FALAFEL JOINT INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: FOUND FROZEN LAMB THAWING ON A PREP TABLE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TCS FOODS MUST BE THAWED ACCORDING TO FOOD CODE, SUCH AS UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS 41F OR BELOW OR UNDER RUNNING WATER (70F OR BELOW).

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: FOUND A THICK LAYER OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE ON THE TABLE UNDERNEATH THE GRILL, ON THE SIDES OF THE SPINNING GRILLERS, INSIDE THE FRYER, AND ON THE CLEAN DISH STORAGE RACKS ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL 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: FOUND THE FRONT PREP HANDWASHING SINK SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR.

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: FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND DEBRIS BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS NEAR THE BOILER, UNDERNEATH THE 2-DOOR PREP TABLE, AND INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST DETAIL CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

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 GAPS AND CRACKS IN THE DAMAGED DRY WALL TO THE LEFT BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER. MUST SEAL/REPAIR ALL GAPS AND CRACKS SO WALL IS SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

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: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD LOCATED OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT. FOUND HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON THE CEILING VENT ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

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.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: FOUND NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: FOUND NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.