CTA CHICAGO TACO AUTHORITY Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED FISH AT 51.1F, CORN AT 48.2F, CHEESE AT 44.6F, CUT TOMATOES AT 45.7F, GUACAMOLE AT 50F, PICO DE GALLO AT 51.8F, SOUR CREAM AT 52.7F, AND CUT LETTUCE AT 47.5F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 47F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS FISH AND CHEESE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.

All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.

Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: THE MEN'S WASHROOM DOOR LACKS A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: THE FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM ARE BROKEN OR MISSING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

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: ONE OF THE LIGHTS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA IS NOT WORKING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON-WORKING LIGHTS.

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: ONE OF THE LIGHTS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA IS NOT WORKING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON-WORKING LIGHTS.

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.