Las Casita's Restaurant Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. MUST HAVE A PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012.

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED(BEEF, EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. 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.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. 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.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED PINK MINERAL BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE. PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK MUST INCLUDE SERVICE FROM A LICENSED EXTERMINATOR, SERVICE REPORTS FROM THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND IDPH PEST CONTROL LICENSE NUMBER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(c). CITATION ISSUED.

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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED 2 ICE SCOOPS STORED DIRECTLY IN ICE LOCATED AT BAR ICE BIN. MUST STORE SCOOPS IN CLEAN CONTAINER WHEN NOT IN USE.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLAT CARD BOARD BOXES STORED BY REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES.

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 FLICKERING LIGHTS IN REAR DISH WASHING ROOM AND BURNT OUT LIGHTS. MUST REPAIR AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST 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.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

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: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.

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.