CEVICHERIA Y RESTAURANT RIO BALSAS Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION AT 2:45PM WHILE TCS, TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, FOODS WERE BEING SERVED. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT APPROXIMATELY 3:15PM. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER 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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS NOT AT THE PROPER TEMPERATURE IN THE DEEP FREEZER. FREEZER AMBIANT TEMPERATURE IS AT 86.7F AND SALSA AT 58.2F AND CEVICHE AT 60.2F. INSTRUCTED TO TOSS/DISCARD ALL FOOD ITEMS IN THE FREEZER. PRIORITY. 7-38-005.

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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED COOLING EQUIPMENT (FREEZER) NOT HOLDING AT PROPER TEMPERATURE AT 70.0F. TAGGED DEEP FREEZER FOR IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY. 7-38-005.

Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.

All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.

Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED CHICKEN AND FRENCH FRIES THAWING IN A BROKEN DEEP FREEZER UNIT AT 70.0F. INSTRUCTED TO THAW IN REFRIGERATION.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MOP DRYING IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MOP PROPERLY AS NOT TO HARBOR INSECTS/PESTS.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED VENT HOOD NEEDS CLEANING/MAINTENANCE AT STOVE AND OVER THE GRILL IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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 VENT HOOD NEEDS CLEANING/MAINTENANCE AT STOVE AND OVER THE GRILL IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.