FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
LA PLACITA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store
December 14, 2017
Complaint Re-Inspection
License #1142743
8
Total Violations
3
Critical
2
Major
3
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #14
CORRECTED
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION CORRECTED, 7-42-090 - Comments: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2116721 ON 12-6-17: 22-OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATION.29-PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #205919 ON 6-8-17:35-REPAIR CEILING NEAR WINDOW IN TAQUERIA(PEELING PAINT). 36-PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN TAQUERIA. 38-INSTALL AND EXPOSED HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN REAR PREP AND COOKING AREAS. 45-PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-42-090
Why This Matters
Uncorrected violations continue posing health risks and often worsen over time.
Food Code Requirement
Previous critical violations must be corrected.
Specific Requirements
All previous violations corrected within required timeframes; Critical violations corrected immediately; Documentation of corrections maintained.
Status
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
CDPH Food Code: Section 8-401.10
Violation #30
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: LABEL AND DATE ALL PREPARED FOOD IN REACH-IN COOLER IN TAQUERIA.
Why This Matters
Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.
Food Code Requirement
Approved cooling methods must be used.
Specific Requirements
Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.15
Violation #32
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: SEAL LOOSE GASKETS ON PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS IN TAQUERIA, AND MILK COOLER IN SALES AREAS. REMOVE CARDBOARD OFF BOTTOM SHELF BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. REPLACE MISSING FILTER INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD IN REAR KITCHEN.
Why This Matters
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Food Code Requirement
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Specific Requirements
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
CDPH Food Code: Section 8-103.12
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, COOLER GASKETS, FREEZERS, SLICER, KNIFE RACK, PREP TABLES, DISPLAY CASES AND SHELVES.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #34
MINOR
Violation Details
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: REMOVE ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS OFF FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, BASEMENT AND SALES AREAS(DEAD ROACHES, FOOD DEBRIS, ETC).
Why This Matters
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Food Code Requirement
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.13
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: CLEAN INTERIOR OF VENTILATION HOOD IN TAQUERIA. SEAL ALL OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARDS AND REPLACE MISSING BASEBOARDS IN REAR KITCHEN.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS INSIDE MEAT DISPLAY CASE.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS INSIDE MEAT DISPLAY CASE.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
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