LA COCINA 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 15 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED IN THE CORNER SHELF OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREA AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. OBSERVED NO UP TO DATE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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.

DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO PROPERLY TEST THE SANITIZER COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

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.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: OBSERVED PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1560033 38-38 REPAIR VENTILATION FAN IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM. INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL, PROVIDE BACKFLOW DEVICE AND MAINTAIN. 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 POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, RICE) OUT THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. OBSERVED PEANUTS, AND LATIN PASTRIES FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTER WITHOUT PRODUCT NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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 DISHWARE NOT INVERTED AND BEING STORED ON THE SHELVES BEHIND THE CUSTOMER COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT 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 STAINED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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 BLOOD SPILL INSIDE OF THE FREEZER LOCATED IN THE REAR AND FOOD DEBRIS IN THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR ALSO LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL 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 FLOORS THRU OUT WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS 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 ACCUMULATED GREASE AND DUST DEBRIS ON THE VENTS LOCATED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING WALL TILE UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND BY THE REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO 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.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED MOP HEADS BEING STORED DOWNWARD. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED MOP HEADS BEING STORED DOWNWARD. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.