LOS CHEPES Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: NO SANITIZER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTD TO PROVIDE SANITZIER. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005. PERSON IN CHARGE PROVIDED CHLORINE SANITIZER BY END OF INSPECTION.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERTURES IN WALK IN COOLER (COOKED YESTERDAY)) 10LBS OF COOKED REFRIED BEANS AT 63.3F AND 15LBS OF COOKED TOMATOES AT : 52.0F . . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED BEANS AND COOKED TOMATOES. APPROX $100 VALUE.

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: MISSING DISCLOSURE FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE ON THE MENU WHICH FOODS ARE COOKED TO ORDER (EX. EGGS, STEAK) WITH AN ASTERISK NEXT TO THOSE SPECIFIC ITEMS; AND THEN BY ASTERISKING THEM TO A FOOTNOTE THAT STATES THESE ITEMS ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN (OR MAY CONTAIN) RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS AND ALSO A REMINDER STATEMENT SUCH AS "Consuming raw or undercooked MEATS, POULTRY, seafood, shellfish, or EGGS may increase your RISK of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions" PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: THERMOMETER NOT PROVIDED TO MONITOR HOT HOLDING UNIT FOR CARNITAS. INSTD TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER.

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROX. 50 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE GROUND IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS; THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, GARAGE DRY STORAGE AREA, AND ON THE GROUND SURROUNDING GREASE BINS OUTSIDE. INSTD TO SCHEDULE PEST CONTROL AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(a).

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.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSEVRED WET IN USE WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE COUNTER IN THE WAIT STAFF BEVERAGE AREA. INSTD TO KEEP WIPE CLOTHS IN PROPER SANITZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: CERAMIC/CLAY DRINKING CUPS ON SITE. INSTD TO ENSURE CUPS ARE LEAD FREE OR LEAD SAFE LEVELS AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF SUCH ON SITE; OR REMOVE CUPS FROM PREMISES

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WET MOPS STORED INSIDE OF BUCKETS IN THE REAR HALLWAY OF FACILITY. INSTD TO HANG MOPS WHEN NOT IN USE TO ALLOW TO DRY.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WET MOPS STORED INSIDE OF BUCKETS IN THE REAR HALLWAY OF FACILITY. INSTD TO HANG MOPS WHEN NOT IN USE TO ALLOW TO DRY.

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.