CHICAGO PITA KITCHEN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(COS)

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (SOUP,CHICKEN,RICE,ETC)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 2:35 P.M.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED REPACKAGED DESSERTS ON DISPLAY FOR SALE WITHOUT PROPER FOOD LABEL(NAME,ADDRESS,INGREDIENTS,WEIGHT)MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 35 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR BEHIND CLUTTER UNDERNEATH ELECTRICAL BOX,ON FLOOR UNDER AND ON SHELVING UNITS,BEHIND DECORATIONS ON 2ND FL. FOOD STORAGE AREA AND FRYER CABINET.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 1/11/23.(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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE ON CUTTING BOARDS.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP SITTING ON TOP OF ARTICLES ON 2ND FL. SHELVING UNITS MUST STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS, LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED WORN ,PITTED AND STAINED CUTTING BOARD MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING SINK STOPPERS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,WORN DOOR GASKET ON 1- DOOR PREP COOLER.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,GRILL TABLES,PREP TABLES,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.

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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR LEADING INTO PREP AREA.

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: MUST CLEAN DIRT AND DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS AND DOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED,LOOSE & MISSING WALL BASES IN TOILET ROOM,PREP AREAS.DAMAGED WALL UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK & DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AND DISH WASHING 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: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT.

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: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

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: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR PREP AREA AND BURNTOUT LIGHT IN SAME AREA.

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.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.