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

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON SITE OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO 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 COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 4.5LBS OF COOKED STEAK STORED INSIDE OF 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT LOCATED IN PREP AREA. NOTED TEMPERATURE OF STEAK @80.0F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW. MUST MAINTAIN. MANAGER DISCARDED SAID ITEM DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. MUST MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR 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: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. MUST MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR 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.