LAS PICOSAS CO Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: REACH-IN COOLER IN USE, UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE, INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 60.1F. UNIT TAGGED AT THIS TIME AND INSTD TO REPAIR SAME AND HAVE ABLE TO MAINTAIN PRODUCT TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW. INSTD TO UTILIZE OTHER COOLERS ON SITE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A CRITICAL.

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.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN REACH-IN COOLER: STEAK (61.3F), PASTOR (60.9F), CARNITAS (64.3F), CHICKEN (62.1F). ALL CONTAINERS DATED 2/23/13, NO TEMPERATURE LOGS IN PLACE. MGR DISCARDED AND DENATURED ALL FOOD. APPROX 30LBS, $200 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A CRITICAL.

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.

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY HANDLE-UP. CLEAN KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED INBETWEEN SINK AND WALL. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY.

Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.

Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.

Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: EXTERIOR TOP OF CHEST FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE RUST. INSTD TO REMOVE SAME. CUTTING BOARDS IN POOR REPAIR, PITTED, WITH DARK STAINS. INSTD TO REPLACE SAME.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: UNCLEAN KNIVES STORED IN KNIFE RACK AT PREP LINE. INSTD TO KEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.

All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.

Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: REPLACE MISSING ELECTRICAL OUTLET COVERS IN VARIOUS AREAS.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR EMPLOYEES. PROVIDE SAME.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR EMPLOYEES. PROVIDE SAME.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.