NIU Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS OBSERVED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED CRAB MEAT AT 61-82F, SUSHI AT 43.3F AND COOKED RICE AT 100F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 30# OF FOOD WORTH $200. CRITICAL VIOLATION 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 (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED DISCOLORATION AND A SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 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: OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. APPROXIMATELY 50 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILING TILES AND ON EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 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: ALL PREPARED FOODS IN THE COOLERS MUST BE LABELED AND DATED.

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: OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS BEING STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS ONLY.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREAS. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BOXES LAYED FLAT ON THE FLOOR IN THE SUSHI PREP AREA AND THE DISHWASH AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CARDBOARD AND USE PROPER FLOOR MATS. OBSERVED CRACKS IN THE FLOORING UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND HALLWAY TO THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. MUST FILL IN THE CRACKS AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREAS. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BOXES LAYED FLAT ON THE FLOOR IN THE SUSHI PREP AREA AND THE DISHWASH AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CARDBOARD AND USE PROPER FLOOR MATS. OBSERVED CRACKS IN THE FLOORING UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND HALLWAY TO THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. MUST FILL IN THE CRACKS AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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.