LAS ISLAS MARIAS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS AND IN THE MEN AND WOMEN WASHROOM AREAS. 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 EXCESSIVE PINK SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON INSIDE INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE AND DRIPPING ONTO ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MUST REMOVE BUILD UP, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. 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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED NO LABELS ON CONDIMENTS AND SEASONINGS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD ITEMS (LIMES, ORANGES, SALSA AND TORTILLAS) IN BOXES STACKED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND BOX OF SHRIMP ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON SHELVING UNIT.

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.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS THROUGHTOUT THE FACILITY IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS AND IN THE DISHWASHIG AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD ITEMS IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS/BAGS ONLY.

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 ICE BUILD UP ON CONDENSOR UNIT IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED; SINK IS LEAKING MASSIVELY WHEN WATER FROM ONE COMPARTMENT IS DRAINED AND WASTE WATER COLLECTED WITH A BUSPAN INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET DRAINAGE SYSTEM SERVICED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025. 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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO TRASH CAN COVER IN THE WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 IMPROPER STORAGE OF MOP IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.

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 NO LIGHT BULB SHIELDING/COVERING OVER LIGHT BULBS OVER THE STOVE/GRILL IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR FOOD HANDLERS. 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: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR FOOD HANDLERS. 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.