LA TORTA CHILANGA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.

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.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES IN SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: 3-301.11(B) OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS WITH THEIR BARE HANDS. OBSERVED TWO MALE FOOD HANDLERS TOUCHING READY TO EAT TORTA BREAD WITH THEIR BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD TORTA BREAD AND NEVER TOUCH READY TO EAT FOODS WITH BARE HANDS, FOOD HANDLERS MUST WASH THEIR HANDS AND PUT ON FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES OR USE TONGS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.

Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.

Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.

Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-205.11 OBSERVED A BUCKET OF SOAP WATER STORED IN THE BASIN OF THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO NEVER STORE ANYTHING IN THE BASIN OF THE HAND WASHING SINK AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ACCESSIBLITY AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. EMPLOYEE REMOVED THE BUCKET DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: 3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA, ABOUT 3 LBS OF CHEESE AT 50F, ABOUT 5 LBS OF SLICED TOMATOES AT 48F, ABOUT 4 LBS OF MAYO AT 51F, ABOUT 6 LBS OF RAW BEEF AT 48F, AND ABOUT 3 LBS OF MILANESA AT 51F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL TCS COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER DISCARDED SAID FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: 4-301.11 OBSERVED A 2 DOOR PREP COOLER, WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE, AT AN INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 48F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO NOT USE SAID PREP COOLER AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. SAID REFRIGERATION UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MAY NOT BE USED. PRIOIRITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.

All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.

Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS AND REACH IN FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 20 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED IN THE REAR BY THE ICE MACHINE, ABOUT 50 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED IN BETWEEN THE WALL AND 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND ABOUT 20 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA'S 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED ABOUT 2 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE RODENT/INSECT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 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: 6-202.15 OBSERVED FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH A ONE INCH GAP IN BETWEEN THE TWO DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.

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.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: 4-502.13 OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING REUSED AS A FLOOR LINER. INSTRUCTED TO NOT REUSE CARDBOARD, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: 3-304.15(B-D) OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF WHEN TO USE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES. INSTRUCTED TO TRAIN ALL FOOD HANDLERS ON PROPER GLOVE USE.

Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.

Single-use gloves must be used correctly.

Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS UNDER THE FLAT TOP GRILLS AND INSIDE OF THE FRYER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE OR PROVIDE.

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: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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: 6-501.12 OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE DEBRIS UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED FOR THE COOKS AND WAITRESS STAFF. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.