MELI CAFE ON GRAND Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:46AM. 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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 9:46AM. 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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILDUP ON SILVER SHELVING UNIT IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SILVER SHELVING UNIT IN WALK IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.

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 WATER FROM DRAINPIPE OF COMPARTMENT NEXT TO GREASE TRAP OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA LEAKING ON TO FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA 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 DAMAGED INTERIOR BASE OF CABINET IN STAGING AREA IN UPPER DINING AREA NEAR STAIRS. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR INTERIOR BASE OF CABINET IN STAGING AREA IN UPPER DINING AREA NEAR STAIRS FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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: OBSERVED DAMAGED INTERIOR BASE OF CABINET IN STAGING AREA IN UPPER DINING AREA NEAR STAIRS. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR INTERIOR BASE OF CABINET IN STAGING AREA IN UPPER DINING AREA NEAR STAIRS FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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.