EL RINCON DEL SABOR INC., Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. 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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM PROBE THERMOMETER ON THE PREMISES CAPABLE OF TAKING HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. MANAGEMENT MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER TO TAKE HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND AN INCOMPLETE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE. NOTED NO RECENT INSPECTION REPORT (AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR PER CODE) ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION; LAST REPORT INSIDE LOG BOOK IS FROM 7/2/2021. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH UPDATED REPORTS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.

No pests or animals allowed in facility.

No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED DIRTY ALUMINUM FOIL LINING THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBANT, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD OVER THE OVEN IN THE REAR PREP AREA DICONNECTED FROM ITS VENTILATION DUCT. MUST REPAIR AND RECONNECT THE DUCT TO THE VENTILATION HOOD.

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: OBSERVED THE VENTILATION HOOD OVER THE OVEN IN THE REAR PREP AREA DICONNECTED FROM ITS VENTILATION DUCT. MUST REPAIR AND RECONNECT THE DUCT TO THE VENTILATION HOOD.

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.