LA AMISTAD INC. Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN THE COLD HOLDING UNITS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS WITH FUNCTIONING AND ACCURATE THERMOMETERS FOR CHECKING THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF ALL OF THE SAID UNITS AND MAINTENANCE.

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED ONE BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA ON THE SHELVING UNIT NOT LABELED WITH THE FOOD ITEMS COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL SAID FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AND MAINTAINED IT PROPERLY.

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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED TWO FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE HANDLING FOOD AND WHILE IN ALL FOOD PREP AREAS AT ALL TIMES.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED SLIGHT GREASE BUILD-UP ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE GREASE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE OUTSIDE GREASE RECEPTACLE.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN SAID AREA AND MAINTAIN.

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 THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS WITH GREASE BUILD-UP AND DRIED UP GREASE DROPLETS OVER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS 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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS RETAKE THE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING COURSE AND MAINTAIN COPIES ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS RETAKE THE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING COURSE AND MAINTAIN COPIES ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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.