ITALIAN EXPRESS Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR WALK-IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED PLATES AND OTHER UTENSILS BEING STORED FACING UP ON THE SHELVING UNIT LOCATED IN THE REAR KITCHEN PREPRATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL DISHES AND UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS TO STORE FOOD ITEMS.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DRY STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN REAR KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA WITH CLUTTER AND ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE DRY ROOSTORAGE AREA AND KEEP ITEMS ELVEATED OFF OF 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: OBSERVED VENT COVERS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED VENT COVERS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.