LA ESQUINA DEL TACO Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (STEAK, RICE, ETC), NOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTD TO HAVE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 PRIORITY FOUNDATION

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES IN PLACE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: GROCERY BAGS AND BLACK MILK TYPE CRATES BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTD TO USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN SAME

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING (IN PREP AREA). INSTD TO CORRECT 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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING (IN PREP AREA). INSTD TO CORRECT 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.