EPPLES RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. - Comments: POOR HYGENIC PRACTICES OBSERVED BY FOOD HANDLERS, OBSERVED TOUCHING EAR, WIPING HANDS ON CLOTH AND APRON AND THEN IMMEDIATELY USING BARE HANDS TO PLACE COOKED READY TO EAT SAUSAGES ON CUSTOMERS PLATE FOR SERVICE. OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING AT ANY TIME BY FOOD HANDLERS AFTER HANDS CONTAMINATED, TOUCHING EARS AND APRON. INSTD TO WASH HANDS WHEN HANDS CONTAMINATED, CHANGING TASKS, ETC. BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS IS PROHIBITED. VIOLATION 7-38-010A CRITICAL.

Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.

Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: LIVE SMALL FLIES (OVER 20) NOTED ON WALLS, CEILING AND STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR BY DISHMACHINE AREA. INSTD TO ELIMINATE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. VIOLATION 7-38-020 SERIOUS.

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: MULIT USE EATING UTENSILS ON DINING TABLES IMPROPERLY SET, EXPOSED. INSTDT O WRAP IN NAPKIN OR RESET AS CUSTOMERS AREA SEATED.

Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.

Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.

Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: RUSTY, WORN SURFACES ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP AT DISHMACHINE. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN, REMOVE RUST. INTERIOR PANEL OF CHEST FREEZER WITH LOOSE, TORN GASKETS. INSTD TO REPAIR PROPERLY (NO DUCT TAPE). CONDENSOR LEAKING AT INTERIOR BOTTOM OF PREP COOLER, CAUSING WATER ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: THE FOLLOWING FOOD AND NON FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS/FOOD ACCUMULATION: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYER CABINETS, UNDERNEATH FLAT TOP GRILL, SIDES OF FLAT TOP GRILL, CAN OPENER, EXTEROR OF GREASE TRAP, EXTERIOR OF DISHMACHINE INCLUDING TEMPERATURE GAUGE UNIT, STORAGE SHELVES, AND CUTTING BOARDS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE, UNDER AND BEHIND FRYERS, FLAT TOP GRILL, AND DISHMACHINE NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE GREASE, FOOD ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING AND FAN COVERS OF WALK-IN COOLERS. INSTD TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SURFACES. MISSING CEILING TILE IN REAR BY DISHMACHINE AREA. WORN AND PEELING SURFACES ON CEILING TILE IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO MAINTAIN CEILING TILES.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTIION AT ALL TIMES.

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.

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTIION AT ALL TIMES.

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.