Oromo Cafe Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. 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: REAR PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. NOTED A CLEAN FOOD CONTAINER BEING STORED INSIDE THE SINK. PERSON IN CHARGE REMOVED. REVIEWED HAND WASHING SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY AND MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED APPROXIMATELY 1/2 LB TOTAL TCS GRILLED ONION AND ROASTED RED PEPPER HELD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES 0F 108.6F AND 101.3F ON THE SIDE OF THE STOVE. ALL DISCARDED. REVIEWED PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES AND METHODS OF HOLDING HOT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MUST NOT STORE CLEAN FOOD CONTAINERS DIRECTLY UNDER THE FRON PREP HAND SINK PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER, DIRECTLY ABOVE THE REAR PREP/DISH HAND SINK OR ABOVE THE WASH BASIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: ICE MACHINES ICE SCOOP MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. NOT ON TOP OF THE MACHINE.

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 CLEAN STORED FOOD CONTAINERS IE: MIXING BOWLS, MUST BE STORED 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: LOWER SHELVING OF THE REAR KITCHEN METAL PREP TABLE WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS.----INTERIOR OF THE UTILITY MOP SINK EXTREMELY DIRTY. 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS A LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE COOLERS.

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL FROM THE OUTDOOR GARBAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING. GROUNDS MUST BE CLEAR OF ALL DEBRIS.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: CEILING VENTILATION COVER IN THE EAST WASHROOM NOTED WITH EXCESSIVE DUST. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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 REMOVE UNUSED ICE MACHINE FROM THE OUTDOOR REAR WALKWAY TO THE OUT WASTE RECEPTACLES.

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.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.