FALAFEL DREAM, INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT CHEMICAL SANITIZERS NEEDED TO SANITIZE UTENSILS, CUTTING BOARDS, COOKWARE, AND EQUIPMENT. CHEMICAL SANITIZERS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR USE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. THE PERSON IN CHARGE SENT an EMPLOYEE TO the STORE TO PURCHASE CHLORINE SANITIZER. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED REAR TABLETOP ICE MACHINE USED FOR 'EMPLOYEES ONLY' WITH NO LID, FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF EQUIPMENT AND SLIGHT PINK BUILD UP ON WATER RESEVIOUR INSIDE MACHINE.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF READY TO EAT TCS FOODS IN KITCHEN PREP COOLER: BABA GHANNOUJ (COOKED EGGPLANT) 47.6 F, STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES (RICE) 48.9 F. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 10 LBS VALUED AT $30 PRIORTY 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.

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: HUMMUS WITH BEEF SHAWARMA, SUPER COMBO, SHAWARMA, COMBINATION PLATE, BEEF KOFTA, AND LAMB KABOB). FACILITY ALSO HAS ELECTRONIC MENUS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON ALL MENUS. (REFER TO CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY HANDOUT) PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. 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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT (PREP COOLER). AMBIENT AIR RECORDED 49.5 F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO USE OTHER STANDING COOLERS ON SITE AND NOT TO USE TAGGED PREP COOLER UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE DESIGNED TO MEASURE HOT TEMPERATURES ONLY. NOTED TEMPERATURE RANGE 120-200 F. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETERS THAT ALSO MEASURE COLD TEMPERATURES TO ENSURE PROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF FOODS HELD IN REFRIGERATION UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATIONS 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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK DRY INGREDIENTS (SUGAR AND SPICES, ON SHELVES IN PREP AREA AND IN DISH AREA IN CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS OF COMMON NAME ON ITEMS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: FOOD HELD IN ORIGINAL ALUMINUM CAN, SITTING IN A POOL OF WATER FROM COOLING UNIT.

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 FOOD HANDLER IN KITCHEN WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED CUTTING BOARD STORED BETWEEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET AND WALL WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE BY SANDING, SEALING, OR REPLACING AND MAINTAINING.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ALL RACKS IN ALL REFRIGERATORS/ COLD HOLDING UNITS WITH MOLD AND/OR FOOD DEBRIS. NOTED OLD RAW MEAT HANGING FROM RACKS WHERE PREPARED KABOBS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED SLOW DRAIN AT HANDSINKS IN KITCHEN AND DISHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ADDRESS CLOG AND MAINTAIN PROPER DRAINAGE.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR CANNED/DRY FOOD STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER SHELVING THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND TO ELEVATE NON-FOOD/ FOOD ITEMS ON THE FLOOR. AND REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS.

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 CLUTTER IN REAR CANNED/DRY FOOD STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER SHELVING THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND TO ELEVATE NON-FOOD/ FOOD ITEMS ON THE FLOOR. AND REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS.

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.