FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
BIRRIERIA OCOTLAN INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 3, 2023
Canvass
License #1620284
16
Total Violations
6
Critical
3
Major
7
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
16
Violation #9
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS BY FOOD HANDLER SUCH AS MALE EMPLOYEE PICKED UP A HEATED TORTILLA WITH BARE HANDS TO PUT COOKED GOAT IN .INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD FOOD.MUST PROVIDE UTENSILS,GLOVES OR DELI PAPER TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOODS. (COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.
Food Code Requirement
Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.
Specific Requirements
Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-101.11, 5-103.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT REAR PREP AREA HAND SINK.SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030)(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICE AT REAR PREP AREA HAND SINK.PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030)(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)(COS)
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED MULTI-USE UTENSILS NOT BEING SANITIZED (0.0 PPM'S)AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.OBSERVED SOAPY WATER IN A BUCKET INSIDE OF SINK BASIN FAR RIGHT AND DISHES BEING RINSED UNDER RUNNING WATER AND PLACED AT RACK TO DRY.INSTRUCTED TO SET -UP SINK TO PROPERLY SANITIZE UTENSILS.(PRIORITY 7-38-025)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS 400LBS. COOKED GOAT RANGING FROM 74.8F-99.0F ON TOPSIDE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT IN 7- PANS ON REAR PREP TABLE.15LBS. COOKED TONGUE-89.3F IN A PAN ON REAR PREP TABLE. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 415LBS.$5,127.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Food Code Requirement
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF OUTTER FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND MOPSINK.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #46
MAJOR
Violation Details
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS EMPLOYEE PUT ON GLOVES DURING INSPECTION.
Why This Matters
Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use gloves must be used correctly.
Specific Requirements
Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.15
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELVES OF TABLES IN SAME AREA.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON 1- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE MOLD BUILD UP AT CAULKING ABOVE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR DINING AREA.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP FROM HOOD & FILTERS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP FROM HOOD & FILTERS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection