CAFE TOLA #4 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED EMPANADAS WITH VARIOUS FILLINGS STORED INSIDE OF THE HOT HOLDING DISPLAY CASE AT 128F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL HOT FOODS MUST BE HOT HELD ABOVE 135F. 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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED A CARTON OF LIQUID EGGS STORED ON TOP OF THE GRILL WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 52F, AND CARTONS AND GALLONS OF MILK STORED AT 47-62F INSIDE OF THE ICE BIN. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. SEE VIOLATION #21 ABOVE FOR CITATION.

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE WASHROOM, STORAGE HALLWAY AND DINING AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE TRAP, PREP COOLER UNDER GRILL, AND PREP TABLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.

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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED THE WASHROOM DOOR WITHOUT A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: REPAIR THE CEILING DRYWALL IN THE WASHROOM ABOVE THE DOOR.

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: CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREA AND THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

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 SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

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.