MARGARITA'S PIZZERIA 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.

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 CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (PIZZA AND SLICED TOMATOES) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(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.

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOUCH, SLICE, AND DICE TOMATOES WITH BAREHANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES WEAR GLOVES WHEN TOUCHING READY TO EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED

Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.

Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.

Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO THAW CHICKEN EITHER IN COOLER OR BY OTHER APPROPRIATE METHODS.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 10 RODENT DROPPINGS NEAR WATER HEATER AND DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED HOT WATER MEASURED AT 103 F AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HOT WATER IS MEASURED AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 110 F. MANAGER ADJUSTED HOT WATER HEATER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED HOT WATER MEASURED AT 103 F AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HOT WATER IS MEASURED AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 110 F. MANAGER ADJUSTED HOT WATER HEATER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 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.