EL COMANDANTE AZTECA RESTAURANTE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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 WRITTEN PROCEDURE POSTED OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE OR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIAHRREAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE ESTABLISHMENT. 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.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY IN MENU FOR (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE (ASTERISK) AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED 2-DOOR COOLER WITH COLD HOLD ATTACHED INOPERABLE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 12 LARGE RODENT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR WHERE WATER HEATER IS IN PLACE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA, MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). NO 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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION FOR TESTING SANITIZER STRENGTH AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAK ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPING UNDER WASH BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO MOP SINK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WALL BASE/TILE IN POOR REPAIR UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, AND FRONT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

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 MULTIPLE BURNED-OUT BULBS LOCATED IN DINING AREA CEILING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INCREASE LIGHTING.

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: OBSERVED MULTIPLE BURNED-OUT BULBS LOCATED IN DINING AREA CEILING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INCREASE LIGHTING.

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.