CHINESE KITCHEN MEI INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR 6 INCHES.

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME.

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 APPROXIMATELY 30 RODENT DROPPINGS IN CABINET AND ON FLOOR OF EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN FACILITY FREE OF PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED TO STORE FOOD IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO CEASE AND USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE 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 PREP TABLE MOUNTED CAN OPENER CRACKED AND COVERED IN RUST AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD AND EGG CRATES USED AS SHELF LINERS AND STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD/EGG CRATES AND MAINTAIN ONLY SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.

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.

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER THROUGHOUT FACILITY. NOTED ALL SINKS IN FACILITY MAINTAINING IMPROPER MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 75.7F AND 78.0F. MANAGEMENT STATES HOT WATER HEATER BROKE LAST NIGHT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT HOT WATER THROUGHOUT FACILITY AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.

Adequate hot and cold running water required.

Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: PLUMBING UNDER 2 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKS. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN PLUMBING.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR CORNER NEAR WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN ONLY NECESSARY ITEMS ON SITE. KEEP AREAS ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND PEST MONITORING.

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: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR CORNER NEAR WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN ONLY NECESSARY ITEMS ON SITE. KEEP AREAS ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND PEST MONITORING.

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.