Mekato's Colombian Bakery Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

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: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, MEAT EMPANADA, ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING TCS FOODS. 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: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN FRONT PREP AREA AND INSIDE CUSTOMER'S WASHROOM.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REPAINT RUSTY METAL STORAGE RACKS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.

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: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH WHITE MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR (2) PREP AREA.

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: FOUND FOOD HANDLERS WITH INCOMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.

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: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

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: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

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.