KOHOKU-KU RAMEN CHICAGO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER REHEATING PROCEDURES FOR HOT HOLDING - Comments: NOTED APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS COOKED RICE INSIDE THE HOT HOLDING RICE COOKER FROM THE PREVIOUS DAYS SERVICE BEING SLOWLY REHEATED INSIDE AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 100.7F. REVIEWED PROPER REHEATING PROCEDURES OF RAPIDLY REHEATING PREPARED TCS FOODS TO 165F OR ABOVE THEN TO HOLD HOT AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 135F. RICE DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for disease vectors.

Exterior waste areas must be clean and pest-proof.

Dumpsters on cleanable pad; Tight-fitting lids; Area kept clean; Grease containers covered; Regular pickup; No overflow.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: NOTED CLEAN UTENSILS HANGING DIRECTLY ABOVE THE HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE 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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED IN-USE COOKS LINE RICE SCOOP BEING STORED IN A CONTAINER OF WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF 64.9F. IF STORED IN WATER, MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 135F OR STORE ON/IN A CLEAN SURFACE/CONTAINER AND WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AS NEED OR EVERY 4 HOURS.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: EXTREMELY DIRTY SMALL WHITE GARBAGE CONTAINER AT THE HAND SINK. 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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NOTED WATER LEAKING ONTO THE FLOOR FROM PIPING UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK. MUST REPAIR.----NOTED A RUBBER HOSE ATTACHED TO THE NOZZLE OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO EXTEND THE NOZZLE. MUST REMOVE HOSE.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED EXPANDING SPRAY FOAM BEING USED AS A SEALANT ALONG BASEBOARDS IN VARIOUS AREAS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY WHICH IS UNEVEN AND UNABLE TO CLEAN. MUST REMOVE/SMOOTH DOWN TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----FLOOR UNDER THE REAR KITCHEN METAL RACK SHELVING WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS ON THE COOKS LINE.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE COOK ON SITE. 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 OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE COOK ON SITE. 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.