LA CABANITA INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-303.11(A) OBSERVED NO SANITIZER AVAILABLE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.

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.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: 3-501.16(A:1) OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNITS NOT ON AND MAINTAINING 135F OR ABOVE. INSTRUCTED TO ENSURE HOT HOLDING INIT IS ON AND MAINTAINING 135F AND ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.

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.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO PAPER MENU ON SITE TO ENSURE IF A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER IS NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: 4-301.11 OBSERVED REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT ON AND MAINTAINING 41F OR BELOW. INSTRUCTED TO ENSURE REFRIGERATION UNITS ARE ON AND MAINTAINING 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETERS ON SITE TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 OBSERVED FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING WITH A 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER. INSTRUCTED TO 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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: 4-301.12(B) OBSERVED EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE (POT) TO FULLY SUBMERGE INTO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EQUIPMENT THAT IS TOO LARGE OR INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS ABLE TO FULLY SUBMERGE THE LARGEST PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025.

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: 5-501.13 OBSERVED NO COMMERCIAL DUMPSTER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B).

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: 5-501.13 OBSERVED NO COMMERCIAL DUMPSTER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B).

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.