CASA TEQUILA Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE BEING PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN BAR RENDERED INACCESSIBLE BY STRAINER AND OLD DRINK GARNISHES BEING PLACED IN SINK. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS IN AN ACCESSIBLE MANNER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED BIRRIA BEEF IN A WALK-IN COOLER HELD AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 51.8F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $180. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FROZEN ITEMS IN THE REAR FREEZER STORED IN GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED ONLY TO STORE FOODS IN FOOD-GRADE CONTAINERS.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD-UP OF ICE ON FROZEN DRINK MACHINE AT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF DUST ON VENT ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF DUST ON VENT ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.