LA COSTA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE EATING IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SPEAK WITH EMPLOYEES REGARDING NOT EATING IN FOOD PREP AREAS.

Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.

Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HANDSINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN SECOND FLOOR UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND POST.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN BAR AREA FILLED WITH SODA CANS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT HANDSINKS ARE FOR HANDWASHING ONLY AND MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE, SODA REMOVED FROM HANDSINK IN BAR AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). VIOLATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED SPICE MIXER IN 2ND FLOOR STORAGE AREA, SPICES INSIDE UNIT. NO HAND SINK IN AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). MUST RELOCATE SPICE MIXER TO A FOOD PREP AREA WITH AN ACCESSIBLE HAND WASH SINK.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: HAND SOAP FOR FRONT PREP AREA HAND SINK IS INSTALLED ABOVE THE 1 COMPARTMENT PREP SINK. MUST RELOCATE HAND SOAP DISPENSER SO IT IS NOT POSITIONED ABOVE PREP SINK.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED MENUS INSIDE ESTABLISHMENT NOT IDENTIFYING CARNE/STEAK SECTION OF THE MENU WITH AN ASTERISK IDENTIFYING THAT THESE ITEMS ARE SERVED COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ASTERISK AND LINK ITEMS IN CARNE/STEAK SECTION OF THE MENU TO COMPLY WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED SQUEEZE BOTTLES IN COLD HOLDING UNITS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL SQUEEZE BOTTLES AND ALL FOOD ITEMS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER WITH COMMON NAMES.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED TWO ROACHES CRAWLING ON DOORS OF COLD HOLDING UNIT IN REAR GRILL AREA AND TWO ROACHES ON MOTOR AND DOOR HINGE SURFACES OF COOLER ACROSS FROM FRONT COOKING LINE. OBSERVED 40 MICE DROPPINGS IN BAR AREA IN CABINET UNDERNEATH COUNTER AND ALONG WALL BASE NEXT TO CABINET, 20 MICE DROPPINGS IN CABINET IN SECOND FLOOR UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM AND 10 MICE DROPPINGS IN SMALL AREA UNDERNEATH STAIRS IN KITCHEN AREA. OBSERVED 20 SMALL FLIES IN BAR AREA AND APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL FLIES IN REAR FOOD PREP AND UTENSIL WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL SURFACES AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE TO ELIMINATE AND PREVENT FURTHER PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARDS BETWEEN HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AREA AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD. EXPOSED FOOD AND UTENSILS STORED ON BOTH SIDES OF HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SPLASH GUARDS AND MAINTAIN.

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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED KNIVES IN COLD HOLDING UNITS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA SHOVED INTO SIDE OF COLD HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT KNIVES SHOULD BE STORED IN KNIFE RACKS WHEN NOT IN USE.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED POTS AND PANS IN FRONT KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT POTS AND PANS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.

Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.

Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE BIN IN KITCHEN PREP AREA WITH A BUILDUP OF A PINK AND BLACK MOLDLIKE SUBSTANCE INSIDE BIN ON WALL, ON ICE SHIELD AND ON COVER AT BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF ICE. OBSERVED SODA NOZZLE HOLDER WITH A PINK GEL LIKE SUBSTANCE INSIDE INSTUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.

All surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAK FROM DRAIN PIPE OF BAR AREA THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. OBSERVED LEAK FROM DRAIN PIPE OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTABLE IN SECOND FLOOR UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE CONTAINER USED FOR RECYCLING BOXES OVERFLOWING WITH BOXES AND UNABLE TO BE CLOSED TO PREVENT PEST FROM ENTERING CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLOSE CONTAINER. OBSERVED GREASE DRIPPINGS ON OUTSIDE OF GREASE CONTAINER INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILDUP ON FLOORS UNDERNEATH ICE MACHINE AND WALLS SURROUNDING ICE MACHINE. STANDING WATER AND LITTER ON FLOOR UNDER BAR EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON TUBING UNDER ICE BIN IN BAR AREA INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUSTY VENT COVER OF ICE MACHINE, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED AREA AROUND GREASE TRAPS OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS WITH BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUSTY VENT COVER AND STAINS ON WALLS IN FIRST FLOOR UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUSTY VENT COVER IN FIRST FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED HOLES AROUND PIPES ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL BEHIND SPRAYER OF DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL HOLE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED HOLES IN WALL BEHIND DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL SMOOTHLY AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING BASEBOARD ON WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED WALL PIECE ABOVE DOOR TO WALK IN FREEZER NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK HANGING DOWN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BROKEN TILE ON PILLAR IN FRONT OF REAR GRILL AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED HOLE BEHIND TOILET OF SECOND STALL IN FIRST FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES IN FIRST FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED TOP OF ICE MACHINE CLUTTERED WITH TRAYS INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ORGANIZE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TOP OF ICE MACHINE.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITH MANAGER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENROLL EMPLOYEES IN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

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: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITH MANAGER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENROLL EMPLOYEES IN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

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.