IDOF Fresh Mediterranean Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO ONE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION DEMONSTRATING FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE

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: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOODS INCLUDING BEEF ARE PREPARED COOKED, AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO SIGNAGE AT REAR FOOD PREP & UTENSIL WASHING AREA HAND SINK INSTRUCTING EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. MUST POST SIGNAGE.

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: WATER DISPENSING FAUCET ATTACHED TO FRONT FOOD PREP AREA HAND SINK. MUST REMOVE WATER DISPENSING FAUCET, HAND SINK MUST ONLY BE USED FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c).

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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE SHEET TRAY OF MEAT BALLS ON COUNTER NEXT TO GRILL AT ROOM TEMPERAURE OF 57F. 10LBS OF MEATBALLS VALUED AT $30 WERE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. PRIOIRTY VIOLATION 7-38-005

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: OBSERVED 2 DRAWER COLD HOLDING UNIT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS THROUGHOUT. REPAIR AND MAINTAIN REFRIGERTION/COLD HOLD UNIT AND MAINTAIN. NO TIME TEMPERAURE FOOD WITHIN COOLER AT TIME OF INSPECTION. COOLER WAS TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: REAR PREP AREA TABLESIDE CAN OPENER AND BRACKET NOT CLEAN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.

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.

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER THROUGHOUT AT MULTIPLE SINKS INCLUDING HANDWASHING SINKS, WASHBOWL SINKS AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED HOT WATER TO BE 60.3F - 61.6F THROUGHOUT FACILITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). MUST RESTORE HOT RUNNING WATER TO ALL SINKS.

Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.

Adequate hot and cold running water required.

Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: WASTE RECEPTACLES IN UNISEX TOILET ROOMS MISSING LIDS/COVERS. MUST PROVIDE.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: WASTE RECEPTACLES IN UNISEX TOILET ROOMS MISSING LIDS/COVERS. MUST PROVIDE.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.