BIEN ME SABE VENEZUELAN CAFE & RESTAURANT Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (COOKED RICE, COOKD CHICKEN, COOKED PORK SOUPS ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN THE WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING STOPPERS FOR THE 3-COMPARTMENT LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ADEQUATE WORKING STOPPERS 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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RUSTY BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.

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: OBSERVED RAW WOODEN SHELVES USED AS ELEVATION UNDER CHEST FREEZERS AND RAW WOODEN FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED AND NON-ABSORBENT.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILD UP INSIDE FRUIT CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN REAR OF BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE DETAIL 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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED IN THE REAR PREP HAND WASHING SINK. MUST REPAIR AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT ALL TIMES.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED IN THE REAR PREP HAND WASHING SINK. MUST REPAIR AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT ALL TIMES.

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.