LAS ISLAS MARIAS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VERIFIABLE FOOD SERVICE MANAGER TRAINING.

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: OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISPLAY A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE AS WELL AS HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #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: OBSERVED HANDSINKS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS INACCESSIBLE. HANDSINK BASINS IN PREP AREAS BLOCKED BY TRASH BINS FILLED WITH CARDBOARD AND DISHES. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN ACCESSIBILITY OF HANDS. 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.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON PANEL. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISPOSE OF ALL ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 EXTERIOR DOOR WITH 1/4 GAP AROUND SIDE AND AT BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED NAPKINS STORED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA UNCOVERED NEAR THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO STORE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS IN PROTECTED AREA.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF FOOD RESIDUE AND SPILLAGE ON THE INTERIOR OF COLD HOLD UNITS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAK AT THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK IN UPSTAIRS BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMENS RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DEEP BROKEN AREAS IN THE FLOOR IN THE REAR BAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR THE FLOOR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEAN.

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: OBSERVED DEEP BROKEN AREAS IN THE FLOOR IN THE REAR BAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR THE FLOOR TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEAN.

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.