FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
BQ AFROROOT CUISINE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
September 18, 2018
Complaint
License #1803230
15
Total Violations
7
Critical
2
Major
6
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
15
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: 2-102.12 NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED.INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(N) NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012(A). NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 MANAGEMENT UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE TO HAVE A PROCEDURE IN PLACE INCLUDING THE CHEMICALS NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 6-301.12(A) NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS INSIDE THE BATHROOMS FOR EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEES PUT PAPER TOWELS AT THE BATHROOMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C)
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: 4-703.11(c2) NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. NO SANITIZER WAS USED TO SET UP THE SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025
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 #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND/OR PREPARED BY DATE INCLUDING BULK FOOD CONTAINERS
Why This Matters
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
All food properly labeled with required information.
Specific Requirements
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-202.18
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 NOTED OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE AT THE KITCHEN PREP AND BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE. ALSO NOTED OVER 10 FLYING INSECTS ON PREMISE BY 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(A)
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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-102.11(A) NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN GROCERY BAGS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND STORE FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
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: 4-202.11 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVES AND INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH FOOD SPILLS, DIRT AND FOOD PARTICLES....ALSO NOTED HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE ALL CHEST FREEZERS AT THE BASEMENT FOOD/DRY STORAGE AREA.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, DEFROST AND MAINTAIN.
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: 4-501.12 NOTED DIRTY CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP CUTS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, SMOOTHEN THE SURFACE AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15(B) NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.114 NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND/OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST
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: 6-201.11 NOTED THE FOLLOWING:- -NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES AND OPENINGS ALONG PIPING AND CEILING THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT.INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST -INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE KITCHEN AREA, BASEMENT DRY STORAGE IN THE BATHROOMS AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY WHERE RODENT DROPPINGS WERE FOUND. -NOTED STAINED CEILING TILES AND WALLS STAINED WITH FOOD SPILLS BEHIND THE REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST UPGRADE HOUSEKEEPING.
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: 6-501.14 NOTED NO WORKING VENTILATION INSIDE THE MEN'S TOILET ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND HAVE A WORKING VENTILATION INSIDE ALL TOILETS.
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: 6-501.14 NOTED NO WORKING VENTILATION INSIDE THE MEN'S TOILET ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND HAVE A WORKING VENTILATION INSIDE ALL TOILETS.
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