CREATIVE THINKERS LLC ALL MEAL, PREP Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST REMOVE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AND PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER FROM THE FRONT COFFEE PREP AREA ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDERCOOKED SUCH AS EGGS AND BURGERS. MUST DISCLOSE AND REMIND CUSTOMERS OF SUCH FOOD ON BOTH THE PRINTED AND VIRTUAL MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 4 LBS NEW YORK STRIP STEAKS REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGED ON SITE WITH A PREP DATE OF 8-16-24 INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AT 40.1F. FROM THAT DATE HELD LONGER THAN 48 HOURS. NO APPROVED SPECIALIZED FOOD PROCESS APPROVAL ON SITE. STEAKS DISCARDED AND DENATURED. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL APPROVED BY C.D.P.H. FOR USE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS - Comments: NO WRITTEN VARIANCE APPROVAL ON SITE FOR THE REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING PERFORMED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #29 FOR CITATION.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT 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 AN OPEN 1/2 INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD OF THE REAR KITCHEN EXIT DOOR TO THE OUTDOORS. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD.

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: MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE SANITIZED DRYING RACK OF THE DISHWASHING AREA FOUR COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE HAND WASHING SINK.

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: MUST PROVIDE LIDS FOR ALL ICE BINS IN THE COFFEE PREP AND BAR.

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: NOTED BOTH OUTSIDE WASTE RECEPTACLES OVERFLOWING WITH FOOD DEBRIS GARBAGE AND OUTSIDE GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH SPILLED GREASE ON TOP OF THE CONTAINER AND DRIPPING DOWN THE SIDES TO THE GROUND. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL OVERFLOWING GARBAGE, GREASE AND CLEAN ALL SURROUNDING GROUNDS OF THE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MISSING WALL TILE AT THE COOKS LINE.----MISSING CEILING TILE IN THE FAR REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST REPLACE ALL.

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: ALL UNUSED STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES, IN ALL STORAGE AREAS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING AND ALL OTHER NEEDED ITEMS MUST BE STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED.

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: MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE COOKS LINE. MUST REPLACE.

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: MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE COOKS LINE. MUST REPLACE.

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.