BIG AL'S RESTAURANT Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN AND CHEESE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

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.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 49.8F, BEEF AT 43.3F, CHEESE AT 48.2F, POLISH DOGS AT 46.1F, CUT TOMATOES AT 47.1F, PORK AT 45.9F, PIZZA PUFFS AT 50.5F, AND CHORIZO AT 49.8F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10# OF FOOD WROTH APPROXIMATELY $100. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

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 AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD AND DEAD INSECTS FROM THE LIGHT SHIELDS.

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.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE WALL BEHIND THE GRILL. SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE CHIPPED PAINT ON THE DUCTWORK ABOVE THE DRY STORAGE SHELF.

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.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE WALL BEHIND THE GRILL. SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE CHIPPED PAINT ON THE DUCTWORK ABOVE THE DRY STORAGE SHELF.

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.