COZY NOODLES & RICE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: INTERIOR ICE MACHINE DRIP PLATE IS NOT CLEAN TO SIGHT AND TOUCH. FACILITY MUST WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: FROZEN FISH IS THAWING WHILE STILL WRAPPED IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING (ROP). THE PACKAGE MUST BE OPENED OR MUST BE REMOVED FROM FISH IN ROP BEFORE THAWING UNDER REFRIGERATION OR RUNNING WATER.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CUP USED AS A SCOOP IN DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER IN BASEMENT WITHOUT A HANDLE. THE FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE. THE MANAGER REMOVED THE CUP FROM THE CONTAINER.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: CONTAINERS OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. ITEMS MUST BE AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.

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: SHELVING IN THE WALK-IN COOLER HAS RUSTED AND IS NO LONGER EASILY CLEANABLE. REPLACE RUSTED SHELVING WITH A CORROSION-RESISTANT, NONABSORBENT, AND SMOOTH MATERIAL.

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: PREP-LINE UNIT GASKETS ARE SOILED WITH A HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS. THE FACILITY MUST BE CLEAN AND MAINTAINED.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: GREASE WAS FOUND DRIPPING FROM THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXHAUST VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEM. EXHAUST VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEMS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AND WAREWASHING AREAS, INCLUDING COMPONENTS SUCH AS HOODS, FANS, GUARDS, AND DUCTING, SHALL BE DESIGNED TO PREVENT GREASE OR CONDENSATION FROM DRAINING OR DRIPPING ONTO FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINEN, AND SINGLE-SERVICE/SINGLE-USE ARTICLES.

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: EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION FOUND ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UPDATED AND VALID CERTIFICATES.

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: EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION FOUND ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UPDATED AND VALID CERTIFICATES.

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.