GREAT BUFFET Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (FISH, CHICKEN) ARE BEING HANDLED PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MAANGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION #2.

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (FISH, CHICKEN) ARE BEING HANDLED PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MAANGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-601.11(A) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE WITH A PINK, BROWN AND BLACK SUBSTANCE BY THE ICE SLOT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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 HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: 3-501.16(A:1) OBSERVED HOT TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA; 5 LBS OF COOKED SWEET POTATOES AT 90.5F. INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID ITEMS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL HOT HOLDING TCS FOODS AT 135F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY. OBSERVED ABOUT 40 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA UNDER AND IN BETWEEN DRY STORAGE SHELVES AND AROUND THE HOT WATER HEATER, OBSERVED ABOUT 30 RODENT DROPPINGS ON A UNIT THAT IS LOCATED UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK THAT IS DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE 2 COMP SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND ABOUT 30 RODENT DROPPINGS BEHIND REFRIGERATION UNITS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO 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 ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS ON THE VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, IN BETWEEN AND INSIDE OF THE FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

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: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.

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: 6-201.13 OBSERVED A WALL IN POOR REPAIR IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY 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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.