PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
CLARK EL RANCHITO CORP Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
July 25, 2019
Complaint
License #2438111
18
Total Violations
6
Critical
5
Major
7
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
18
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILTY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE /PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #9
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED COOK HAVING BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD INCLUDING TORTILLAS, CHEESE, LETTUCE AND TOMATO. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010
Why This Matters
Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.
Food Code Requirement
Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.
Specific Requirements
Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-101.11, 5-103.11
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED 2 COOLERS AT 50F-52F CONTAINING TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS INCLUDING 10LBS OF CHICKEN VALUED AT $25 AT 51F, 10 LBS OF STEAK VALUED AT $30 AT 51F, 5 LBS OF SAUSAGE AT 52F VALUED AT $20 AND 10 LBS OF PORK VALUED AT $25 AT 51F. ALL FOOD WAS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #23
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING SYSTEM IN PLACE. READY TO EAT AND OR TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS PREPARED AND HELD IN A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE A CLEARLY MARKED LABELING SYSTEM IN PLACE TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS WITH THE DATE OF PREPARATION COUNTING AS DAY 1. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.
Food Code Requirement
Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.
Specific Requirements
Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-403.11
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD. MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY AND DISCLOSE SUCH FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Food Code Requirement
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11(C)
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED 2 COOLERS AT 52F CONTAINING TIME/ TEMPERAURE CONTROLLED FOODS INCLUDING CHICKEN AND PORK. BOTH COOLERS WERE TAGGED DURING INSPECTION. 1 COOLER ON NORTH SIDE WAS REPAIRED AND TAG WAS REMOVED AND COOLER ON SOUTH SIDE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND REMAINS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED DRIED PEPPERS STORED ON SECOND FLOOR WITH A CEILING LEAKING INTO A LARGE PLASTIC TUB. ALL DRIED PEPPERS WERE MOVED TO DRY STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT. NO FOOD IS TO BE STORED ON SECOND FLOOR.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS ON COUNTERS. MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED BOTTOM SHELVES OF METAL PREP TABLES ON NORTH SIDE OF COOKING RUSTY AND NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST RESTORE SURFACE TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GASKETS OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS UNCLEAN WITH HEAVY BUILD UP OF FOOD PARTCLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GASKETS.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAKING CONDITION UNDER FAR RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WALLS OF NORTHSIDE COOKING AREA UNCLEAN WITH DIRT AND BLACK MILDEW LIKE SUBSTANCE. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL WALLS AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ITEMS ON SECOND FLOOR WITH EXCESS CLUTTER. MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE ALL ITEMS AND ELEVATE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CIELING ON SECOND FLOOR IN DISREAIR DUE TO LEAKING CONDITION. MUST REPAIR CEILING AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CRACKED AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE CRACKED AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES AND MAINTIAN FLOOR.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: REFER TO VIOLATION #60
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: REFER TO VIOLATION #60
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection