NORTH STAR RESTAURANT, INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED RAT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: 8 DROPPINGS BEHIND BAR AREA PEPSI COOLER, 6 DROPPINGS BEHIND BAR ALONG BASEBOARD. 300 PLUS DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT REAR BASEMENT STORAGE AND BEHIND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, SANITIZE ALL AREAS AND RECOMMEND HAVING THE PEST CO. SERVICE FOR RATS. 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.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM #2049914 ON 5-8-17 NOT CORRECTED #35- INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENING ON CEILING AND WHERE EVER NEEDED TO PREVENT ENTRY PLACES FOR PEST. HOLES NOTED BEHIND PEPSI COOLER, IN BASEBOARD BEHIND THE BAR, UNDER PIZZA OVEN AND BEHIND TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER IN KITCHEN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.

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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: MUST NOT USE RAW WOODEN BOXES FOR BREAD CONTAINER. MUST BE WASHABLE CONTAINER.

Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.

Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.

Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKETS ON KITCHEN TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER AND REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE. MUST REPLACE GASKETS.----RAW WOODEN BOXES USED FOR DRY FOOD/SPICE STORAGE MUST BE PAINTED /SEALED AND WASHABLE.----RAW WOODEN SHELVING ABOVE THE KITCHEN PREP TABLE. MUST PAINT/SEAL.----PEELING PLASTIC PROTECTING ON METAL PREP SHELVING IN KITCHEN MUST BE REMOVED.

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: EXTERIOR OF THE GAS STOVE WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: MISSING, CRACKED AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.

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: MISSING WALL TILES AT THE MOP SINK. MUST REPLACE.---- UNEVEN SPRAY FOAM SEALANT AROUND THE WALL OF THE MOP SINK MUST BE REMOVED. MUST BE A SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SEAL.----PEELING PLASTER IN THE CEILING OF THE WOMANS WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR.

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: MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: MISSING INTERNAL THERMOMETERS IN THE SMALL TWO DOOR AND ONE DOOR COOLER IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: MISSING INTERNAL THERMOMETERS IN THE SMALL TWO DOOR AND ONE DOOR COOLER IN THE KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.

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.