LA ESTRELLA Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON ON SITE WITH SANITATION TRAINING.

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: OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODS E RVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNSATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HAND SINK IN BUTCHER AREA AND IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED DEAD RAOCHES IN REAR HANDWASHING SINK IN DRY STORAGE AREA(NEAR REAR EXIT). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES, SANITIZE AREA, AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.

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.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FOAM CONTAINERS IN PLASTIC BAG STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS OFF THE FLOOR AND IN ELEVATED AREA AT LEAST SIX INCHES HIGH.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD COVERING SHELVING IN COOLER HOLDING SODA, MILK, AND EGGS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SHELVING SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED RED WOODEN SHELVING IN WALK IN COOLER IN REAR AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF RESIDUE AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT ENTIRE FACILITY (TAQUERIA, REAR DRY STORAGE, BUTCHER AREA, SALESFLOOR). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE 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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED REAR HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM TO HAVE NO FILTERS IN PLACE TO MAINTAIN GREASE FROM SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED REAR HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM TO HAVE NO FILTERS IN PLACE TO MAINTAIN GREASE FROM SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.