CARMELITA'S TAQUERIA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: FOUND A 2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR THAT LEADS INTO THE BUILDING. AFTER YOU ENTER THROUGH THE REAR DOOR, THE BASEMENT STAIRCASE IS DOWN THE HALL ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE BASEMENT DOOR HAS BEEN REMOVED AND THE DOOR TO ENTER CARMELITA'S MAIN KITCHEN IS ON THE RIGHT WITH THE DOOR PROPPED OPEN. FOUND APPROXIMATELY 40 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT, 0 DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA OF THE BASEMENT. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS REQUIRED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ALL INFECTED AREAS WHERE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED. MUST INSTALL A PROPER DOOR SWEEP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE BUILDING ENTRANCE/EXIT DOOR. CARMELITA'S HAS BEEN PROPPING THEIR DOOR THAT LEADS INTO THE KITCHEN DUE TO THE AIR CONDITIONING NOT FUNCTIONING. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: RUBBER TRIM UNDER THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR IS PEELING AWAY FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING/RIPPED TRIM AND MAINTAIN TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: RUBBER TRIM UNDER THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR IS PEELING AWAY FROM THE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING/RIPPED TRIM AND MAINTAIN TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.