LA ESTRELLA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS, BUT NO CLEAN-UP KIT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLEAN-UP KIT INCLUDING (DISPOSABLE MASK, APRON, GLOVES, SANITIZER TO KILL NOROVIRUS, ETC.) 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 THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS AT AN IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE (DICED TOMATOES, 50.6 DEGREES F, CHOPPED LETTUCE 54.6 DEGREES F, ONIONS 55.1 DEGREES F.) AT THE TOP OF THE 2-DOOR THE COLD HOLDING UNIT IN THE KITCHEN AREA ON THE RESTAURANT SIDE OF THE GROCERY STORE. INSTRUCTED THAT COLD HOLDING SHOULD BE 41 DEGREES F OR BELOW. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED SAID FOOD ITEMS. APPROX. FOOD VALUE $10 DOLLARS, AND 2 LBS OF FOOD PRODUCT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 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.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED UTENSILS (STRAINER, SPOONS, ETC.) STORED IMPROPERLY IN A LARGE ROUND COOKING POT IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND STORE PROPERLY.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED BLACK MILK CRATES BEING USED TO HOUSE STORAGE OF FOOD AND PAPER GOODS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MICROWAVE OVEN IN THE RESTAURANT SIDE KITCHEN AREA WITH EXCESS RUST BUILT UP ON THE INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: OBSERVED NO COLD WATER FROM THE HANDSINK NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA OF THE GROCERY STORE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT AND COLD WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE ALONG WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) CITATION ISSUED.

Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.

Adequate hot and cold running water required.

Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED ON THE FLOORS IN FRONT OF THE 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND FLOORS SHOULD BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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 EXCESSIVE CLUTTER, MACHINERY, AND OTHER UNUSED ITEMS STORED IN THE BASEMENT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE 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 EXCESSIVE CLUTTER, MACHINERY, AND OTHER UNUSED ITEMS STORED IN THE BASEMENT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE 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.