EL TACONZAZO Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: Inspector Comments: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGN AT REAR PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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: Inspector Comments: FOUND UNCOVERED CONTAINERS OF FOOD INSIDE 3-DOOR COOLER AND BEVERAGE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROTECT FOODS IN A CONTAINER OR FOOD GRADE STORAGE. ADVISED TO ADD SIGN "NO SELF SERVICE" AT BEVERAGE COOLER, MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: Inspector Comments: FOUND BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED (SPICES, RICE ETC). MUST LABEL FOODS WHEN STORED IN UNORIGINAL CONTAINERS, MAINTAIN.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: Inspector Comments: FOUND SMALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER USED AS SCOOP INSIDE BULK SPICE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER UTENSIL AND STORE PROPERLY, MAINTAIN.

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.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: Violation Codes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D) Inspector Comments: FOUND POTS AND PANS IN DISH AREA NOT INVERTED. MUST INVERT WHILE STORED.

Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.

Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.

Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: Inspector Comments: FOUND SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS STORED IN LARGE CONTAINER NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT WHILE STORED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Inspector Comments: FOUND TORN GASKET IN 3-DOOR REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

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: Inspector Comments: FOUND PAPER TOWELS LINED ON PREP SHELVES, AND CARDBOARD LINED ON FLOORS IN DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO MAKE SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN, MAINTAIN.

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: Violation Codes: 5-204.12 Inspector Comments: FOUND NO BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: Inspector Comments: FOUND NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: Inspector Comments: FOUND MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN RESTROOM IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: Inspector Comments: FOUND MULTIPLE LIGHTS IN FRONT PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: Inspector Comments: FOUND MULTIPLE LIGHTS IN FRONT PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.