DAMENZO'S INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER PROVIDED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEXT TO THE BACK DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER ABOVE 100F AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK TO WASH HANDS PROPERLY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED CHEESE, SAUSAGE, AND PEPPERONI PIZZA SLICES INSIDE OF THE HOT HOLDING UNIT WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 99F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL HOT TCS FOODS ABOVE 135F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE THE REAR PREP AREA WALK-IN COOLER. OBSERVED BEEF AT 45F, CHICKEN AT 44F, SALAD DRESSINGS AT 46-63F, COOKED PASTA AT 45F, CUT LETTUCE AT 46F, WHIPPING CREAM AT 45F, CHEESE AT 45F, GYRO SAUCE AT 44F, AND SALSA AT 47F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. SEE VIOLATION #21 ABOVE FOR CITATION.

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 WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 46F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS MEATS AND CHEESES. 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE 3-DOOR TACO PREP COOLER, STOVE, AND PIZZA OVEN IN THE PIZZA PREP AREA.

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 EXCESSIVE GARBAGE AND LITTER ON THE GROUND SURROUNDING THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER AND INSIDE THE DUMPSTER CORRAL. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO KEEP THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA CLEAN AT ALL TIMES. 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: CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS.

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: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE FLAT TOP GRILL AND TACO PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN GREASE FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.

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: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.

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.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2590692 ON 3/8/24 NOT CORRECTED: 45 - OBSERVED UNWRAPPED PLASTIC SINGLE-USE UTENSILS SUCH AS FORKS, KNIVES, AND SPOONS STORED IN A CARDBOARD BOX IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS IN A PROPER, CLEAN CONTAINER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Deviating from approved procedures removes critical safety controls.

Must comply with all approved plans and procedures.

Follow approved plans; Maintain required records; Operate as permitted; No unauthorized changes.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2590692 ON 3/8/24 NOT CORRECTED: 45 - OBSERVED UNWRAPPED PLASTIC SINGLE-USE UTENSILS SUCH AS FORKS, KNIVES, AND SPOONS STORED IN A CARDBOARD BOX IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS IN A PROPER, CLEAN CONTAINER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Deviating from approved procedures removes critical safety controls.

Must comply with all approved plans and procedures.

Follow approved plans; Maintain required records; Operate as permitted; No unauthorized changes.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.