FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
LOS ARCOS AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD, INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
LOS ARCOS AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD, INC.
(AKA: LOS ARCOS AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD)
5525 N CLARK ST, CHICAGO 60640
Restaurant
October 17, 2018
Canvass
License #2232454
9
Total Violations
3
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on October 17, 2018. The inspection type was "Canvass" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 9 violations during this inspection, including 3 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
9
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(N) NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012(A). NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 MANAGEMENT UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR FOR CLEANING UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE INCLUDING THE CHEMICALS NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: 3-603.11 NOTED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDERCOOKED FOOD ITEMS (HAMBURGERS) WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDERS TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH A DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Food Code Requirement
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11(C)
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 NOTED OVER 15 LIVE ROACHES ON WALL, FLOOR BEHIND THE REFRIGERATION UNIT AND FREEZER AND ALSO INSIDE THE INNER DOOR RUBBER GASKET OF CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. ALSO NOTED OVER 5 FLYING INSECTS ON WALLS. RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A)
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: NOTED DIRTY WASH CLOTHS SCATTERED AT THE PREP TABLES NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-202.16 NOTED ICE SCOOP INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE WITH NO ICE SCOOP HOLDER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.11 NOTED FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT, GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS, INCLUDING LIVE AND DEAD ROACHES.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.17(A) NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY FANS AT THE REAR WINDOW OF THE PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.17(A) NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY FANS AT THE REAR WINDOW OF THE PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection