FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
DON PEDRO CARNITAS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 5, 2023
Complaint
License #2601736
10
Total Violations
6
Critical
3
Major
1
Minor
2
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT HANDWASHING SINK AT FRONT DISPENSING SINK AND REAR PREP AREA. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HAND CLEANING LIQUID AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030-(C). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: FOUND MENS TOILET ROOM HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 74F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CORRECTED
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT DISH/DISPENSING AREA AND REAR PREP. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C), CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE PF VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
Status
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: FOUND IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF CARNITAS RANGING FROM 125F - 130F LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD DISPENSING AREA UNDER HEAT LAMP. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDS SAID FOOD ITEM AT 60LB COST $100. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 135F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Food Code Requirement
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND APPROX. 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDER REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. ALSO NOTES 4 LARGE FLIES AND 5 SMALL FLIES IN SAID AREA. MUST MINIMIZE FLY ACTIVITY. ALSO, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE POTS FOR COOKING CARNITAS, SALSA'S,ETC. UNABLE TO FULLY SUBMERGE IN BASINS OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE TO ADEQUATELY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #52
MAJOR
Violation Details
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: FOUND WASTE WATER LEAKING FROM GREASE TRAP LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. SEWAGE SHALL BE CONVEYED TO THE POINT OF DISPOSAL THROUGH AN APPROVED SANITARY SEWAGE SYSTEM THAT IS CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C).CITATION ISSUED. INSTRUCTED TO NO LONGER USE SAID 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
Why This Matters
Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All waste water must be properly disposed.
Specific Requirements
Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-402.11
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: FOUND INSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE OPEN. MUST PROVIDE CLOSED TIGHT FITTING GARBAGE LIDS AT ALL TIMES.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: FOUND NO LIGHTING IN DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: FOUND NO LIGHTING IN DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection