MAGO'S TAMALES & TAQUERIA Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: NO PERSON ON SITE WITH FOODSERVICE MANAGER TRAINING.

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 VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT CERTIFIED MANAGER AS WELL AS VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (BEANS, RICE, CHICKEN, STEAK). 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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED TCS FOOD STORED IN FRONT PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLD TEMPERATURE RANGE OF 58F-60F. THE FOLLOWING COLD HOLD ITEMS OBSERVED AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING; SLICED TOMATOES, CHOPPED BEEF, SHREDDED CHICKEN, DICED TOMATOES, COOKED CHORIZO. PIC VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10LBS OF DENATURED FOOD AT A COST OF $100. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED COLD HOLD UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA AT 61F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL COLD HOLD UNITS MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION BY CDPH AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT NO TCS FOODS MAY BE STORED IN UNIT UNTIL RE-INSPECTION.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 1/4IN GAP IN BOTTOM CORNER OF REAR EXTERIOR DOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON TWO DOOR COOLER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED PREP TABLE IN REAR USED FOR STORAGE WITH EXCESSIVE RUST ON BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.

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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED BROKEN LID ON COVERED RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS AND LITTER UNDER AND AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS AND LITTER UNDER AND AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.