GOMEZ TACOS REST Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE MOP, DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES, DISPOSABLE MASK, AND ADEQUATE SANITIZER *MUST ELIMINATE NOROVIRUS*) ON SITE TO PROPERLY CLEAN UP ANY VOMIT OR DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPPLIES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP THAT MAY OCCUR ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF MINOR CLEANING ON TOP WHITE PANEL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: BACON 47F, SOUR CREAM 48F, DICED TOMATOES 50F, SHREDDED LETTUCE 48.9F, AND MAYONNAISE 49.6F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 20 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $40.00 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 COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: NOTED TEMPERATURE OF 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER STORED NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT TO BE IMPROPER AT 52.1F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. TAG WAS PLACED ON 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. 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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED POT BEING USED AS A LADLE FOR PIZZA SAUCE STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO UTILIZE PROPER EQUIPMENT AS A LADLE AND CORRECTLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USES.

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 & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED PIZZA DOUGH AND BAKED BREAD STORED IN PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS IN THE PREP AREA. FACILITY INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.

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 AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILDUP ON THE FLOOR OF THE WALK IN FREEZER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, 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: SEE VIOLATION #60

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: SEE VIOLATION #60

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.