CREMERIA SANTA MARIA, INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED

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 CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (FRESH CHEESE, SAUSAGES, TAMALES, DAIRY CREAMERS. ) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. CERTIFIED MANAGER JOSE MARTINEZ ARRIVED ON SITE AT 10:30 AM INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT REAR HANDWASHING SINK AND EMPLOYEES WASHROOM HANDWASHING SINK. TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 45.5F AND 60.9F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. HOT WATER WAS RESTORED DURING INSPECTION TO 105F. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100-150 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER FURNANCE,BEHIND REACH IN FREEZER AND CHEST FREEZER,UNDER SHELVING UNITS,UNDER ALL CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE ,ON LANDING LEADING TO BASEMENT,ON FLOOR IN BASMENT BETWEEN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER.ALSO APPX. 5 OR MORE LIVE ROACHES FOUND IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.CLUTTER IS A POSSIBLE HARBORAGE AREA NEEDS TO REMOVE AND ORGANIZE.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 1/04/23.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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 3-5 DEAD MICE THORUGHOUT FACILTIY(BASEMENT). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL DEAD PEST AND SANITZIE ALL AREAS.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX."3/4-1" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOUBLE DOORS.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.

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 FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR BY STAIRS LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BLOOD RESIDUAL FROM THE MEAT PRODUCT IN THE 2 DOOR FREEZER IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAIN

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED 2 BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS IN DOOR WAY LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO 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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.