PACO'S TACOS Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT REAR PREP / DISH WASHING AREA HAND SINK WHILE DISHES ARE BEING WASHED AND FOOD HANDLED AT THIS TIME. MUST PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED A MALE DISH WASHER NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING MULTI-USE UTENSILS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AT 0.0 P.P.M.. OBSERVED OVER SIZED POTS AND PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS BEING WASHED WITH A BUCKET OF SOAPY WATER AND TOWEL BEING USED IN MIDDLE COMPARTMENT BASIN TO WASH AND RUNNING WATER FOR RINSING UNDER FAUCET.INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON HOW TO SET UP SINK TO WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS.STILL OBSERVED DISH WASHER NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING DURING INSPECTION AFTER BEING TOLD.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005(C)(CITATION ISSUED)

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.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED APPX. 30LBS.COOKED PORK BELLIES WITH MEAT IN LARGE PLASTIC BINS ON REAR STORAGE SHELVES AND INSIDE OF FRONT SERVICE COUNTER HOT HOLDING UNIT.AT 67.1F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.APPX. 30 LBS. $.90(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)

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: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 2-180 LB.OF RAW CHEEK MEAT INSIDE OF LARGE PLASTIC GARBAGE CANS INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER RANGING FROM 47.3F-54.1F .2.5LBS. COOKED BEANS 64.8F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX.385 LBS.$.1,450.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION )(COS)

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: OBSERVED LETTER FOR LAB ANALYSIS WITH ONLY WATER ACTIVITY FOR PORK BELLIES MISSING PH RANGE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER WILL NOT SELL UNTIL FOOD ITEM UNTIL PROPERLY TESTED.(COS)

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.

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS - Comments: SEE VIOLATION #29.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR CARNITAS HOT HOLDING UNIT.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 2- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE CARTS.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FANGUARD COVER IN BASEMENT WALK IN COOLER AND INTERIOR DOOR PANEL IN 1ST FL. WALK IN COOLER.

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 CRATES BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN COOLERS AND BASEMENT PAPER/DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED OVERSIZED POTS AND KETTLE TO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK BASIN TO PROPERLY WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE. MUST REMOVE LARGE CONTAINERS OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK .

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED OVERSIZED POTS AND KETTLE TO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK BASIN TO PROPERLY WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE. MUST REMOVE LARGE CONTAINERS OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK .

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.