HOTEL LINCOLN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

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: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR SUCH A PERSON ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

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.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO VERIFIED WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

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.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR A VOMIT/DIARRHEA EVENT OR REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. 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.

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER CUTTING FRESH READY TO EAT LEMONS WITH BARE HANDS AT THE OUTDOOR ROOFTOP BAR COUNTER. APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS CUT LEMONS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.

Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.

Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT BOTH BARS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. METAL STRAINERS NOTED FITTING TIGHTLY INSIDE ALL SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL STARINERS FROM HAND WASHING SINKS AND REVIEWED HAND WASHING SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO PAPER TOWELS LOCATED AT ANY HAND WASHING SINKS LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. MUST PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT PREP ROOM LOCATED AT THE WALK-IN COOLER ROOM AND NO HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT DISH WASHING ROOM. MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SINKS WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN BOTH AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO SOAP LOCATED IN THE DISPENSER AT THE HAND WASHING SINK ON THE ROOFTOP FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

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.

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED A LARGE CONTAINER OF OVERFLOWING RAW ANIMAL ORIGIN CHICKEN BEING STORED ON SHELVING DIRECTLY OVER AN OPEN CASE OF FRESH BROCCOLI INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. ALL BROCCOLI DISCARDED AND DENATURED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.

Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.

Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS COOKED CHICKEN INSIDE THE COOKS LINE COOLER ROOF TOP PREP KITCHEN AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 51.9F. FOOD DISCARDED. 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 DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOODS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. DAIRY-BASED RUSSIAN DRESSING WITH A DATE OF 6/11, BUFFALO SAUCE DATED 6/22, ASSORTED PRE-MADE PRE-PACKAGED DELI MEAT SANDWICHES WITH NO DATES, AND AN UNKNOWN DAIRY-BASED SAUCE MISLABELED AS "SIMPLE SYRUP" ALL NOTED IN THE ROOFTOP WALK-IN COOLER. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: BURGERS NOTED ON THE MENU NOT DISCLOSED AS BEING COOKED TO ORDER ON THE CONSUMER ADVISORY OF THE MENU. MUST DISCLOSE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

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.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: OBSERVED A REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE WITH R.O.P. FOOD (UNKNOWN MEAT)INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH NO DATE ON PACKAGE. APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS FOOD DENATURED AND DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS - Comments: NOTED A REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE WITH NO REQUIRED VARIANCE AND HACCP PLAN FOR THE PROCESS OF PACKAGING MEATS OBSERVED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL AN APPROVED VARIANCE HAS BEEN GRANTED BY C.D.P.H. SEE THE ABOVE CITATION IN VIOLATION #29 FOR CITATION.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR ALL FOOD TEMPERATURES MUST PROVIDE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION 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: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS INCLUDING COOKS LINE SPICES AND SAUCES MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED PRE-MADE, PRE-PACKAGED ASSORTED DELI MEAT AND CHEESE SANDWICHES ON DISPLAY IN A "GRAB AND GO" DISPLAY COOLER AT ELAINE'S COFFEE WITH NO ALLERGEN LABELING. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN WARNING LABELING FOR ALL PRE-PACKAGED ITEMS CONTAINING FOODS ON THE ALLERGEN LIST. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: NOTED NO EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS. MUST PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS 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.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FACILITY, IN ALL PREP, STORAGE, BAR AREAS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION OR ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD COOKING EQUIPMENT/ (POTS, PANS,ETC.) TOO LARGE FOR 3-COMPARTMENT WAREWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED SINK COMPARTMENTS SHALL BE LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE IMMERSION OF THE LARGEST EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. MUST REMOVE ALL OVERSIZED POTS/PANS OR PROVIDE A SINK LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMODATE AND ENABLE WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE RAW WOOD AS PLUMBING SUPPORT FOR THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT PREP. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.----ALL SHELVING AND THROUGHOUT ALL CABINET STORAGE AT ELAINE'S COFFEE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: EXCESSIVE GREASE NOTED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN ROOF TOP PREP AND BASEMENT PREP.----INTERIOR OF ALL PREP COOLERS WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

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.

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: NOTED THE ROOFTOP PREP AREA ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK BEING USED AS A MOP SINK WITH CHEMICAL DISPENSING SYSTEM HOSES HANGING IN THE SINK. INSTRUCTED THE SAID FOOD PREP SINK WITH SPRAY ARM AND FOOD SLICER STORED ON THE ATTACH PREP TABLE MUST BE USED FOR FOOD PREP ONLY.

Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.

All waste water must be properly disposed.

Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: NOTED OVERFLOWING WASTE RECEPTACLES WITH FOOD DEBRIS IN FOOD PREP AND BARS FROM THE PREVIOUS NIGHTS SERVICE. MUST REMOVE WASTE DAILY TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: ALL FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT ALL FOOD PREP AREAS, DISH ROOM, BARS, ELAINE'S COFFEE PREP WITH DIRT, DEBRIS AND GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE.---- MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE ALL STORED CLEAN POTS, PANS AND UTENSILS AT THE BASEMENT DISH ROOM.----EXCESSIVE POOLING WASTE WATER ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE BASEMENT DISHWASHING MACHINE. MUST REMOVE ALL POOLING WATER AND MAINTAIN DRY FLOORS.

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: NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS' BEING STORED IN FOOD PREP AREAS AND BARS. MUST USE THE EMPLOYEE LOCKER ROOM STORAGE FOR STORAGE OF ALL PERSONAL BELONGINGS.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE MECHANICAL VENTILATION ABOVE THE BASEMENT PREP DOUBLE OVEN AND ELECTRIC STOVE TOP.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

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: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

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.