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

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: NO PERSON IN CHARGE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. MUST HAVE A PERSON ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. 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.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED AT DISH WASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINK AT FRONT PREP AREA AND IN TOILET ROOM. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY DRY HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE FOR CITATION.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT. MICE DROPPINGS WERE SCATTERED ON FLOORS IN MOP SINK CLOSET, IN DRY STORAGE CLOSET, IN FRONT OF ELECTRICAL BREAKER, BEHIND SHELVES IN REAR PREP AND BEHIND REAR PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND ELIMINATE ALL EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(a). 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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED PEST CONRTOL LOG BOOK IS INCOMPLETE. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A SERVICE REPORT DATED ON 7-2-2021 FROM DONT BUG ME PEST CONTROL. All retail food establishments shall contract with a licensed exterminator who shall provide insect and vermin services at the establishment at least twice a year. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED IN STANDING WATER CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN CONTAINER WITH CONTINUOUS WATER.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED IN STANDING WATER CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN CONTAINER WITH CONTINUOUS WATER.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.