EL TACO AZTECA BRIDGEPORT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE INSPECTION WITHOUT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST OBTAIN A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION #2.

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: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO ORIGINAL/VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE POSTED NOR ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (COOKED RICE, BEEF) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED AN ORIGINAL/VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED, AND THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. WHEN THE MANAGER ARRIVED (2:00P), THE MANAGER PRESENTED A PHOTOCOPY OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED PHOTOCOPIES ARE PROHIBITED UNDER THE CITY'S ORDINANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.

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.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO THE VOMIT AND DIARRHEA ACCIDENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS.

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: 5-205.11 OBSERVED THE FOOD PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK BLOCKED WITH A TRASH CAN IN FRONT OF THE HAND WASHING SINK AND TONGS BEING STORED IN THE BASIN OF THE HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GARBAGE CAN AND TONGS FROM HANDWASHING SINK; HANDWASHING SINK MUST BE USED FOR HAND WASHING ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION CONSOLIDATION WITH VIOLATION ABOVE.

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: 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED HAND WASHING CLEANSER DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

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: 5-205.15(A) OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE DISHWASHING AREA; AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION, THE SINK WAS ONLY MAINTAINING 70F. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOT WATER (AT LEAST 100F) AT SAID HAND WASHING SINK AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

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.

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: 3-302.11 OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN BEING STORED ABOVE READY-TO-EAT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO NEVER STORE RAW TCS FOODS ABOVE READY-TO-EAT FOODS TO PREVENT ANY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.

Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.

Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 75 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA LOCATED ON THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES, IN BETWEEN THE FREEZER/REFRIGERATOR UNITS AND IN THE CORNER BETWEEN THE STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE RAT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: 4-603.15 OBSERVED COOKING POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LARGE POTS OR INSTALL A LARGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK OR PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON HOW THE FACILITY WASHES, RINSES, AND SANITIZES THE EQUIPMENT THAT IS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS ON THE VENTS LOCATED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15 OBSERVED A MINOR LEAK OF CLEAN WATER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TOILET BOWL LOCATED IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.114 OBSERVED OPENED CONTAINERS OF PRODUCE STORED ON THE GROUND IN THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO NOT STORE ANY FOOD ITEMS DIRECTLY ON THE GROUND. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST BE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.

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.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.