LA CHOZA MEXICAN GRILL Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

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.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.