MARISCOS EL BARBAS 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 MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED. PREMISES SERVES TCS FOODS: STEAK, CHICKEN TACOS, ETC. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN, POST CERTIFICATE VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA WITH NO SOAP AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ARE STOCKED WITH SOAP AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE RESTOCKED SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HANDWASHING SINKS IN BAR/FRONT PREP AND KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION

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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL TCS FOODS HELD AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47-57 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD FOODS ARE HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED: 3 POUND PASTA, 3 POUNDS CHICKEN, 10 POUNDS STEAK, 10 POUNDS OYSTERS, 1/4 GALLON MILK, 1 POUND CHOPPED LETTUCE, 1/2 POUND SLICED TOMATOES, 5 POUNDS CHORIZO, AND 15 POUNDS FISH ($774) 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 3 DOOR COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 57 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HOLD AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATUE OF 41 F AND BELOW. COOLER TAGGED 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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED TWO MISSING SPLASH GUARDS ON HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED POT TOO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL EQUIPMENT CAN FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-48-025 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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING TILES ON WALL AT BASE NEXT TO UTILITY/MOP SINK. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN HALLWAY LEADING TO UTILITY/ ICE MACHINE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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 GREASE BUILDUP ON HOODS IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED 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 NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON PREMISES.

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.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.