LA PALAPA INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: OBSERVED CEVICHE AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS STORED UNCOVERED IN PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS, UNCOVERED RAW OYSTERS STORED ABOVE SHREDDED LETTUCE AND PRODUCE IN REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER AND STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS IN COOLERS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A

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.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED APPOXIMATELY 15 FLYING INSECTS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED - Comments: OUTSIDE TOILET AND HAND WASHING FACILITIES NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED AND CONNECTED TO SEWER. ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES SUCH AS TOILETS, SINKS, WASH BASINS, ETC MUST BE ADEQUATELY TRAPPED, VENTED, REVENTED, AND PROPERLY CONNECTED TO THE SEWER IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PLUMBING SECTION OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030

Poor ventilation causes condensation that can drip contaminants into food.

Adequate ventilation required in all areas.

Mechanical ventilation where needed; Hoods over cooking equipment; Filters cleaned regularly; Air flows from clean to less clean areas.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT# 1559854 ON 7-2-15 33-CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINES, PREP COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES. 34 CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. 35 REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND CLEAN ALL CEILING VENTS. CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. REPLACE MISSING BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS IN REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. 36-REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. 41-ELEVATE STOCK OFF FLOOR IN OUTSIDE STORAGE AREA AND WALK-IN FREEZER. 43-STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION. 45-PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090

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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.