BIRRIERIA OCOTLAN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: Observed no signed employee health policies on site during inspection for all food employees. Instructed to provide and maintain. Priority Foundation Violation. #7-38-010. 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: Observed hand sink located in rear prep/dishwashing areas blocked by garbage can,a wrench and hand washing sign was stored inside of said sink unable to access hand sink during time if inspection. Instructed to remove and maintain accessible. 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: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND SINKS IN 1ST FL. REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA AND BASEMENT PREP AREA. PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)

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.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: Observed the following TCS foods at improper hot holding temperatures during inspection... Approximately 6 lbs with $120 value of Goat located in front prep area 111.0F-126.0F Instructed to hold hot food @135.0F at all times and maintain. Priority Violation. #7-38-005. Citation Issued.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: Observed no labels (squeeze bottles) located on tables and front prep area. Instructed to provide and maintain when not in original containers.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: Observed approximately 50 large rodent droppings in basement scattered under 3 compartment sink and inside hole in the wall, the dirt area and in the tool room scattered throughout the shelving units. Instructed to clean and sanitize and maintain. Must eliminate pest activity. Recommended to have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 4/5/23. Priority Foundation Violation.# 7-38-020 (A). Citation Issued.

Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.

No pests or animals allowed in facility.

No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: Observed back door open in rear prep area with door open and magnetic screen not tight fitting. Instructed to enclose in order to prevent pest entry.

Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.

No pests or animals allowed in facility.

No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: Observed air drying wiping cloths stored throughout all prep areas. Instructed to store in sanitizing water and maintain.

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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: Observed ice scoop stored improperly in between uses. Instructed to store in a clean container and not on top of ice machine.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Observed crates located in dry storage area, must eliminate and provide adequate shelving units. Observed 2 door refrigeration unit located in dining area in need of lock to protect food from public 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 plastic grocery and black garbage bags used for food storage in all chest freezers, must eliminate and provide food grade storage bags.

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: must remove rust from lower shelves of prep tables in basement prep area.

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: Observed large pots on site unable to be fully submerged inside of 3 compartment sink for proper washing and sanitizing. Instructed to remove or provide a larger sink.

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: must defrost ice build up from all chest freezers and clean.

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: Observed no back flow device on ice machine located in basement. Must be seen for servicing and maintain.

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: Observed no toilet seat in toilet room in basement instructed to attach. Must repair leaky pipes on front and rear first floor hand washing sinks. Must maintain in good repair.

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: Observed large black garbage bags of trash and recycles stored in backyard leading to trash area. Instructed to remove and maintain area free of clutter.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: must scrape and paint chipping paint on walls throughout basement prep/dish washing area.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: must clean food debris and splatter from walls in basement prep/dish washing area.

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: observed cooking equipment not under ventilation hood fully in rear prep area must place underneath.

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: Observed no food handler training certificates for all employees. Instructed to provide and maintain.

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: Observed no food handler training certificates for all employees. Instructed to provide and maintain.

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.