LOS COMALES #3 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: 3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF, PORK) AT INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN A PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA; ABOUT 10 LBS OF RAW BEEF AT 48F, ABOUT 10 LBS OF COOKED FLAUTAS AT 50F AND ABOUT 20 LBS OF COOKED PORK AT 51F. INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. ALL FOODS DISCARDED VALUED AT $250. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED A METAL STEM THERMOMETER AT THE END OF THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 75 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA, AND ABOUT 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES AND 2 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND IN THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA/CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR THAT LEADS TO THE ALLEY WITH A HOLE IN THE CONCRETE ON TOP OF THE DOOR AND A 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM FAR RIGHT OF SAID DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HOLE IN THE CONCRETE AND MAKE ENTIRE SAID DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-305.11 OBSERVED A UNCOVERED SEWER PIPE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA AND 1ST FLOOR FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROTECTION (SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE MATERIAL) AROUND SAID SEWER PIPES IN ORDER TO PROTECT FROM ANY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-305.11 OBSERVED A UNCOVERED SEWER PIPE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA AND 1ST FLOOR FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROTECTION (SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE MATERIAL) AROUND SAID SEWER PIPES IN ORDER TO PROTECT FROM ANY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.