NICK'S HI - HO CAFE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE WOMENS TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ENSURE ALL SINKS USED FOR HANDWASHING ARE STOCKED PAPER TOWELS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED. PAPER TOWELS WERE REPLENISHED BY EMPLOYEE DURING INSPECTION.

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.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING THAWING REQUIREMENTS. FOOD HANDLER THAWING FROZEN CHICKEN IN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SITTING IN STAGNANT WATER. INFORMED FOOD HANDLER OF PROPER THAWING METHODS ( MUST UTILIZE RUNNING WATER WITH ENOUGH VOLATILITY WHEN THAWING). MUST MEET PROPER THAWING REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOODS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MEASURING HOT AND COLD FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED FOUR LIVE COCKROACHES ON WALL UNDERNEATH EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ROACHES, CLEAN SURFACES, AND MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF PEST. RECOMMENDED RECEIVING ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a) CITATION ISSUED.

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: OBSERVED FLY RIBBON HANGING DIRECTLY ABOVE PREP TABLE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND ENSURE ALL INSECT CONTROL DEVICES BE INSTALLED SO THAT THE DEVICES ARE NOT LOCATED OVER A FOOD PREPARATION AREA. FLY RIBBON WAS REMOVED BY EMPLOYEE DURING INSPECTION.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKETS ON DOORS OF REACH-IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)

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: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING PANELS IN THE MEN TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR.---ALSO OBSERVED MULITPLE DMAGED CILING PANELS IN THE WOMEN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAR MISSING/DAMAGED CEILING PANELS FOR BOTH TOILET ROOMS 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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING PANELS IN THE MEN TOILET ROOM IN THE REAR.---ALSO OBSERVED MULITPLE DMAGED CILING PANELS IN THE WOMEN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAR MISSING/DAMAGED CEILING PANELS FOR BOTH TOILET ROOMS 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.