EL TACONAZO EXPRESS INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST INSTALL DEDICATED, EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO COOKING LINE, PREP COOLERS, AND SERVICE WINDOW IN PREP AREA. HAND SINK MUST HAVE PLUMBED HOT/COLD WATER, SOAP/PAPER TOWELS AND SIGNAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED REFRIGERATION AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. FOUND 4 DRAWER COOLER WITH AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 56.4F. FOUND AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE INSIDE WALK IN COOLER @ 43.5F. ALL REFRIGERATION MUST BE AT 41F OR LESS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.

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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED REFRIGERATION AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. FOUND 4 DRAWER COOLER WITH AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 56.4F. FOUND AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE INSIDE WALK IN COOLER @ 43.5F. ALL REFRIGERATION MUST BE AT 41F OR LESS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.

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.