NICK'S ON NORTH Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES LISTED ON THE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 55.7F, FETA CHEESE AT 46.4F, STEAK AT 51.2F, CUT LETTUCE AT 47.5F, GYRO SAUCE AT 47.5F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 15# OF FOOD WORTH $100. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO 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 THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52.5F. THE PREP COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN AND CUT LETTUCE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO 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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN AND OTHER FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.