LAS MOJARRAS RESTAURANT Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED KNIVES AND TONGS STUCK BETWEEN PIPING OVER COUNTER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE PROPER STORING DEVICES FOR STORING UTENSILS WHEN NOT IN USE OR WHEN DRYING.

Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.

Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.

Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED THE FREEZER DOOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF RUST, DAMAGE AND COMING LOOSE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AS A MEANS OF BEING ABLE TO CLEAN 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE SIDES OF COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE, DIRT AND FOOD SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AS A MEAND OF PREVENTING HARBORING OF PEST AND INSECTS.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVES AND BOTTOM OF THE SLIDING DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WHERE THE FISH IS KEPT. INSTRUCTED 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 HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A VERY LOOSE FAUCET HEAD. INSTRUCTED 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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WALLS, FLOORS AND CEILINGS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DUST, FOOD SPLATTER AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AND UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT.

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 A BUILD UP OF GREASE UNDER THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM AND FILTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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 NEW FEMALE EMPLOYEE WITHOUT PROPER FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.

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 NEW FEMALE EMPLOYEE WITHOUT PROPER FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE.

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.