NIU Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.

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.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT/PROCEDURE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, AND CORRESPONDING EQUIPMENT OUTLINE IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.

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 TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN SEVERAL COOLERS. FOUND SQUID @ 47.3f; CHICKEN @ 46.5-49.0F; SCALLOPS @ 44.2F; AND BEEF @ 47.4F. INSTRUCTED ALL TCS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR LESS AT ALL TIMES IN REFRIGERATION. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED DENATURED FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. 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.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: FOUND SUSHI RICE ON SITE WITHOUT APPROVED PROCESS. (FACILITY PROVIDED LAB LETTER DATED 5/7/13 FROM EMSL ANALYTICAL, INC. ) MUST OBTAIN CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH APPROVAL OR A PRODUCT ASSESSMENT MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE PAST FIVE YEARS AND PERSON IN CHARGE HAS RECORDS VERIFYING THE PH LAB FROM A CERTIFIED LAB, AND THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN PROCESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED HEAVILY SOILED CUTTING BOARD, WIH DEEP GROVES ON TOP OF PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST RESURFACE, OR REPLACE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD EGG CONTAINERS AND ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS A LINER ON SHLEVING IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE. ALL SURFACES MUST BE NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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 EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION IN LOWER COMPARTMENT OF RANGE IN MIDDLE SECTION OF KITCHEN. OBSERVED GREASE AND DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON SIDES OF RANGE AND FLAT TOP GRILL. MUST DETAIL CLEAN EQUIPMMENT. MUST MAINTAIN SAME. OBSERVED LIQUID POOLING IN BOTTOM OF PREP COOLER IN REAR OF KITCHEN (ACCROSS OF COOKING LINE). MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THIS COOLER. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.

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 EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN MIDDLE SECTION OF THE KITCHEN (UNDER FLAT TOP GRILL AND RANGE). MUST DETAIL CLEAN. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED LONG CEILING LIGHT NOT WORKING IN REAR WALK IN FREEZER. LIGHT SHIELD IS ALSO CRACKED. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN WALK IN FREEZER.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED LONG CEILING LIGHT NOT WORKING IN REAR WALK IN FREEZER. LIGHT SHIELD IS ALSO CRACKED. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING IN WALK IN FREEZER.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.