⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

LA LENA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

LA LENA 3756-3758 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO 60647 Restaurant
April 10, 2019 Canvass License #2069042
20
Total Violations
7
Critical
4
Major
9
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

20
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-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.
Violation #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-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.
Violation #9
CRITICAL
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE HANDLING READY TO EAT TCS FOODS WITH BARE HANDS (SHREDDED CHEESE) HE PUT ON TOP OF PLATED BEANS TO BE SERVED.MUST PROVIDE GLOVES OR UTENSILS FOR READY TO EAT FOODS.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.COS(PRIORITY 7-38-010)
Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.
Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.
Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.
Violation #22
CRITICAL
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED 2-10LBS. CONTAINERS OF COOKED RICE AT 45.6F-53.8F INSIDE OF REAR GLASS REACH IN COOLER AND 20LBS. COOKED BEANS AT 63.5F INSIDE A LARGE PLASTIC BUCKET ON COUNTER TOP.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON USING SHALLOW CONTAINERS FOR COOLING AND STORAGE.COS.APPX. 40LBS.$27.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)
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.
Violation #23
CRITICAL
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF COOLERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.
Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.
Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.
Violation #25
MINOR
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER POSTED OF THE RISK OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS ON MENUS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AND SHELVING UNITS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA,ON FLOOR UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND PREP COOLER,ON FLOOR AND SHELF IN REAR HALLWAY,ON LOWER SHELF IN SMALL BAR AREA.A DEAD DECAYED RODENT INSIDE OF MOTOR OF BEER COOLER IN LARGE BAR AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS AND DEAD RODENT.CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/10/19.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
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.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4' GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF SIDE DOOR AND ALONG SIDES OF LARGE BAR EXIT DOOR.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
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.
Violation #44
MINOR
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON REAR DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
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.
Violation #46
MAJOR
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO USE GLOVES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.
Single-use gloves must be used correctly.
Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM STOVE.MAKE SURFACE 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.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,ALL REACH IN & PREP COOLERS AND FREEZERS,GRILL TABLES,INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE,BEER COOLERS.
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.
Violation #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE LIDS ON GARBAGE CANS IN TOILET ROOMS.
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.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER FROM FLOORS IN CLOSETS IN BAR AREA AND REAR STORAGE AREA.
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.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND STAINED CEILING TILES IN BAR DINING AREA AND GROUT FLOOR IN RESTAURANT DINING AREA,MEN'S TOILET ROOM RESTAURANT SIDE.MISSING WALL BASE IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM BAR AREA SIDE.MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SIDE EXIT DOOR,MISSING OUTLET COVERS WHERE NEEDED.MISSING WALL TILES NEAR MOP SINK.HOLE IN WINDOW SILL IN LARGE BAR AREA.
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.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
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.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR HALLWAY AREA.
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.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

Health Department Information

Department Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division Food Protection Program
Report Issues Call 311 or File Online
More Information CDPH Food Protection
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections