EPPLES RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWEL AT HAND-SINK IN COFFEE PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWEL FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION 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.

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: NOTED RAW EGGS STORED DIRECTLY ABOVE READY TO EAT LETTUCE AND UNCOVERED PANCAKE BATTER INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS STORE COOKED AND READY TO EAT FOODS ABOVE ANY UNCOOKED (RAW) FOODS. FOOD MUST ALSO BE COVERED AND PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: WHOLE HAM 50F AND WHOLE TURKEY 54F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 10 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $30 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. 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/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (CUT LEAFY GREENS) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #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 DISCLOSURE/REMINDER FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY ON MENU PRESENTED FOR ALL ANIMAL FOOD PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED (EX: EGGS ANY STYLE, STEAK AND BEEF BURGERS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON ALL MENUS. (REFER TO CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY GUIDE ON CDPH WEBSITE - LINK BELOW). PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: NOTED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOOD COOKED, DELIVERED AND SERVED. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PERSON IN CHARGE PROVIDED A METAL STEM THERMOMETER AFTER THE INSPECTION CONCLUDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY WITH APPROX. 15 SMALL FLIES NOTED DURING INSPECTION. SMALL FLY ACTIVITY WAS NOTED NEAR THE DISH MACHINE, WALL WITH BUSINESS LICENSES NEAR THE FRONT ENTRANCE, WALL NEAR 1-COMPARTMENT SINK, AND IN THE REAR DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT PEST CONTROL AS ADDITIONAL SERVICES ARE NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY PRIOR TO RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN WALK-IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR UNITS CONTAINERS UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED FOOD GRADE LIDS AND/OR COVERINGS WHEN STORING ALL FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT 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.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED PRESET TABLEWARE AT ALL DINING TABLES. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL PRESET TABLEWARE (UTENSILS) SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY BEING WRAPPED, COVERED, OR SET TABLES UPON CUSTOMER ARRIVAL AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED DAMAGED RUBBER GASKETS IN THREE REAR DEEP FREEZER UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE/REPAIR.

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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE (WASTE CAN) FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOOR BASEBOARDS COMING OFF WALL IN DISH AND PREP AREAS. ALSO NOTED BROKEN CEILING ABOVE PREP TABLE NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT; MUST REPLACE. FLOORS AND CEILINGS SHALL BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.

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: OBSERVED FLOOR BASEBOARDS COMING OFF WALL IN DISH AND PREP AREAS. ALSO NOTED BROKEN CEILING ABOVE PREP TABLE NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT; MUST REPLACE. FLOORS AND CEILINGS SHALL BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.

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.