EL PUEBLITO MEXICAN GRILL Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. OBSERVED MULTI-USE UTENSILS (LONG SERVING SPOONS) STORED INSIDE MENTIONED HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, HAND WASHING SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030, NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.CORRECTED ON SITE( COS ).

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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE FOR HAND SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE WASHROOM.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF (TCS FOODS) INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. OBSERVED RICE AT 53.1 F,BEANS AT 54.1 F AND CUT LEAFY GREENS AT 53.4 F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 30#'S OF FOOD WORTH $150.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY. (COS).

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE AND TO MAINTAIN.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET.

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: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN SIDES OF HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND INTERIOR BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF DEEP FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE DEBRIS SPILLS.

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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: BATHROOM IN THE REAR AREA NEED A COVER FOR THE GARBAGE CAN.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES IN NEED FOR A DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLED DEBRIS AND TO MAINTAIN.

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: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING AND INOPERABLE LIGHT BULB INSIDE 4 DOOR AND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA

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: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING AND INOPERABLE LIGHT BULB INSIDE 4 DOOR AND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA

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.