LA CASA DEL PUEBLO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.

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: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS BEEF AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 120F LOCATED IN REAR HOT HOLDING UNIT LOCATED NEXT TO STAIRS LEADING TO BASEMENT. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDS AND DENATURES ALL SAID TCS FOODS, APPROX 4 LBS AT $30. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 135F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #22.

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 TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 50F - 53F LOCATED IN THE REACH IN COOLER IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA NEXT TO FLAT TOP GRILL. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDS AND DENATURES ALL SAID TCS FOODS, APPROX 20 LBS $150. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED REACH IN COOLER AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 5OF AT TIME OF INSPECTION. REACH IN COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ALL TCS FOODS AND NOT USE REACH IN COOLER. UNTIL IT MAINTAINS A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AND IS RE-INSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND APPROX 40 SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN BASEMENT HALLWAY AND DRY STORAGE. OBSERVED FLIES ON A VARIETY OF SYRUPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MINIMIZE ALL FLY ACTIVITY. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT FILLED WITH WATER INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE WATER AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: FOUND ONLY TWO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES' ON SITE. FOUND 8 FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

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: FOUND ONLY TWO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES' ON SITE. FOUND 8 FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

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.