LA COCINA MEXICAN GRILL, LLC Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-2102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND SIGNATURES FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT (GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS, SANITIZER) ON SITE, POLICY MUST MATCH KIT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: 3-501.17 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING DATE MARKING FOR READY TO EAT TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR FOOD SAFETY ITEMS (FISH,RICE,CHICKEN,SHRIMP, BEANS, BEEF, ETC.) STORED INSIDE REACH IN COOLER LOCATED REAR PREP REFRIGERATOR AND WALK IN COOLER IN FOOD PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ALWAYS DATE MARK FOOD ITEMS STORE MORE THAT 24 HOURS IN FACILITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: 3-603.11 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR FOOD ITEMS/PRODUCTS OFFERED AND REMINDER * STATEMENT FOR THE FOOD PRODUCTS OFFERED. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED STORED UNCOVERED CONTAINERS OF READY TO EAT RICE, POTATOES, BEANS, CHICKEN, STEAK ALL STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA WALK IN COOLER. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE AND FOOD HANDLER OF FOOD STORAGE REQUIREMENTS AND SOURCE OF POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT ACCESSIBLE OR MISSING FOR UTILITY SINK IN PREP AREA. MUST OBTAIN INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY HOOD IN DISREPAIR (NON FUNCTIONAL) IN REAR PREP KITCHEN AREA ABOVE GRILL. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES ON SITE FOR INSPECTION REVIEW.

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: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES ON SITE FOR INSPECTION REVIEW.

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.