Las Casita's Restaurant Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

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: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL HANDSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH HAND SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE ADJACENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO DISHWASHING AREA IN REAR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) NO CITATION ISSUED

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (PREP, WASHROOMS).

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.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER POSTED AND ON MENUS FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

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 & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT OR REPLACE METAL RACKS WITH RUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR RESURFACE CUTTING BOARD WITH STAIN AND DEEP SEAMS ON TOP OF PREP COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: FOUND NO SANITIZING TEST STRIPS (FOR CHLORINE OR QUATS) AVAILABLE FOR DETERMINING SANITIZING CONCENTRATION AT 3 COMPARTMENT SANITIZING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR (2) 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT AND IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: OBSERVED INADEQUATE HOT WATER OF 88.6F AT MULTIPLE SINKS INCLUDING HAND WASHING SINK, SMALL 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND LARGE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST SUPPLY AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100 F TO 120 F AND A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 110 F AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 100F AT HANDSINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)

Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.

Adequate hot and cold running water required.

Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: FOUND NO DISPOSAL COMPANY SERVICE ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (B) NO CITATION ISSUED

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND REAR DISHWASHING AREA.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF REAR HALLWAY TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

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: FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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.