EL PRESIDENTE RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW - Comments: OBSERVED WASTE WATER BACKING UP IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT DRAINING PROPERLY,THE EXPOSED HAND SINKS IN THE PREP AREAS (3) IS SLOWLY DRAINING .CRITICAL 7-38-030. THE PLUMBER WAS CALLED AND UNABLE TO FIX IT AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION.

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.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED APROXIMATELY 30-35 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE IN BASEMENT SOUTH WALL AND 40-50 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE CREW SPACE AND 15 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON WALLS NEXT TO MILK REACH-IN COOLER AT FRONT SELLING AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. THE FRONT DOOR 1/4 GAP BOTTOM OF THE DOOR, SIDE DOOR 1/4 BOTTOM OF THE DOOR AND BACK DOOR HAS A1/4 INCH GAP AROUND THE DOOR AND THE SCREEN DOOR HAS A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORS NOT TIGHT FITTING OR RODENT PROOFED. SERIOUS 7-38-020.

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED - Comments: THE GREASE DUMPSTER HAS GREASE BUILDUP ON THE TOP AND SOME ALONG THE SIDES. SOURCE OF FOOD FOR THE RODENTS.SERIOUS 7-38-020

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for disease vectors.

Exterior waste areas must be clean and pest-proof.

Dumpsters on cleanable pad; Tight-fitting lids; Area kept clean; Grease containers covered; Regular pickup; No overflow.

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED - Comments: NO CERTIFIED MANAGER PRESENT DURING INSPECTION. BUSINESS IS OPEN 24 HOURS AND ONE CERTIFIED MANAGER/SANITATION CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. MUST OBTAIN ADDITIONAL CERTIFIED MANAGER. SERIOUS 7-38-012.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: MUST LABEL ALL THE BULK FOOD CONTAINERS LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. 1ST KITCHEN REFRIGERATION UNIT AND ALL WALK IN UNITS AND UP RIGHT UNITS.

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST NOT USE TINFOIL OR CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT. RAW WOODED SHELVING UNDER PREP TABLE IN REAR KITCHEN MUST BE SEALED/PAINTED.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: THE FOLLOWING MUST BE CLEANED BOTH HOOD,FILTERS,PREP TABLES,STORAGE RACKS.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS WITH CRACKED, MISSING TILES IN POOR REPAIR. AT SOUTH DINING ROOM ICE MACHINE AND EXPOSED HAND SINK. AT ENTRANCE TO CUSTOMER WASHROOMS. IN REAR KITCHEN. HOLES ALONG BASEBOARDS IN EMPLOYEE AND CUSTOMER WASHROOMS.MUST REPAIR/REPLACE ALL.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: CLEAN THE WALLS IN THE PREP AREA HAS SPLASHED FOOD DEBRIS ON THEM.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE KITCHEN NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE KITCHEN NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.