CARNITAS Y SUPERMERCADO EL GIGANTE INC Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED BOTH THE MEAT DEPARTMENT HANDWASHING SINK AND THE CARNITAS PREPARATION AREA HANDWASHING SINK BLOCKED WITH LARGE TRASH CANS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE SINKS DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAKE HANDWASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES TO ALLOW FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

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.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED HOT TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES; FOUND CARNITAS (COOKED PORK) INSIDE THE GLASS HOT-HOLDING CASE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AT 109F-120F, AND ALSO FOUND ROASTED CHICKEN INSIDE A HOT-HOLDING UNIT AT 110F. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HOT HOLDING FOODS MUST BE AT 135F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. FOOD DISCARDED. 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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE GLASS HOT-HOLDING CASE WHERE CARNITAS ARE HELD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL HOT-HOLDING UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK FOOD CONTAINERS ON PREMISES WITHOUT A LABEL (FLOUR, SALT, SUGAR, ETC). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY FOOD ITEM.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED THE LID OF THE CHEST FREEZER CLOSEST TO THE CARVING STATION IN DISREPAIR; LID IS BROKEN AND THE PLASTIC IS PEELING OFF FROM INSIDE, EXPOSING A FOAM MATERIAL THAT HAS HEAVY DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE OR REPAIR LID.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE WALLS AND FLOORS INSIDE THE CARNITAS PREP ROOM, AS WELL AS NEAR THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS (NEAR WALL BASE), AS WELL AS DETAIL CLEAN WALLS TO REMOVE GREASE STAINS.

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: FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE WALLS AND FLOORS INSIDE THE CARNITAS PREP ROOM, AS WELL AS NEAR THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS (NEAR WALL BASE), AS WELL AS DETAIL CLEAN WALLS TO REMOVE GREASE STAINS.

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.