NICHOLAS HIGH QUALITY MEATS INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. 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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED DELI MEATS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: PORK (48.0F) TURKEY (51.4F) CORNED BEEF (49.8F). INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 6 POUNDS OF FOOD AT A COST OF $25. ALL FOOD TEMPERATURES MUST BE 41F OR BELOW FOR COLD HOLDING. PRIORITY. 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 COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED DELI COOLER MAINTAINING IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 47.3F. ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST MAINTAIN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. UNIT TEMPERATURE DECREASED TO 39.0F BY END OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.

All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.

Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED 3 CASES OF TURKEY PRODUCTS AND 6 CASES OF PORK PRODUCTS IN PREP AREA THAWING FOR SLICING. INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR BY REFRIGERATION.

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: OBSEVED MILK CRATES USED FOR SHELVING INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE AND REPLACE WITH PROPER SHELVING 6" ABOVE THE FLOOR.

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: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND ICE BUILD UP INSIDE WALK IN FREEZER. 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.

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED WASTE WATER SPILLING ONTO FLOOR FROM DRAIN PIPES WHEN DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO GET PIPES CLEANED TO PREVENT BACK UP ONTO FLOOR OF FACILITY. PRIORITY. 7-38-030(c). CITATION ISSUED.

Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.

All waste water must be properly disposed.

Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR IS NOT SELF-CLOSING. MUST MAKE DOOR SELF CLOSING TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF HANDS.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS BEHIND PREP TABLES NEAR WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED INOPERABLE VENTILATION IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED INOPERABLE VENTILATION IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.