LA PANADERIA CENTRAL BAKERY Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Bakery

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: Facilities not maintaining proper temperature. Internal temperature of cooler at 52.3 F while storing potentially hazardous foods. Instructed that all coolers must maintain 40 F or below. "Held for Inspection" tag placed on cooler. Critical citation issued 7-38-005(A).

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: Potentially hazardous foods does not meet temperature requirement during storage, preparation, and service. Found 1 gallon of milk at 49.7 F, 10 lbs of Provolone Cheese at 58.8 F. Instructed that potentially hazardous foods must maintain 40 F or below. Manager voluntarily denatured and discarded. Value $45, 18 lbs. Critical citation issued 7-38-005(A).

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.

DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED - Comments: Dish washing facilities not maintained or operated. While running and draining water at both front and rear three compartment sinks, water coming up both left and right sides. Instructed to detail clean grease trap and drainline to prevent inadequate disposal of waste water. Also, front three compartment sink faucet does not reach all three compartments to properly wash and sanitize utensils. Instructed to replace faucet. Serious citation issued 7-38-030.

Inadequate facilities prevent proper cleaning and sanitization of equipment.

Warewashing facilities must meet design and operational requirements.

3-compartment sink with drainboards; Mechanical dishwasher with proper temperatures; Test strips; Thermometers; Adequate size.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: Bulk storage containers not labeled in rear. Instructed to label all foods not in original containers.

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.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: Ventilation covers not front prep area. Instructed to detail clean covers.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: End caps not provided on light bulbs in rear. Instructed to install end caps on all bulbs.

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.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: End caps not provided on light bulbs in rear. Instructed to install end caps on all bulbs.

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.