MR SALSA TAQUERIA Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 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.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS COOKED CHICKEN IN A COOKING POT AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 75.9F PARTIALLY COVERED ON THE BOTTOM SHELVING OF A METAL PREP TABLE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED ALL HOT FOODS MUST BE HELD HOT AT A MINIMUM OF 135F. FOOD DISCARDED. ESTIMATED VALUE AT $20.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS COOKED BEANS IN A LARGE, TALL PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH A TIGHT FITTING LID AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 73.4F INSIDE THE TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER. REVIEWED PROPER COOLING METHODS. BEANS DISCARDED. ESTIMATED VALUE AT $14.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 SEE ABOVE VIOLATION #21 FOR CITATION.

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.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: FOOD ITEMS ON MENU NOT DISCLOSED AND CUSTOMERS NOT REMINDED OF SUCH FOODS INCREASING THE RISK OF FOOD BORN ILLNESS. MUST DISCLOSE ALL SUCH ITEMS ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW TONGUE BEING IMPROPERLY THAWED IN STANDING WATER. REVIEWED THE PROPER METHOD OF THAWING UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE HAND WASHING SINK AND THE DRYING RACK ON THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR CLEAN DISHES.----UNAUTHORIZED CUSTOMERS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA OR MAY ENTER THROUGH THE REAR KITCHEN DOOR.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INTERIOR OF THE SMALL ONE DOOR COOKS LINE COOLER FOUND DIRTY WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN 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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: EXCESSIVE DUST IN THE WASHROOM CEILING VENT. DIRTY WALLS THROUGHOUT THE WASHROOM MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING ON FLOORS.

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: ALL STORED ITEMS IN THE HALLWAY DRY FOOD STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS 6" OR ABOVE.

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: ALL STORED ITEMS IN THE HALLWAY DRY FOOD STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS 6" OR ABOVE.

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.