Mekato's Colombian Bakery Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PERSON IN CHARGE AT THE INITIAL INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.

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: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON AT AT THE INITIAL INSPECTION. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED UPON MY ARRIVAL AND ARRIVED DURING THE INSPECTION. REVIEWED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIME WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.

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: HAND SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE IN THE SOUTH KITCHEN WHEN FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED. SINK BLOCKED BY A LARGE WOODEN TABLE WITH A LARGE METAL CONTAINER ON TOP. HAND SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. 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: NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED HAND SINK IN THE SOUTH KITCHEN. MUST PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) SEE VIOLATION #10 ABOVE FOR CITATION.

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 HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED APPROXIMATELY 2 LBS MEAT STUFFED PASTRIES INSIDE THE PASTRY DISPLAY CASE FOR SALE HELD AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 78.4F. REVIEWED HOT AND COLD HOLDING REQUIREMENTS FOR TCS FOODS. ALL DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS IN THE THE WALK-IN COOLER OR FOR SOILED LINENS.

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: PEELING PLASTIC ON THE METAL EXTERIOR HOOD VENTILATION IN THE SOUTH KITCHEN. MUST REMOVE.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.

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: NOTED DAMAGED/MISSING FLOOR TILES IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE REAR NORTH KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.----NOTED EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN FREEZER AND DIRTY FLOOR WITH DEBRIS AND GRESE UNDER AND AROUND THE GREASE TRAP AT THE NORTH KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.---WALLS AT SAME SINK AREA WITH GREASE SPLATTER.----DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN AND DRAIN SCREENED COVER UNDER THE SOUTH KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED A PLUMBING ROUTER BEING STORED IN THE CLEAN DISH STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE.

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: NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING STORED IN FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING STORED IN FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS.

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.