LA PALMA SUPERMERCADO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGN AT HANDSINK IN BASEMENT BREAD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: CURED BEEF AT 66.5F HANGING FROM STRING IN BASEMENT BEING OFFERED FOR SALE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AND NOT UNDER REFRIGERATION. NO LAB ASSESSMENT/RESULTS ON SITE TO VERIFY PRODUCT IS SAFE TO STORE/SELL AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. PRODUCT DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 1 LBS, $5 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 - COS

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.

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS - Comments: NO LAB TESTING/RESULTS FOR CURED BEEF NOT UNDER REFRIGERATION AND OFFERED FOR SALE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR HAVE UNDER REFRIGERATION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. SEE 29 FOR VIOLATION ISSUED. - COS

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: APPROXIMATELY 20 MICE DROPPINGS NOTED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSETS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. CITATION ISSUED. 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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND REAR EXTERIOR DOOR WITH APPROXIMATELY 1/2" GAP ON RIGHT SIDE, AND FRONT DOUBLE DOORS WITH 1/2" GAP IN MIDDLE OF DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO MAKE TIGHT FITTING, MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

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.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: FOUND POTS AND PANS NOT INVERTED IN 1ST FLOOR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT DURING STORAGE, MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: FOUND PLASTIC ON EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TO ENSURE A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE, MAINTAIN.

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: FOUND GASKET ON 1ST FLOOR WALK IN COOLER DOOR IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: FOUND SLOW DRAINING HANDSINK IN BASEMENT NEXT TO ICE MACHINE. FOUND HOT WATER FAUCET IN POOR REPAIR IN BOTH RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL OF THE ABOVE.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: FOUND NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND CARDBOARD ON FLOOR OF BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN FOR A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND STOCK STORED ON FLOOR IN 1ST FLOOR WALK IN COOLER AND ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6" OFF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANING, 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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND STOCK STORED ON FLOOR IN 1ST FLOOR WALK IN COOLER AND ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6" OFF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANING, 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.