LITTLE BRANCH CAFE Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OWNER/MANAGER NOT PROPERLY WASHING HER HANDS IN THE REQUIRED DESIGNATED HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED NOT TO WASH HANDS IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROPERLY WASH HANDS WITH SOAP IN THE HAND WASHING SINK ONLY. MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED

Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.

Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.

Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: REAR HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE. DISH WASHING LIQUID AND UTENSILS STORED INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE AND PROPERLY STOCKED. MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c) VIOLATION 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO HANDWASHING SIGN POSTED AT THE DESIGNATED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS/EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN 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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: MULTI USE KNIVES NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE KNIVES IN A KNIFE RACK WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INTERIOR LOWER SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS AND STORAGE RACKS IN REAR PREP AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

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: WALLS BEHIND THE COOLERS/COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD/GREASE AND DIRT. FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT.

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: VENTILATION PANELS IN REAR PREP WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. 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: FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT CERTIFICATES.

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: FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT CERTIFICATES.

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.