MACHETES & MACHETACOS INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD (BEEF 151.9F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

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.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS NOT INVERTED IN PREP AND SERVING AREAS, SINGLE SERVICE CUPS STORED ON FLOOR IN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON FAN GUARDS IN WALK-IN COOLER, FOOD DEBRIS ON PREP TABLES, ROLLING CARTS, COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED COLD WATER LEAK ON REAR HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA, DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES ON SITE. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

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: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES ON SITE. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

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.