EL TARASCO Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA - Comments: Adequate and convenient hand washing facilities shall be provided for all employees.Found no soap no handpapertowels at exposed handsinks in the kitchen.Must provide,maintain at all times.

Missing supplies prevent proper handwashing, forcing inadequate cleaning that spreads pathogens.

All handwashing sinks must have soap and hand drying provisions.

Soap in dispensers at each sink; Paper towels in dispensers or air dryers; Supplies maintained during all hours; Waste receptacles if paper towels used.

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: ICE MACHINE IN FRONT AREA HAS BLACK MOLD INSIDE. THIS IS WHERE THE ICE IS BEING MADE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A. ICE MACHINE IS TAGGED. NEED TO CONTACT DEPT OF HEALTH TO HAVE TAG REMOVE. FAX LETTER TO 312-746-4240 ATTN. MS.LOPEZ NOTE: CAN NOT USE UNIT

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: A splashguard is needed at the exposed handsink next to the 3 comp sink,seal raw wooden surfaces at the bar using a non-toxic finish.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: FLOOR IN THE MAIN KITCHEN BEHIND HEAVY COOKING EQUIPMENT NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING,IN DRY STORAGE AREA, UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREAS.

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: Light shields and end caps are missing on some of the lights over the kitchen prep area.

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: 1st floor mens toilet room mechanical ventilation not working.

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: Thermometer inside the walk-in-cooler is required.

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: Thermometer inside the walk-in-cooler is required.

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.