MESON DEL TACO EXPRESS Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/KIT ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE AN EMPLOYEE POLICY /KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO EXPOSRD HANDSINK ACCESSIBLE TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A EXPOSED HANDSINK NEXT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. CORE VIOLATION

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.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENU PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO FIND LOCATION OF BACKFLOW DEVICE IN ICE MACHINE OR INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE. CORE VIOLATION

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS OVER FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT SHIELDS OVER LIGHTS. CORE VIOLATION

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE NO CERTFIED WITH FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET THIS EMPLOYEE CERTIFIED IN FOODHANDLER TRAINING. CORE VIOLATION

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE NO CERTFIED WITH FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET THIS EMPLOYEE CERTIFIED IN FOODHANDLER TRAINING. CORE VIOLATION

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.