MI VAQUITA, INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SINK IN BOOTH FOR HANDWASHING AS REQUIRED WHEN HANDLING TCS/PERISHABLE FOODS; MUST INSTALL WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE. 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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: FOUND IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. FOUND CHEESES ON PREP TABLE AT 50F. CHEESES STATE ON LABELS TO KEEP REFRIGERATED. DISCARDED 158 POUNDS OF CHEESE VALUED AT $1,000.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: FOUND IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. FOUND CHEESES ON PREP TABLE AT 50F. CHEESES STATE ON LABELS TO KEEP REFRIGERATED. DISCARDED 158 POUNDS OF CHEESE VALUED AT $1,000.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.