FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
HAVANA GRILL Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
June 6, 2019
Canvass
License #1915111
11
Total Violations
6
Critical
1
Major
4
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on June 6, 2019. The inspection type was "Canvass" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 11 violations during this inspection, including 6 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #1
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PERSON IN CHARGE DIDN'T DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE NOT HAVING KNOWLEDGE OF FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENT.
Why This Matters
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
Food Code Requirement
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11, 2-102.12
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE, NO CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE BEEF AND PORK BEING HANDLED AND SERVED, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEANUP KIT ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO RUNNING HOT WATER AT BASEMENT'S PREP AREA HAND WASH SINK (61F WATER TEMP) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 100 F WATER TEMP MINIMUM AT ALL TIME DURING OPERATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: NO DISCLAIMER FOR THE FOOT NOTE FOR UNDER COOKED FOODS, NO ASTERISK ON THE LISTED FOOD THAT CAN BE COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Food Code Requirement
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11(C)
Violation #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: DRAIN LINE FOR COOLING UNIT CONDENSATION INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR, DRIPPING AND GRADED IMPROPERLY DRAIN LINE FOR SODA GUN HOLDERS NOT DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AT BASEMENT'S KITCHEN CEILING LIGHT FIXTURES, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGER, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGER, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection