NIKO'S GYROS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT START TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE EGGS WERE BEING COOKED. THE DESIGNATED PERSON IN CHARGE, WHO IS PHYSICALLY ON SITE, MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION LICENSE. VIOLATION CORRECTED ON SITE; THE CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER, OSCAR LAMADRID, ARRIVED ON SITE APPROX AT END OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. 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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS; FACILITY IN (ROP) REDUCE OXYGEN PACKAGING OF RAW CHICKEN AND STEAK, ETC. IN PREP KITCHEN AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF REQUIREMENTS AND FACILITY MUST MEET AND MAINTAIN. TAG UNIT AND FOOD PRODUCTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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: NOTED A RESIDENTIAL VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE AND ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER VACUUM PACKAGED WITH NO PROOF OF HACCP OR VARIANCE PER HEALTH CODE REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DISCONTINUE THE VACUUM PACKAGING PROCESS UNTIL A VARIANCE AND HACCP ARE APPROVED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. THE FOOD ITEMS THAT WERE VACUUM PACKAGED MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 15 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $250.00 THROUGH THE DENATURING PROCESS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH #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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED PIC PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP ON THE CHEST FREEZER . MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL 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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

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 FLOOR GRPUT AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN TOILET ROOMS . INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.

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 WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN TOILET ROOMS . INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.

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.