MELI CAFE ON GRAND Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DID NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE AVAILABLE OR POSTED, WHILE TCS FOODS; EGGS, CHICKEN, AND SLICED TOMATOES ARE PREPARED OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ONSITE AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN. 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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN THE 3-DOOR PREP COOLER BEHIND THE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS BEHIND THE BAR AND NEAR THE DISHWASHING AREA NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES AND MAINTAIN.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 3 LIVE ROACHES UNDER THE DISH MACHINE, AND 1 LIVE ROACH ON THE WALL BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ROACHES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREA, CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED IMPROPERLY THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION, AND MAINTAIN.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING KNIVES STORED IMPROPERLY IN PREP AREA BETWEEN EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION, AND MAINTAIN.

Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.

Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.

Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED LIQUIDS AND LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE STORAGE COMPARTMENTS OF EQUIPMENT IN COFFEE STATION.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH HEAVY EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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 BURNED OUT LIGHT IN KITCHEN HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT IN KITCHEN HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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.