MELI CAFE ON GRAND Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME - Comments: INADEQUATE UTENSILS SANITIZING. FOUND AN EMPLOYEE WASHING UTENSILS AT PREP AREA HAND WASH SINK, INSTRUCTED MGR TO WASH AND SANITIZE UTENSILS PROPERLY AT 3-COMP SINK, NO UTENSILS WASHING IS ALLOWED AT EXPOSED HAND SINK, CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.

Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.

Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.

Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: FOUND MILK STORED IN A CLEAR GLASS CONTAINER INSIDE PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED NOT TO TRANSFER DAIRY PRODUCTS FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER FOR STORING COOLER. SERIOUS CITION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: INADEQUATE INSECTS CONTROL, FOUND ABOUT 10 LIVE COCKROACHES IN FRESH JUICE AND DISH WASHING AREAS, SEVERAL DEAD ONES, ALSO 20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN SAME AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE INSECTS ACTIVITY IN ALL AFFECTED AREAS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MISSING A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND ICE BIN AT JUICE STAION, NO COVER AT ICE BIN AT SAME AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BOTH.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MISSING A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND ICE BIN AT JUICE STAION, NO COVER AT ICE BIN AT SAME AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BOTH.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.