food items (rice, etc.) without proper labels. Must label all prepped potentially hazardous foods with name and date, and bulk food items with name. Must maintain same.

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 IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: Found prepped, potentially hazardous foods (pastas, sliced meats, etc.) without proper label. Found bulk food items (rice, etc.) without proper labels. Must label all prepped potentially hazardous foods with name and date, and bulk food items with name. Must maintain same.

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.