EL RINCON DEL SABOR INC., Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(N): NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11: NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-204.11: MUST INSTALL HANDWASH SINK TO BE ACCESSIBLE AND DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE COOKING AREA AND THE REAR PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.

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 DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: 3-501.17: MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION OF REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: 3-603.11: MUST PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE, AND REMINDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: 4-301.11: OBSERVED A NON-MECHANICAL COOLER BEING USED AS A HOT HOLD DEVICE FOR TAMALES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE A HOT HOLD DEVICE THAT IS ABLE TO MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 135 OR HIGHER AT ALL TIMES. PIC CORRECTED VIOLATION ON SITE BY REMOVING THE COOLERS FROM PREMISE. PRIORITY VIOLATION#:7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12: MUST PROVIDE IDENTIFYING LABELS FOR ALL FOOD NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: 4-903.11(A): OBSERVED SOME FOOD ITEMS BEING DIRECTLY STORED ON THE FLOOR OF THE DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE SHELVING IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA THAT IS A NON-POROUS, CORROSION-RESISTANT, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.

Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.

Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-102.11(A)(2): OBSERVED TAMALES IN THE COOLERS STORED IN PLASTIC GARBAGE BAGS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS/BAGS FOR ALL FOOD STORAGE.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-204.12: MUST BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE LOCATION OF THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE TO THE MOP SINK FOR INSPECTION.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15: OBSERVED THE FAUCET IN THE TOILET ROOM IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 6-501.19: MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DOOR FOR THE TOILET ROOM.

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: 6-201.11: OBSERVED CORK CEILING TILES IN THE CEILING OF THE REAR PREP AREA, AND DRY WALL FOR THE BACKSPLASH TO THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE A NON-POROUS, CORROSION-RESISTANT, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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: 6-501.114: MUST REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT (COOKING GRILL) FROM PREMISE AND 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: 6-501.12: OBSERVED EXCESS DIRT/DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASES, BEHIND/UNDER EQUIPMENT AND UNDER SHELVING THROUGHOUT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND 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: 6-501.11: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR PREP AND UTILITY CLOSET. MUST REPLACE. OBSERVED HOLES IN THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE UTILITY CLOSET. MUST REPAIR AND 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: 6-201.13: MUST PROVIDE FLOOR COVING FOR ALL FOOD PREP AREAS.

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: 6-202.11: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS FOR ALL LIGHTING FIXTURES IN THE PREP AREAS.

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: 4-301.14: MUST PROVIDE A COMMERCIAL GRADE EXHAUST VENTILATION HOOD FOR ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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: 4-301.14: MUST PROVIDE A COMMERCIAL GRADE EXHAUST VENTILATION HOOD FOR ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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.