NEVERIA EL SABOR de MEXICO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND THE OTHER PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT AN I.D. TO SHOW PROOF THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE IS ACTUALLY THEIR OWN CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND PROVIDE PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.

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.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: 2-101.11 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND THE OTHER PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT AN I.D. TO SHOW PROOF THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE IS ACTUALLY THEIR OWN CERTIFICATE, WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE AND PROVIDE PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.

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.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PRESENTED FOR INSPECTOR'S REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.

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: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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: 5-205.11 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SINK BLOCKED WITH UTENSILS, A HEAD OF LETTUCE AND A WATER PURIFIER ATTACHED TO THE HAND WASHING SINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS AND ONLY USE THE HAND WASHING SINK TO WASH HANDS ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER ABOVE 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.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED THE SMALL FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: 3-502.11 OBSERVED SPECIAL PROCESS DRINKS (PER EMPLOYEE, "FERMENTED PINEAPPLE DRINK) BEING STORED ON SITE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID SPECIAL PROCESS ITEMS OR THE FACILITY MUST CONTACT CDPH TO INQUIRE "HOW TO OBTAIN A VARIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS - Comments: 8-103.11 OBSERVED NO VARIANCE OBTAIN BY THE FACILITY FOR THE "SPECIAL PROCESS FERMENTED PINEAPPLE DRINK" ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN A VARIANCE FOR ALL SPECIAL PROCESSES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #29.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT TCS FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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: 3-601.11 OBSERVED NO PROPER LABELS ON ALL PREPACKAGED FOODS THAT CONTAIN THE BUSINESS NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS AND INGREDIENTS FOR THE PREPACKAGED DESSERTS AND POTATO CHIPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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: 6-501.112 OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEAD COCKROACHES ON THE FLOOR BETWEEN THE WALL AND 3 DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED TWO LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND 2 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED RUST ON THE GREASE TRAP LOCATED UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND RUST ON THE LOWER SHELF OF THE PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.