NICKY'S CHINESE FOOD Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: NOTED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 70 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN AT 49.9-52.5 DEGREES F, 20 LBS OF COOKED BEEF AT 49.2-61.1 DEGREES F, 10 LBS OF SHRIMP AT 55.2 DEGREES F, 10 LBS OF BEAN SPROUTS AT 52.7-55.9 DEGREES F, AND 10 LBS OF RAW EGGS AT 49.8 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW OR 140 DEGREES F AND ABOVE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A

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.

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: FOOD NOT PROPERLY PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. NOTED RAW SHRIMP BEING IMPROPERLY STORED ABOVE COOKED CHICKEN IN THE WALK IN COOLER. ADVISED MANAGER ON PROPER FOOD STORAGE TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A

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.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: NOTED EVIDENCE OF RODENTS ON SITE. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 35 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ALONG THE EAST END OF THE COOK LINE AND BEHIND THE GLASS DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS, SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE AREAS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: NOTED FOOD IN THE WALK IN FREEZER BEING STORED IN GROCERY BAGS AND COVERED WITH CARDBOARD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS TO STORE FOOD ITEMS. MUST ALSO LABEL ALL BULK FOOD ITEM CONTAINERS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA.

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP.

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.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, THE HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, REFRIGERATION UNITS, CUTTING BOARDS,SHELVING RACKS, SINKS AND PREP TABLES. MUST REMOVE ALL GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, UNDER SINKS, UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND THROUGHOUT STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS IN THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.

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.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: REPAIR LIGHT IN THE REAR PREP AREA.

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.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: REPAIR LIGHT IN THE REAR PREP AREA.

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.