L C PHO RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION CONTROLLED I.E. CUTTING BOARDS, FOOD HANDLERS, UTENSILS, ETC - Comments: OBSERVED A FOODHANDLER WITH GLOVES ON GRAB RAW BEEF, THEN TOUCH A DISH TOWEL, TONGS, AND SHREDDED COOKED CHICKEN, ALL WITHOUT WASHING HANDS AND CHANGING GLOVES. OPERATOR DISCARDED SAID FOOD AND SANITIZED AFFECTED AREAS/UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT EQUIPMENT MUST BE SANITIZED AND HANDS MUST BE WASHED AFTER EVERY FOOD TYPE AND GOING FROM RAW TO READY TO EAT FOODS. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).

These activities introduce saliva and contaminants into food areas, potentially spreading bacteria and viruses to customers.

Food employees must not eat, drink, or use tobacco in food preparation areas.

Eating, drinking, tobacco use only in designated areas; Closed beverage containers with straw allowed in some areas; Proper tasting using clean utensil each time; No personal items in food prep areas.

SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW - Comments: OBSERVED WASTE WATER NOT DISPOSED OF PROPERLY: WHEN WATER IS DRAINED FROM THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, WASTE WATER THEN OVERFLOWS OUT THE TOP OF THE ATTACHED GREASE TRAP ONTO THE FLOOR OF THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SO WASTE WATER IS DISPOSED OF PROPERLY WITHOUT OVERFLOWING, LEAKING, OR ANY SEEPAGE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.

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 NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED A SLICER, RICE COOKER, RICE WARMER, AND PREP TABLE IN THE SIDE CLOSET (LEADING TO BASEMENT STAIRWAY) WITHOUT AN EXPOSED HANDSINK CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE, AREA IS THROUGH A DOOR AS WELL.. OPERATOR WAS LICENSED WITH ONE PREP AREA IN THE MAIN KITCHEN ONLY. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CEASE ALL PREP IN SAID SIDE CLOSET AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AN EXPOSED HANDSINK OR TO CEASE PREP IN CLOSET PERMANENTLY. FACILITY REMOVED ALL SAID EQUIPMENT AT TIME OF INSPECTION. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene practices and potential fecal contamination.

Sufficient, properly maintained toilet facilities required.

Adequate number for staff; Convenient location; Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Maintained clean; Proper ventilation.

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: OBSERVED A CONTAINER OF RAW BEEF STORED ABOVE READY TO EAT FOODS (VEGETABLES, COOKED SHRIMP, COOKED BEEF). INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT ALL FOODS SHALL BE STORED IN ORDER OF FINAL COOKING TEMPERATURE WITH HIGHEST TEMPERATURE STORED LOW AND READY TO EAT FOODS STORED HIGHER. OPERATOR PLACED RAW BEEF ON BOTTOM SHELF. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED THE REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF-FOUND A QUARTER INCH GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM EDGE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SO DOOR IS TIGHT FITTING. FACILITY INSTALLED A NEW DOOR SWEEP AT TIME OF INSPECTION- DOOR IS NOW TIGHT FITTING. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE MATERIALS AND TO MAINTAIN.

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 AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: OBSERVED DIRT ACCUMULATION ON THE REFRIGERATION GASKETS. ALSO OBSERVED GREASE ACCUMULATION ON THE LOWER COMPARTMENTS OF THE FRYERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS IN THE SIDE CLOSET, UNDER AND AROUND THE COOKING LINE, AND ALONG WALLS THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: OBSERVED THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS TO HAVE GREASE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED THE WALL BEHIND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND ADJACENT EXPOSED HANDSINK TO HAVE DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS AS WELL AS DIRTY WORN CAULKING. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE ALL OLD CAULK AROUND THE SINKS, CLEAN WALLS COMPLETELY, RECAULK, AND MAINTAIN.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE THE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A SEPARATE CLEAN AND SANITARY FASHION AND TO MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE THE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A SEPARATE CLEAN AND SANITARY FASHION AND TO MAINTAIN.

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.