PASS
Risk 1 (High)
CARMELITA'S TAQUERIA Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
June 7, 2018
Canvass
License #1475925
8
Total Violations
4
Critical
2
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #30
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED TO STORE BREAD. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS TO PROPERLY STORE FOOD ITEMS AT ALL TIMES.
Why This Matters
Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.
Food Code Requirement
Approved cooling methods must be used.
Specific Requirements
Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.15
Violation #30
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: OBSERVED PREPARED FOOD ITEMS IN THE FRONT REFRIGERATION UNITS WITHOUT DATES OF PREPARATION. MUST PROVIDE DATE LABELS FOR ALL PREPARED FOODS ON PREMISES.
Why This Matters
Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.
Food Code Requirement
Approved cooling methods must be used.
Specific Requirements
Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.15
Violation #31
MAJOR
Violation Details
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: OBSERVED A CUP USED TO DISPENSE SPICES IN THE FRONT PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE A HANDLED SCOOP TO DISPENSE FOOD AND TO STORE THE SCOOP EITHER IN THE FOOD WITH THE HANDLE FACING UP OR IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER IN BETWEEN USE.
Why This Matters
Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.
Food Code Requirement
Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.
Specific Requirements
Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-603.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD FOR THE LIGHT FIXTURE ABOVE THE FRONT PREP AREA WHERE HIBISCUS AND LEMONADE ARE STORED.
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
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: THE FAN VENTILATION UNIT INSIDE OF THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM IS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FAN VENT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION IN THE EMPLYOEE WASHROOM AT ALL TIMES.
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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: FACILITY HAS 2 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS WITH ONLY 5 STOPPERS. MUST PROVIDE A STOPPER FOR EACH COMPARTMENT ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE ONE MORE ADDITIONAL STOPPER.
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 #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS STORED ON A FOOD STORAGE RACK IN THE BASEMENT. PERSONAL ITEMS MUST BE STORED SEPARATE AND AWAY FROM ANY FOOD STORAGE AND PREPARATION AREAS.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
Violation #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS STORED ON A FOOD STORAGE RACK IN THE BASEMENT. PERSONAL ITEMS MUST BE STORED SEPARATE AND AWAY FROM ANY FOOD STORAGE AND PREPARATION AREAS.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
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