LOS ARCOS AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD, INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME - Comments: NO SANITIZING SOLUTION PROVIDED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS.OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING AND RINSING POTS,PANS AND OTHER UTENSILS.SANITIZER SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, WHEN SET UP AND USED. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030

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 NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED - Comments: WASHBOWL AT STAFF/CUSTOMERS MEN WASHROOM NOT MAINTAINED. NO RUNNING HOT/COLD WATER AT SAID SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.INSTRUCTED TEMPORALLY TO USE WOMEN'S WASHROOM FOR STAFF/CUSTOMERS. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene practices and potential fecal contamination.

Sufficient, properly maintained toilet facilities required.

Adequate number for staff; Convenient location; Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Maintained clean; Proper ventilation.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OVER 40 MICE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED IN THE KITCHEN: ON TOP AND UNDER THE SHELVES,UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND ALONG THE WALL AND BEHIND THE REACH-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN THE AREA MENTIONED.OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. REAR DOOR HAS GAPS AT TOP AND SIDE OF THE DOOR,INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF DOOR. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED - Comments: NO CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE HANDLED: RICE,CHICKEN,BEANS ETC. A CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER MUST BE ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE HANDLED SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: BURNED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE THE OVEN,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE DEEP FRYER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: EMPLOYEE ARE USING PAPER TO STOP WATER AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS.MISSING WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS IS LEAKING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE PREP COOLER, AND NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER BY THE REAR DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

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: BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE PREP COOLER, AND NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER BY THE REAR DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

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.