LA ESTRELLA Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: OBSERVED COOKED CHICKEN, MEATBALLS, PORK, RICE, AND BEANS IN THE FRONT PREP REFRIGERATOR WITHOUT PROPER LABELS CONTAINING NAME OF PRODUCT AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR ALL FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGES AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED UTENSILS (TONGS) BEING STORED ON A PIPE UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS TOB PREVENT CONTANMINATION AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN THE REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE. OBSERVED ONE RAW WOOD SHELF IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. OBSERVED RAW WOOD IN THE MEAT DELI COLD HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR SEAL WITH A NON TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CONDENSOR LEAKING ONTO CARDBOARD ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE REAR. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELF LINING IN THE SODA POP REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN THE AISLE. INSTRUCTED NOT TO REUSE CARDBOARD. OBSERVED RUSTY GREASE TRAPS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT WITH A NON TOXIC FOOD GRADE PAINT AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED COOKING EQUIPMENT (GRILL, STOVE, MICROWAVE)IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING THRU OUT TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS BY THE FRONT PREP. OBSERVED MEAT COOLER LOCATED IN THE AISLE IN NEED OF MINOR CLEANING UNDER RACKS TO REMOVE DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED FLOORS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING BEHIND ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT LOCATED AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED CEILING TILE MISSING ABOVE THE CHIP RACK IN THE CUSTOMER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELD OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DEAD BUGS IN THE VARIOUS LIGHT SHIELDS OVER THE AISLES IN THE GROCERY AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BUGS AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED A MINOR LEAK UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED A MINOR LEAK UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.