LA ESTRELLA MINI MART INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT/PROCEDURE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, AND CORRESPONDING EQUIPMENT OUTLINE IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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 REHEATING PROCEDURES FOR HOT HOLDING - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY DOES NOT HAVE PROPER EQUIPMENT FOR RAPID REHEATING OF NACHOS CHEESE SAUCE FOR NACHOS. FACILITY HAS MICROWAVE, BUT ONLY METAL CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE PROPER EQUIPMENT FOR REHEATING. OPERATOR WILL CEASE NACHO SERVICE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for disease vectors.

Exterior waste areas must be clean and pest-proof.

Dumpsters on cleanable pad; Tight-fitting lids; Area kept clean; Grease containers covered; Regular pickup; No overflow.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER TO ACCURATELY MEASURE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER TO ACCURATELY MEASURE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.