IDOF FRESH MEDITERRANEAN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD IN THE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER AT IMPROPER FOOD TEMPERATURES: RICE STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES @ 48.9F, HUMMUS @ 48.4F, COOKED EGGPLANT SPREAD @ 45.3F, CHICKPEA SALAD @ 46F, COUSCOUS @44.6F. ALL 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.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: NOTED TWO REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING MACHINES ON THE PREMISES WITH NO WRITTEN VARIANCE/APPROVAL ON SITE FOR OPERATION FROM THE C.D.P.H. MUST PROVIDE. MACHINES AND ALL ROP FOODS ARE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE/SERVE UNTIL ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.NO 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 VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE AND ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER VACUUM PACKAGED WITH NO PROOF OF HACCP OR VARIANCE PER HEALTH CODE REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT DISCONTINUE THE VACUUM PACKAGING PROCESS UNTIL A VARIANCE AND HACCP ARE APPROVED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: NOTED PRE-PACKAGED CHIPS ON DISPLAY AND FOR SALE NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND LIST OF INGREDIENTS. MUST PROVIDE.

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: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS OF FOODS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER 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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MISSING SNEEZE GUARD AT THE NEWLY INSTALLED FRONT PREP AREA BETWEEN THE FRONT PREP TABLE/DONUT MAKING MACHINE AND PUBLIC ACCESS AT THE ENTRANCE/EXIT. NOTED AN OPEN TWO FOOT SPACE BETWEEN THE DISPLAY CASE AND GLASS WINDOW ALLOWING DIRECT ACCESS FROM THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AN ADEQUATE SNEEZE GUARD. PRIORITY VIOLATION.NO CITATION ISSUED

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: NOTED THE TABLE TOP CAN OPENER WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS AND EXCESSIVE RUST. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE AND REMOVE RUST.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED FLOOR BEHIND THE HOT WATER TANK WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN 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: NOTED FLOOR BEHIND THE HOT WATER TANK WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN 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.