BENIHANA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14 (N)- OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A). NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-202.12(A)- OBSERVED HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND SINK IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM AT 45.6F. INFORMED MANAGER THAT HOT WATER AT HAND SINKS MUST BE AT LEAST 100F, AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/SERVICE HAND SINK AND ENSURE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-030(C)

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.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: 3-501.13- OBSERVED INTACT VACUUMED SEALED PACKAGES OF FISH THAWING IN WALK IN COOLER ON ROLLING RACKS. INFORMED MANAGER THAT VACUUMED SEALED PACKAGES OF FISH MUST BE REMOVED FROM VACUUM PACKAGE AND THAWED UNDER REFRIGERATION OUT OF PACKAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FISH FROM VACUUMED SEALED PACKAGES AND THAW OUTSIDE OF PACKAGING UNDER REFRIGERATION. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: 4-904.13- OBSERVED PRE SET FLATWARE AND GLASS WARE STORED UPRIGHT ON TABLES THROUGHOUT DINNING ROOM AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT PRE SET CUTLERY AND GLASS WARE STORED ON TABLE TOPS MUST BE STORED INVERTED OR UPSIDE DOWN TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE SAID ITEMS ON TABLE TOPS INVERTED OR UPSIDE DOWN TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: 4-904.13- OBSERVED PRE SET FLATWARE AND GLASS WARE STORED UPRIGHT ON TABLES THROUGHOUT DINNING ROOM AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT PRE SET CUTLERY AND GLASS WARE STORED ON TABLE TOPS MUST BE STORED INVERTED OR UPSIDE DOWN TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE SAID ITEMS ON TABLE TOPS INVERTED OR UPSIDE DOWN TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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.