LAO SZE CHUAN Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, RICE, SOUP, DUCK, ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE PROVIDED FOR HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF BROWN RESIDUE ON THE INSIDE PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED FROZEN DUCK BEING THAWED IN STILL WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT FROZEN FOOD ITEMS MUST BE THAWED UNDER RUNNING WATER AT A WATER TEMPERATURE OF 70F OR BELOW

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE POTS AND PANS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE PREP AREA UNDERNEATH PREP SINK AND HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION. ALSO OBSERVED BOWL BEING USED AS A SCOOP FOR RAW CHICKEN IN THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO USE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED PIECES OF CARDBOARD BEING USED AS A LINER ON PUSH CARTS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SO THAT SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND WALLS AND 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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATION IN VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRYING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE ACCUMULATION IN VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRYING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.