LA CASA DE SAMUEL REST. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: OBSERVED 45.6 F OF AIR TEMPERATURE INSIDE 2-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER TEMPERATURE AT LEAST 40 OR BELOW. MANAGER ADJUSTED COOLER TEMPERATURE ON SITE. NOTED THE UNIT TEMPERATURE IS NOW 38.2F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

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.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: 21 LBS OF CHOPPED FISH AT 46.4 F, 1 LB OF COOKED BEEF AT 48.3 F, 5 LBS OF HAM/BACON 46.8F, 2 LBS OF COOKED CORN AT 49.0 F, 5LBS OF PORK 56.8 F, 5 LBS OF BEEF TONGUE AT 56.8 F, 2LBS OF SHRIMP AT 47.4, 1 LB OF COOKED VEGETABLE AT 48.2 F, 2 LBS OF SALSA AT 48.9 F, AND 5 LBS OF CHICKEN AT 49.2 F. MANAGER STATED TOTAL COST OF SAID FOOD APPROXIMATELY $ 200.00. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARD/DENATURED SAID FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL COLD FOOD AT 40 F OR BELOW AND HOT FOOD AT 140 OR ABOVE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)

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.

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: OBSERVED RAW EGGS STORED OVER READY-TO-EAT FOOD (SALSA AND SAUCES) INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EGGS TO AT THE BOTTOM OF SHELF TO PREVENT ANY CROSS CONTAMINATION. ALSO OBSERVED UNCOVERED GREEN SPICE LEAVE (HOJASANTA) STORED INSIDE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIDS OR COVERS TO PROTECT READY-TO-EAT FOOD ITEMS DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED BLOOD SPILLS ON CUTTING BOARD STORED AT DRYING RACKS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT ANY CROSS CONTAMINATION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 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 EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AT THE CORNER INSIDE KITCHEN BY THE FRONT ENTRANCE AND ALSO NOTED APPROXIMATELY 10 MICE DROPPING INSIDE UTILITY ROOM. OBSERVED ABOUT 30 SMALL AND LARGE FLIES IN DISHWASHING AREA, BASEMENT, AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MINIMIZE AND ELIMINATE ANY PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 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 IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: OBSERVED VARIOUS UNLABELED FOOD ITEMS SUCH AS PREPARED FOOD AND FRESH SQUEEZED JUICE. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL PREPARED FOOD ITEMS.

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: OBSERVED ICE CREAM CONTAINER BEING RE-USED AS FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS AND INSTRUCTED NOT TO RE-USE ANY SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES. OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED AS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE PROPER CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.

Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.

Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.

Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED RUSTY GREASE TRAP UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPAINT. OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS SHELF LINERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. OBSERVED NO COVERS ON ICE STORAGE CONTAINERS LOCATED AT FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIDS.

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 EXCESSIVE FOOD AND GREASE BUILD UP UNDER THE GRILLS, UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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 CARDBOARD AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE CARDBOARD. OBSERVED FOOD AND GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED 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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE CARDBOARD. OBSERVED FOOD AND GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED 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.