EL MEZCALITO CANTINA & GRILL Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SINK IN REAR PREP AREA THAT WILL BE USED TO PREPARE BREAKFAST FOODS. COLD HOLD PREP COOLER OBSERVED IN SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSINK ACCORDING TO FOOD CODE STANDARDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C).

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.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED RUSTED COMPONENTS ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO ICE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE COMPONENTS, DISCARD ICE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS SCATTERED AROUND PERIMETER OF BAR BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND IN CORNERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL MOUSE DROPPINGS, SANITIZE AREAS, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A).

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: CERAMIC/CLAY DRINKING CUPS AND BOWLS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED O ENSURE CUPS ARE LEAD-FREE OR LEAD-SAFE LEVELS AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF SUCH ON-SITE OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED NO STOPPERS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SINK STOPPERS AT ALL THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS.

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM 2ND SINK BASIN, WATER BACKS UP INTO 1ST AND 3RD SINK BASINS. GREASE TRAP OVERFLOWING ONTO FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025.

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.

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAP ON THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE GREASE TRAP AND MAINTAIN.

Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.

All waste water must be properly disposed.

Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAP ON THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN BAR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE GREASE TRAP AND MAINTAIN.

Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.

All waste water must be properly disposed.

Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.