LA COCINA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: ONE REFRIGERATION UNIT NOT HOLDING AT PROPER TEMP (54.3). MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE. UNIT MUST BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW.

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.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: FIRST FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED; MUST RODENT PROOF DOOR. OBTAIN A VALID COPY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS LICENSE FROM THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY FOR LOG BOOK.

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.

DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED - Comments: ONE STOPPER OF THREE COMP SINK NOT WORKING PROPERLY TO HOLD WATER; REPAIR OR PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS TO PROPERLY SET UP SINK WHEN WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZING.

Inadequate facilities prevent proper cleaning and sanitization of equipment.

Warewashing facilities must meet design and operational requirements.

3-compartment sink with drainboards; Mechanical dishwasher with proper temperatures; Test strips; Thermometers; Adequate size.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: TWO HOLES OBSERVED IN WALL. ONE IN KITCHEN BEHIND FREEZER AND ONE IN DINING AREA BY DEEP FREEZER. BOTH STUFFED WITH STEEL WOOL. RECOMMENDED SEALING WITH CEMENT. CLEAN VENTS IN HOODED AREA ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: TWO HOLES OBSERVED IN WALL. ONE IN KITCHEN BEHIND FREEZER AND ONE IN DINING AREA BY DEEP FREEZER. BOTH STUFFED WITH STEEL WOOL. RECOMMENDED SEALING WITH CEMENT. CLEAN VENTS IN HOODED AREA ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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.