NOOKIES ON WELLS INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: INADEQUATE HOT WATER AT THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP HAND WASHING SINK. MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE REACHED 90.7F, THEN QUICKLY DROPPED TO 84.4F AFTER RUNNING THE SINK FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER WITH A CONSTANT MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100. F TO A MAXIMUM OF 120F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST REPLACE BROKEN HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW ANIMAL-ORIGIN EGGS AND BEEF PATTIES BEING STORED ON SHELVING INSIDE THE TWO-DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER DIRECTLY ABOVE READY-TO-EAT SPINACH. ALL SPINACH DISCARDED. REVIEWED PROPER FOOD PROTECTION DURING STORAGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.

Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.

Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED COOKED SAUSAGE HELD HOT ON THE FLAT GRILL ON TOP OF CARDBOARD EGG FLATS AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 106.9F. ALL DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. SEE VIOLATION #22 FOR CITATION.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD IN THE FOLLOWING COOLERS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. IN THE FRONT, COFFEE PREP DAIRY COOLER YOGURT AT 45.1F WITH A COOLER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 45.5F. IN THE COOKS LINE DRAWER, COOLERS OBSERVED COOKED CHICKEN AT 47.3 & 44.6F. CHORIZO AT 45.7F, BEAN SALAD AT 47.3F, SALMON AT 46.6F.OTHER NOTED TCS FOOD HELD OUT OF REFRIGERATION ON COOKS LINE COUNTER TOP COOKED POTATOES AT 67.7F, DICED TOMATOES AT 57.5, AND EGGS AT 70.9F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: TWO COOLERS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURES. THE FRONT COFFEE PREP DAIRY COOLER WAS NOTED WITH AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 47.6F, YOGURT AT 45.1F. COOKS LINE DRAWER COOLER AT 45.7F WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP ON THE UPPER PORTION OF THE COOLER AND TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE DRAWER UNITS IE, SALMON AT 46.6F. BOTH COOLERS ARE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REPAIRED, AND MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW, AND C.D.P.H CONTACTED FOR TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 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 PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT MUST BE LABELED WITH PRODUCT'S COMMON NAME.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MUST PROVIDES SPLASH GUARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF BOTH SINKS IN BOTH THE REAR DINING ROOM SERVER STATIONS.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS/COOKS WERE NOTED WITH LARGE BEARDS. MUST PROVIDE BEARD GUARDS.

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.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: BASEMENT PREP WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED A FOOD-ENCRUSTED TOWEL BEING USED AS A HANDLE ON THE COOKS LINE. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: ALL TO GO FOOD CONTAINERS ON THE COOKS LINE, STORED CLEAN POTS IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE INVERTED.

Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.

Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.

Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: ALL PRE-SET TABLEWARES THROUGHOUT ALL THE DINING ROOMS MUST BE PROTECTED. WRAPPED OR COVERED.

Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.

Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.

Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT STORE CLEAN UTENSILS HANGING DIRECTLY ABOVE THE WASHBASIN OF THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE FRONT COFFEE PREP DAIRY COOLER (LEFT DOOR) INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ----BOTTOM SHELVING AT TOAST STATION IN POOR REPAIR WITH RAW WOOD. MUST REPLACE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE ----MUST NOT USE TOWELS AS SINK STOPPERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS.

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: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR BASEMENT CLEAN CONTAINER STORAGE.

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: BASEMENT PREP TABLE TOP CAN OPENER WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: BOTTOM SHELVING AT THE TOAST STATION WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS.----BASEMENT PREP TABLE LOWER SHELVING DIRTY----PLASTIC WHEELED CART ON THE COOK LINER UNDER THE SMALL REFRIGERATOR WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.----TOP OF THE DISHWASHING MACHINE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: BASEMENT PREP THREE-COMPARTMENT RIGHT SIDE FAUCET WITH LEAK. MUST REPAIR.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT STORED ON THE REAR OUTDOOR PATIO MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES.

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: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS AT REAR DISH ROOM.----WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN THE DISH ROOM. MUST REPLACE.----CEILING IN THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM IN POOR REPAIR WITH CHIPPING, PEELING PLASTER. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

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: NOTED AN OPEN GAP- 1/2 INCH OPEN SEAM AT THE BACKSPLASH WALL OF THE FRONT COFFEE PREP STATION. MUST SEAL ----MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS A FILTER FOR THE VENTILATION ABOVE THE DISH MACHINE.

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: NOTED EMPLOYEES' PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING STORED IN THE FRONT FOOD STORAGE SHELVING AT THE COUNTER DINING AREA. MUST USE THE DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE STORAGE AREA LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT.

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: MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS AND SHIELD END CAPS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: DISH MACHINE ROOM, ABOVE THE BASEMENT DRY ONION STORAGE, THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM.

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: NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE.

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: NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE.

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.