CARNICERIA JIMENEZ INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED - Comments: OBSERVED PACKAGES OF PASTA AND SNACK CHIPS GNAWED INTO BY RODENTS. OBSERVED PASTA NOODLES AND RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE STORAGE SHELVES BETWEEN THE PACKAGES OF FOOD. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED ALL AFFECTED PACKAGES OF FOOD. PRIORITY 7-40-050(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Pests carry numerous pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Hantavirus, contaminating food and surfaces.

Facility must be free of pest infestation.

No live pests; No pest droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting; Effective pest control program; Regular monitoring; Professional treatment when needed.

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED CROSS CONTAMINATION BETWEEN RAW CHICKEN AND RAW PORK AND BEEF PRODUCTS INSIDE THE MEAT DISPLAY COOLER. OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH RAW BEEF, BEEF TRIPE AND RAW PORK IN THE MEAT DISPLAY COOLER. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED THE AFFECTED PRODUCT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SEPARATE RAW FOODS FROM EACH OTHER SO AS NOT TO CROSS CONTAMINATE IT. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.

Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.

Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: OBSERVED CHORIZO STORED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE BEHIND THE MEAT COUNTER. PREMISES HAS A LABORATORY TEST FOR THE CHORIZO WATER ACTIVITY BUT NO pH TEST. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LABORATORY TEST FOR THE CHORIZO WHICH INCLUDES pH AND WATER ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS FROM THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT, AND APPROXIMATELY 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN THE GROCERY AISLES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED PLASTIC CONTAINERS AND STYROFOAM CUPS USED AS SCOOPS FOR SALSA AND OTHER SAUCES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE SO THAT THE FOOD IS NOT CONTAMINATED.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE MEAT DISPLAY COOLER CASE AND TAQUERIA PREP COOLER.

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 NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOMS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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: CLEAN THE WALLS AND FLOOR OF THE MEAT PREP AREA. CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE MEAT WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT.

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: REPLACE THE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREAS AND DISPLAY AREAS.

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: REPLACE THE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREAS AND DISPLAY AREAS.

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.