EL TACONAZO JR. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW BEEF CROSS CONTAMINATED BY RAW BREADED CHICKEN INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER. THE RAW BEEF WAS STORED UNDERNEATH THE RAW CHICKEN IN THE PREP COOLER. THE CONTAINER OF RAW BEEF HAD SMALL PIECES OF BREADCRUMBS IN THE CONTAINER FROM THE BREADED CHICKEN THAT WAS STORED ABOVE IT ON A PLATE WHICH ALLOWED THE FOOD TO OVERLAP OVER THE SIDES. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 5# OF BEEF WORTH $15. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN AND BEEF BEING THAWED IN SEPARATE BUCKETS OF STANDING WATER STORED IN THE MOP SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY THAW TCS FOODS.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 15 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS, EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE BOXES IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE THE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. OBSERVED BOWLS STORED AS A SCOOP INSIDE OF A BUCKET OF COOKED BEANS IN THE PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE UTENSILS WITH A HANDLE TO SCOOP OUT FOOD SO THAT THE FOOD IS NOT CONTAMINATED BY HAND CONTACT.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FROZEN MEATS IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER DOORS.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE DEEP FRYER, MICROWAVE, PREP TABLES AND STORAGE SHELVES ABOVE THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE GRILL AREA.

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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.

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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR IS NOT SELF-CLOSING. MUST INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR.

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED CLEAN. THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF GREASE ON THE TOP AND SIDES OF THE GREASE CONTAINER AND ON THE GROUND AND ON THE WALLS OF THE GARBAGE ENCLOSURE. ALSO OBSERVED GARBAGE STORED ON THE GROUND BETWEEN THE GARBAGE AND GREASE CONTAINER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE GREASE CONTAINER AND MAINTAIN THE GARBAGE AREA CLEAN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: REPLACE THE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA.

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: CLEAN THE WALLS IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM. CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE FLOOR BELOW THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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: OBSERVED CARDBOARD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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: OBSERVED CARDBOARD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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.