LACASA DEL PUEBLO TAQUERIA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. - Comments: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS BY FOOD HANDLER AT THIS TIME.OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PUT SEVERAL TORTILLAS ON THE GRILL WITH BARE HANDS AND FLIP THEM ON THE GRILL TO PUT THEM IN A BASKET TO BE SERVED.MUST PROVIDE GLOVES OR UTENSILS TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOODS.(CRITICAL 7-38-010A)

Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.

Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED DOORS NOT TIGHT FITTING.OBSERVED APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS.MUST RODENT PROOF DOORS TO BE TIGHT FITTING.(SERIOUS 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.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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.

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES AND DISH STORAGE SHELVES AND PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.

Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.

Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE SHELVING UNITS IN WALK IN FREEZER TO ELEVATE FOODS OFF OF FLOOR.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM 1ST FL. FRONT PREP AREA PREP COOLER AND SALSA COOLER,BASEMENT PREP AREA AND WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIDS ON FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT AND WORN DOOR GASKET ON HOT HOLDING CABINET.

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.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS FROM EXTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,FRYER CABINET,OVENS,STEAM TABLE.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOORING IN REAR PREP AREA UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS AND LOOSE FLOOR TILES ENTERING INTO REAR PREP AREA.MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND LOOSE WALLS AND WALL BASES IN FRONT PREP AREA BEHIND PREP COOLER,NEXT TO HAND SINK IN 1ST FL. REAR PREP AREA,LOOSE WALL BASES THROUGHOUT BOTH 1ST FL. PREP AREAS,STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING AREA.MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM UPPER WALL BEHIND DISH MACHINE AREA.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA NEAR WALK IN FREEZER.MUST REMOVE GRAFITTI FROM CEILING IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.

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: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD IN BASEMENT PREP AREA ABOVE PREP TABLE.MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN DISH WASHING AREA.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT HAND SINK IN BASEMENT.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR HOT HOLDING CABINET.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR HOT HOLDING CABINET.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.