EL BARCO RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN AND FISH) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. 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.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010.

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE OR CLEANING MATERIALS TO CLEAN UP SAID INCIDENT ON SITE. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND CLEANING MATERIALS (GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP, DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS) FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW AND USE WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN WOMENS WASHROOM. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT BAR, ALSO NOTED NO HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT FOOD DISPENSING AREA. A HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE LOCATED TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES IN ALL FOOD PREPERATION AREAS AND FOOD DISPENSING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED UNKNOWN DRAIN HOSE DRAINING INTO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREPARATION/DISHWASHING AREA. HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE USED FOR HANDWASHING PURPOSES ONLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DRAIN HOSE FROM SAID SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION - Comments: FOUND 90 DAY SHELLSTOCK TAGS KEPT FOR RECORD KEEPING MISSING LAST SERVED OR SOLD DATE. THE DATE WHEN THE LAST SHELLSTOCK FROM THE CONTAINER IS SOLD OR SERVED SHALL BE RECORDED ON THE TAG OR LABEL. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.

Uncorrected violations continue posing health risks and often worsen over time.

Previous critical violations must be corrected.

All previous violations corrected within required timeframes; Critical violations corrected immediately; Documentation of corrections maintained.

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION - Comments: FOUND OYSTERS STORED IN COLD HOLDING UNIT WITHOUT SHELLSTOCK TAGS.SHELLSTOCK TAGS OR LABELS SHALL REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER IN WHICH THE SHELLSTOCK ARE RECEIVED UNTIL THE CONTAINER IS EMPTY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. MANAGER DISCARD OYSTERS AT TIME OF INSPECTION.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Uncorrected violations continue posing health risks and often worsen over time.

Previous critical violations must be corrected.

All previous violations corrected within required timeframes; Critical violations corrected immediately; Documentation of corrections maintained.

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: FOUND RAW CHICKEN STORED OVER READY TO EAT SALSA, ALSO NOTED FISH STORED OVER RAW GARLIC LOCATED IN WALK IN COOLER. OBSERVED FISH PACKAGE LEAKING. FOOD SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CROSS CONTAMINATION BY SEPARATING RAW ANIMAL FOODS AND READY TO EAT FOODS DURING STORAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.

Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.

Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN REAR PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS AT 00 PPM. INSTRUCTED TO USE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE DISHES AND TO NOT USE DISH MACHINE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING AT A MINIMUM OF 50 PPM. MACHINE NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME. DISH MACHINE IS TAGGED UNTIL NOTIFIED BY CDPH FOR RE-INSPECTION. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED FOR MAINTENANCE TO FIX ISSUE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: FOUND ICE MACHINE FILLED WITH BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE. ALSO NOTED PINK SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT PANEL LOCATED INSIDE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANTITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS UED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (TCS): BLACK BEANS, SALSA HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED RAW OYSTERS ON MENU SAID ITEM IS SERVED RAW. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE FOOTNOTE AND DISCLOSURE FOR MENU ITEMS THAT ARE SERVED RAW/ PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND APPROX 4 LIVE ROACHES UNER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND 1 LIVE ROACH INSIDE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. ALSO NOTED APPROX. 5-6 FLIES LOCATED IN WAREWASHING AREA, FRONT PREP AREA AND DISPENSING AREA. THE PREMISES MUST BE MAINTAINED FREE FROM PEST. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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: FOUND DEAD ROACH LOCATED IN 1 COMPARTMENT SINK. FOUND DEAD SPIDER INSIDE REACH IN COOLER LOCATED AT FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: FOUND HAND DRYER INOPERABLE LOCATED IN WOMENS WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: FOUND 4 INCH DEEP HOTEL PANS STORED UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, ALSO NOTED BLACK TUBS STORED ON RACK ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA. ALL PANS ARE FILLED WITH GREASE, RAW MEAT. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND UNSEALED CEMENT FLOORS THROUGHOUT WALK IN COOLER. ALL FLOORS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIBVE AMOUNT OF ACCUMILATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED UNDER, BEHIND AND THE SIDE OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT FOOD PREPERATION. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CEMENT GROUND LOCATED IN WALK IN COOLER FILLED WITH UNKNOWN LIQUID. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

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: FOUND BROKEN FLOOR TILE FILLED WITH WATER IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: ENTRANCE OF FRONT BAR AND DISH STATION LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD DISPENSING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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: FOUND BROKEN FLOOR TILE FILLED WITH WATER IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: ENTRANCE OF FRONT BAR AND DISH STATION LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD DISPENSING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.