EL TACONAZO RESTAURANT Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED - Comments: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (STEAKS,BEANS,RICE,PREPARING STEAK TORTAS ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: RUSTY SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLERS MUST BE REPLACED OR REPAIRED USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH AND LOOSE GASKETS AT FOOD PREP COOLERS IN KITCHEN AREA MUST BE REPLACED. SPLASHGUARD IS NEEDED AT LEFT SIDE AT THE KITCHEN EXPOSED HANDSINK.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: CLEAN AND SANITIZE MANUAL CAN OPENER AND HOUSING ATTACHED TO FOOD PREP TABLE,SIDES OF HOOD COOKING EQUIPMENTS THROUGHOUT,TOPS/BOTTOMS OF FOOD PREP TABLES INCLUDING LEGS OF EQUIPMENTS,FAN COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLERS,HOOD/FILTERS OVER COOKING EQUIPMENTS,CUTTING BOARDS,SHELVINGS OVER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK ETC.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: FLOORS BENEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,BENEATH THE REAR DRY STORAGE SHELVINGS ARE DIRTY,CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: SOME LIGHT BULBS AT HOOD AREAS ARE NOT SHIELDED,MUST BE SHIELDED OR PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF LIGHTING AND CLEAN INTERIORS OF LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REPAIR WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE AT KITCHEN EXPOSED HANDSINK.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN VISIBLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.