MARGARITA'S PIZZERIA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HANDSINKS IN FOOD PREP AREA OR IN TOILET ROOMS.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED - Comments: OBSERVED WHITE CHALKY SUBSTANCE (BORIC ACID) AROUND ENTIRE INTERIOR PERIMETER OF FACILITY, ON FLOORS IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTE MANAGER THAT USE OF SUBSTANCE IS PROHIBITED AND ANY PEST CONTROL MITIGATIONS MUST BE DONE BY A LICENSED PEST CONTROL OPERATOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-015. CITATION ISSUED

Unpasteurized products can contain dangerous pathogens.

Only pasteurized dairy and eggs in certain situations; no prohibited foods.

Pasteurized eggs for recipes not fully cooked; Pasteurized dairy products; No home-prepared foods.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED REACH IN REFRIGERATION UNIT COLD HOLDING AT 59.1F. UNIT IS TAGGED AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL UNIT CAN HOLD PROPER COLD HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR LESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED INOPERABLE PROBE THERMOMETER FOR ACCURATELY RECORDING FOOD TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE WORKING PROBE THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED

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 LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY AT MOP SINK, CRAWLING ON PIZZA BOXES, CRAWLING ON PREP TABLES, CRAWLING ON REFRIGERATION UNITS, AND CRAWLING ACROSS FLOORS. OBSERVED 100-200 RODENT DROPPINGS NEAR FRONT ENTRANCE, UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK ALONG WALL, IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA ALONG ALL PERIMETER WALLS.OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30-40 FLIES. PRIORITY 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED

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: OBSERVED OPEN BAGS OF BULK BEANS AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SECONDARY CONTAINMENT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM PESTS.

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.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES, INSIDE COOLERS, ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

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: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ON MAIN COOK LINE COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED NO KICK PLATES ON BOTTOM OF REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE /RE-INSTALL KICK PLATES ON ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS 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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF THE REACH IN REFRIGERATOR AND PIZZA PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL AND OR PAINT ANY AND ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES.

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO SANITIZING TEST STRIPS FOR CHLORINE SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST STRIPS WITH THE CORRESPONDING SANITIZING SOLUTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF PIZZA OVEN. 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.

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER IN FACILITY. HOT WATER TEMPERATURE IS RANGING FROM 78.9F TO 75.2F AT ALL SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED

Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.

Adequate hot and cold running water required.

Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED HANDSINK DISCHARGE PIPE CONNECTING TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK PIPE SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT

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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE 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 OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH OPEN LIDS AND GARBAGE ABOVE AND OVERFLOWING FROM THE RIM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO THAT LIDS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING AND CLOSED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DUST ON CEILING VENTS. ISTRUCTED 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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED VENTILATION WITH ACCUMULATED DUST AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED TWO EMPLOYEES WITH NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 TWO EMPLOYEES WITH NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.