KOKO'S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER RINSING GLOVED HANDS AT 1- COMPARTMENT SINK AND THEN REMOVED GLOVES AND RINSE HANDS UNDER RUNNING WATER AND THEN PLACED ON PLASTIC GLOVES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS PROPER AT DESIGNATED HAND WASHING SINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON HAND WASHING & WHERE NEEDED. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.

Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.

Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS 10LBS. COOKED CHICKEN RANGING FROM 116.7F-122.4F INSIDE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 10LBS.$30.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS COOKED READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS 10LBS. COOKED CHICKEN BREAST RANGING AT 71.6F.10LBS. COOKED CHICKEN KABOBS-71.0F.10LBS.DICED CHICKEN-128.3F INSIDE OF COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41..0F OR BELOW. APPX. 30LBS.$90.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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 REPACKAGED DESSERTS ON DISPLAY FOR SALE WITHOUT PROPER INFO GIVEN.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND,ON WALL AND EXTERIOR OF WALK IN COOLER ON 1ST FL.,IN FRONT MOPSINK CLOSET,REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 10/28/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)

Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.

No pests or animals allowed in facility.

No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF CENTER PREP AREA EXIT DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.

Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.

No pests or animals allowed in facility.

No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL BOXES OF PLASTIC CUPS AND FOOD STORAGE TRAYS UNDERNEATH WASTE LINE PIPES IN BASEMENT MUST REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.

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.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE FROM COUNTERS AND CUTTING BOARDS.

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.

GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER USAGE OF GLOVES BY EMPLOYEE .

Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.

Single-use gloves must be used correctly.

Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON FRONT PREP COOLER,REAR 2- DOOR REACH IN FREEZER & REACH IN COOLER.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE THROUGHOUT BASEMENT AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM MEAT SLICER,REACH IN & PREP COOLERS,ICE DISPENSER ON SODA MACHINE.

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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY BACKFLOW DEVICE UNDERNEATH REAR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST SECURE LID ON SUMP PUMP IN BASEMENT.

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: MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG UP WET MOPS IN BOTH MOPSINK CLOSETS.

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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR 1ST FL. STORAGE.

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: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS,BASEMENT.

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: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2608489 12/5/24 NOT CORRECTED -#57-2-102.13 OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. #58- 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)

Deviating from approved procedures removes critical safety controls.

Must comply with all approved plans and procedures.

Follow approved plans; Maintain required records; Operate as permitted; No unauthorized changes.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2608489 12/5/24 NOT CORRECTED -#57-2-102.13 OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. #58- 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)

Deviating from approved procedures removes critical safety controls.

Must comply with all approved plans and procedures.

Follow approved plans; Maintain required records; Operate as permitted; No unauthorized changes.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.