FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
EL PAISANO TACO'S Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
August 26, 2014
Complaint
License #30466
7
Total Violations
2
Critical
2
Major
3
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: OBSERVED RAW HAMBURGER PATTIES STORED OVER UNCOVERED GUACAMOLE AND SALSA IN PREP COOLER. SEVERAL FOOD ITEMS(BEANS, STEAK, PORK, CHEESE, ETC) NOT COVERED IN PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE READY TO EAT FOOD ABOVE RAW FOOD AND COVER ALL FOOD ITEMS IN COOLERS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #18
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED LIVE ROACH CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR PREP COOLER AND ROACH ACTIVITY INSIDE GASKET OF PREP COOLER DOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Specific Requirements
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-202.15, 6-501.111
Violation #32
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REMOVE GROCERY BAGS AND PROVIDE PROPER FOOD CONTAINERS/PLASTIC BAGS FOR STORAGE IN COOLERS, FREEZERS, AND HOT HOLDING UNITS. SEAL LOOSE GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR.
Why This Matters
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Food Code Requirement
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Specific Requirements
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
CDPH Food Code: Section 8-103.12
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL SINKS, COOLERS, AND FREEZERS.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #34
MINOR
Violation Details
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS. CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS (DEAD ROACHES).
Why This Matters
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Food Code Requirement
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.13
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: REMOVE DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING NEAR LIGHT FIXTURE IN FRONT PREP AREA.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: REMOVE DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING NEAR LIGHT FIXTURE IN FRONT PREP AREA.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
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