EL TERCO LEON TAQUERIA Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: THE HAND WASHING SINK WAS BLOCKED TWICE DURING THE INSPECTION WITH DISHES, CHEMICAL CONTAINERS, AND A POT OF RAW MEAT IN THE BACK PREPARATION AREA. HAND SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. ITEMS WERE RELOCATED ON-SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION ISSUED.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: CASES OF DRINKS AND CONTAINERS OF FOOD ARE STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE BACK PREPARATION AREA AND WALK-IN COOLER. ITEMS MUST BE AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON PREPARATION SURFACES IN THE BACK PREP AND FRONT PREP AREA. CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: VEGETABLE CRATES ARE USED AS UTENSILS/EQUIPMENT STORAGE IN THE BACK PREPARATION AREA---CARDBOARD IS USED AS LINING UNDER THE MICROWAVE---DRY RAGS ARE USED AS LINING FOR SHELVES IN THE COOKLINE AND BACK PREP AREA. FACILITY MUST REMOVE FROM USE AND REPLACE WITH EQUIPMENT THAT IS DURABLE AND EASILY CLEANABLE, MEETING FOOD STANDARDS.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: CLUTTERED STORAGE ITEMS USED FOR THE FACILITY WERE FOUND ON THE FLOOR IN THE BACK AREA BEHIND THE OFFICE. THE CLUTTERED AREA IS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO ACCESS AND CLEAN PROPERLY. STORAGE AREA SHALL BE KEPT OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6 INCHES AND EASILY TO MONITOR FOR PEST/RODENT ACTIVITY AND CLEANING.

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: CLUTTERED STORAGE ITEMS USED FOR THE FACILITY WERE FOUND ON THE FLOOR IN THE BACK AREA BEHIND THE OFFICE. THE CLUTTERED AREA IS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO ACCESS AND CLEAN PROPERLY. STORAGE AREA SHALL BE KEPT OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6 INCHES AND EASILY TO MONITOR FOR PEST/RODENT ACTIVITY AND CLEANING.

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.