LA CHOZA MEXICAN GRILL Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALL IN REAR PREP NEAR WHERE FRUIT AND VEGTABLES ARE STORED, ON WALLS INSIDE WOMENS TOILET ROOM AND ON WALL IN FRONT PREP AREA AROUND THE 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FLIES. CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAIN. 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.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSP#1482734, DATED 5/18/2015. VIOLATION #32;BROKEN RUBBER GASKETS AT THREE DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND TWO DOOR REACH IN FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. VIOLATION #33;EXCESS GREASE INSIDE THE OVEN,ON SHELVES,FILTERS,HOOD AND PIPES BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENTS. FOOD DEBRIS/ENCRUSTED FOOD INSIDE THE COOLER AND FREEZER.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. VIOLATION #34; DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVES,UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT,CORNERS AND THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PREMISES CONTINUES TO BE OUT OF COMPLIANCE ON THE ABOVE-MENTIONED VIOLATIONS DURING INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS IN REAR PREP NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

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 SINGLE SERVE UTENSILS STORED IMPROPERLY ON THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TO AVOID CROSS CONTAMINATION, AND MAINTAIN.

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 FOIL BEING USED ON HEAVY EQUIPMENT, AND GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD IN THE FREEZER AND COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF FOIL AND GROCERY BAGS AND 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 GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP ON THE FOLLOWING FOOD AND NON FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT; INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE, STORAGE CONTAINERS, AND ALL CONTACT SURFACES IN THE KITCHEN 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 DIRTY FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS; UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK, HALLWAY WHERE TOILET ROOMS ARE LOCATED, AND CRACKED FLOOR TILE IN FRONT OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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 STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE DINING, HALLWAY, AND REAR PREP AREAS. PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN HALLWAY, DIRTY WALLS IN MOP SINK AREA. DUST ON CEILING VENTS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS. GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON HOOD AND FILTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REPAIR 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.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHEILD IN REAR PREP ABOVE THE 3-COMP SINK AND DINING AREA, MISSING LIGHT ABOVE THE MOP SINK AREA AND MISSING LIGHT IN TOILET ROOM. ALSO, UNKNOWN DEBRIS IN LIGHT SHEILDS THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED LEAKY PREP COOLER AND 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER ON SOUTH WALL. BOTH UNITS HAVE EXPOSE WATER LINES DRAINING INTO BUCKETS . INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PER CITY CODE. ALSO, PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMP SINK ACROSS FROM FRONT COUNTER, MAINTAIN SAME.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED LEAKY PREP COOLER AND 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER ON SOUTH WALL. BOTH UNITS HAVE EXPOSE WATER LINES DRAINING INTO BUCKETS . INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PER CITY CODE. ALSO, PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMP SINK ACROSS FROM FRONT COUNTER, MAINTAIN SAME.

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.