EL PAISANO TACOS INC Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE UPON ARRIVAL WHILE TCS FOODS WERE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER IS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. THE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE APPROXIMATELY 25 MINUTES AFTER THE INSPECTION BEGAN. 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.

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE USE BARE HANDS TO PICK UP AND PLACE READY-TO-EAT CHOPPED LETTUCE IN A TOGO CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES DO NOT USE BARE-HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. THE MANAGER HAD THE EMPLOYEE WASH HANDS, PLACE GLOVES ON, AND DISCARD CHOPPED LETTUCE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED

Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.

Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.

Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RUSTED STORAGE RACKS AFFIXED TO WALLS INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE OR REPAINT RACKS

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 CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP SCRATCHES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE

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: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH CALCIUM BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH CALCIUM BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.

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.