ELLY'S PANCAKE HOUSE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.NO CITATION ISSUED

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE WORKING ON FOOD PREP AREA HANDLED AND CRACKED RAW EGGS WITH BARE HANDS THEN HANDLED READY TO EAT FOOD PANCAKES AND COOKED EGGS WITH BARE HANDS WITHOUT WASHING THEM BETWEEN PROCEDURES.MUST WASH HANS EVERY TIME CHANGING FOOD HANDLING PROCEDURES TO VOID AND PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010)CITATION ISSUED

Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.

Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.

Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED THAT EMPLOYEE WORKING ON FOOD PREPARATION LINE DO NOT WASH HANDS AS AND WHEN REQUIRED . OBSERVED THAT HAND WASHING SINK IS NOT LOCATED ON CONVENIENT DISTANCE FOR ALL EMPLOYEE WORKING IN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SINK IN CONVENIENT DISTANCE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES .PRIORITY FOUNDATION . 7-38-030(c) NO 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST PROPERLY MARKED ALL HAND WASHING SINKS.

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: OBSERVED THAT COOKED CHICKEN MEAT AND HAM WAS STORE IN PLASTIC BAG IN SINGLE CONTAINER INSIDE WALK IN COOLER . MAST STORE SEPARATELY DIFFERENT FOOD ITEMS TO VOID POSSIBLE CROSS CONTAMINATION.

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.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THAT COOKED GROUND SAUSAGE PORK MEAT IS STORED IN HOT HOLDING UNIT INTERIOR TEMPERATURE 85 F.FOOD VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 1.5 LB VALUE $35.00 .PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 .PLEASE SEE VIOLATION #22

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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THAT COOKED CUT CHICKEN MEAT INTERNAL TEMPERATURE 50 F , AND CUT HAM INTERNAL TEMPERATURE 48 F ARE STORED IN WALK IN COOLER. 7 LBS OF HAM AND 10 LBS OF CHICKEN VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. VALUE AROUND $ 150.00 .PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATED IN WALK IN COOLERS AND REACH UNDER COOLER . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF RAW AND UNDER COOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) STATEMENT THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED THAT PLASTIC BAG OF UNOPENED LETTUCE WAS STORED ON TOP OF CLEAN WASHED LETTUCE. MUST REMOVE AND HANDLE AND STORE FOOD TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.

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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED THAT EMPLOYEE WORE UNAPPROVED JEWELRY (WATCH) WHILE WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD.MUST REMOVE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN HANDS

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THAT HOOD FILLERS ON SMALL HOOD SYSTEMS OVER FOOD COOKING AREA ARE COVERED WITH GREASE . MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED THAT OUTSIDE TRASH CONTAINER IS OPENED AND OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH TO THE POINT THAT CONTAINER CAN'T BE COVERED PROPERLY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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: OBSERVED THAT ELECTRICAL ROOM WAS USED AS STORAGE FOR UNUSED ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT.MUST REMOVE OR RAISE OF THE FLOOR TO VOID PEST HARBORAGE AND ALLOW EASY 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: MUST REPAIR AND CLEAN EMPLOYEE BATHROOM UNDER SINK STORAGE CABINET, AND MUST CLEAN UNDER HAND WASHING SINK CABINET STORAGE BY WAITERS STATION HAND SINK

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR NON WORKING LIGHTS IN BAKERY OVEN AREA

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: MUST REPAIR NON WORKING LIGHTS IN BAKERY OVEN AREA

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.