LA MICHOACANA HOWARD Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE DRIP PLATE AND EXTERIOR CAN OPENER BLADE IS NOT CLEAN TO SIGHT AND TOUCH. THE FACILITY MUST BE CLEAN AND MAINTAINED.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: DID NOT OBSERVE ANY PROPER WARNING SIGNAGE FOR VARIOUS FRESHLY MADE PACKED JUICES ON SITE. THE SIGN MUST STATE, "WARNING: THESE PRODUCTS HAVE NOT BEEN PASTEURIZED AND, THEREFORE, MAY CONTAIN HARMFUL BACTERIA THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS IN CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY, AND PERSONS WITH WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEMS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CUPS WITHOUT A HANDLE ARE USED AS A SCHOOL FOR RICE AND SUGAR CONTAINERS. THE FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON PREPARATION SURFACES IN THE FRONT KITCHEN AREAS. CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: CRATES ARE USED AS ELEVATION FOR FOOD ITEMS IN THE STORAGE AND STANDUP COOLERS NEAR THE BACK STORAGE AREA. THE FACILITY MUST PROVIDE SHELVING WHERE IT IS EASY TO MONITOR DEBRIS ACCUMULATION AND PEST ACTIVITY UNDERNEATH.

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

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 SOILED STANDUP COOLER DOORS IN THE BACK DRY STORAGE AREA. THE FACILITY MUST BE CLEAN AND MAINTAINED.

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS ARE NOT COVERED PROPERLY WITH GARBAGE OVERFILLING DUMPSTERS CREATING A NUISANCE AND PEST ATTRACTION. OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED WITH TIGHT-FITTING LIDS, DOORS, OR COVERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (B) CITATION ISSUED.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS ARE NOT COVERED PROPERLY WITH GARBAGE OVERFILLING DUMPSTERS CREATING A NUISANCE AND PEST ATTRACTION. OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED WITH TIGHT-FITTING LIDS, DOORS, OR COVERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (B) CITATION ISSUED.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.