LAS ISLAS MARIAS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED THE REAR EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. OBSERVED 2 PANS STORED INSIDE OF THE HAND WASHING SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). 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.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS STORED MORE THAN 24 HOURS (COOKED OCTOPUS) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED ALL PRODUCT WHICH WAS NOT DATE MARKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE CEILING AND WALLS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND MEN'S WASHROOM. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). 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 STYROFOAM CUPS USED AS A SCOOP FOR SALSA IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE STORED ABOVE THE FOOD IN THE CONTAINER.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE OF FROZEN FOODS IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

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: OBSERVED RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAINT THE STORAGE RACKS OR REPLACE THEM.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA, DEEP FRYERS, BROILER, GRILL, AND HOT HOLDING UNIT.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE WALLS, CEILING TILES AND FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS.

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: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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 HANDLING CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

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: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLING CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

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.