LA CONDESA 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: Outer openings not protected or rodent proofed. Rear exit door in kitchen not rodent proofed, 1/4 inch gap across bottom of door. Instructed to rodent proof door to prevent rodent and insect entry. Serious citation issued 7-38-020. Must also provided pest control logbook with all written documents, including all recent service invoices.

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.

OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED - Comments: Outside garbage area not maintained, rodent proofed or cleaned. Observed 3-garbage dumpster, 2 of which have overflowing garbage from establishment on top with bags of food and debris, cardboards of food thats not broken-down and lids will not close and completely elevated creating a rodent nuisance. Instructed to keep lids completely closed, tight fitting and rodent proofed and have all garbaged contained inside of garbage dumpster. Serious citation isuued 7-38-020

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for disease vectors.

Exterior waste areas must be clean and pest-proof.

Dumpsters on cleanable pad; Tight-fitting lids; Area kept clean; Grease containers covered; Regular pickup; No overflow.

DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED - Comments: Dish washing facilities not maintained or operated. While running and draining water in middle of three compartment sink, water coming up right side-cloudy water with food debris. Instructed to detail clean grease trap and drainline to prevent inadequate disposal of wastewater. Serious citation issued 7-38-030.

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.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: Previous minor violation not corrected 02-03-2012, report #670265: #34-Must replace broken floor tiles behind bar area.Serious citation issued 7-42-090. Floor is in severe condition. Floor tile is completely missing in areas, not able to properly clean floor and floor is down to unsealed floor boards.

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: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.

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: Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensil to prevent contamination before use.

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: Ice bin in bar not provided with cover. Instructed to provide cover over ice to protect at all times.

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: Cutting baord, cooking equipment, can opener, sinks and coolers not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.

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: Floor along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.

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: Fan above rear exit door not maintained. Instructed to install 16 inch mesh acreen to cove fan and seal opening. Ceiling tile not maintained prep area. Instructed to replace any damaged ceiling tile. Wall panels behind exposed and three compartment sink not maintained. Instructed to replace heavily stained panels and remove molded silicone chaulk around sink. Gap noted along wallbase in prep area. Instructed to intall coving along the wallbae.

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: Light bulbs not shielded in prep area or above warmer. Instructed to replace missing light cover or install shields with end caps.

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: Overhead pipe in basement leaking. Instructed to repair to prevent excessive water in basement.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: Thermometer not provided inside coolers. Instructed to provided thermometer conspicuous inside all coolers.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: Unnecessary articles and unused equipment in basement. Instructed to remove all unsued articles and detail clean areas.

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: Unnecessary articles and unused equipment in basement. Instructed to remove all unsued articles and detail clean areas.

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.