EXPLORER CAFE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-202.12(E) OBSERVED THREE HAND WASHING SINKS AT AN INADEQUATE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE RANGING FROM 120F-130F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN HOT WATER AT 100F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. ENGINEER WAS ABLE TO ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE ON TWO OF THE THREE HAND WASHING SINKS AND BY THE END OF THE INSPECTION HOT WATER WAS MAINTAINING 100F AT TWO OF THE THREE HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

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 PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-601.11 OBSERVED NO LABELS ON THE PREPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABEL WITH BUSINESS NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS, INGREDIENTS AND IF ANY ALLERGENS ARE PRESENT.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE, OBSERVED ABOUT 20 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED IN BETWEEN THE ICE MACHINE AND THE WALL AND ALSO AROUND THE HOT WATER HEATER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE, OBSERVED ABOUT 25 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALL BY THE UTILITY SINK AND ABOUT 15 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALL BY THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE DEBRIS IN BETWEEN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND A BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15(A) OBSERVED THE HAND WASHING SINK NOT ABLE TO TURN ON LOCATED IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT SAID HAND WASHING SINK AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: 5-501.15 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS ON THE LID OF THE OUTSIDE GREASE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(B).

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: 6-501.12 OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE DEBRIS ON TOP OF THE GREASE TRAP AND ON THE FLOOR AND WALL LOCATED AROUND THE GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

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: 6-303.11 OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTING IN THE DISH WASHING AREA IN THE REAR BY THE HOT WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

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: 6-303.11 OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTING IN THE DISH WASHING AREA IN THE REAR BY THE HOT WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

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.