PALETERIA Y NEVERIA JUAREZ EXPRESS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN SAME

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: PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010

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.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: MISSING EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGED HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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: MISSING PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES AND PROCEDURE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

FOOD OBTAINED FROM APPROVED SOURCE - Comments: UNKNOWN SOURCE PALETAS OR HAND PACKED ICE CREAM THAT WILL BE ON MENU AND OFFERED FOR SALE. INSTD TO PROVIDE APPROVED SOURCE (BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND DOCUMENTATION THAT SOURCE IS APPROVED FROM STATE TO WHOLESALE). PALETAS MUST BE FULLY SEALED AND PROPERLY LABELED (DISTRIBUTOR, INGREDIENTS, ETC) 7-38-005(A) PRIORITY.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene practices and potential fecal contamination.

Sufficient, properly maintained toilet facilities required.

Adequate number for staff; Convenient location; Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Maintained clean; Proper ventilation.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: NO SANITZER ON SITE. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005

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 COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: NO REFRIGERATION/FREEZERS ON SITE. INSTD TO HAVE ON AND ABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURES (41F OR BELOW, FROZEN 32F OR BELOW) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: MISSING FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE (COLD AND HOT TEMPERATURES) PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: MISSING PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK AND PROOF OF SERVICE FOR NEW D/B/A. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME AND MAINTAIN, (SERVICE REPORTS, PEST CONTROL LICENSE NUMBER, ETC). PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C)

Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.

No pests or animals allowed in facility.

No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: MISSING SANITIZING TESTING DEVICE. INSTD TO OBTAIN SANITIZING TESTING DEVICE FOR SANITZER TO BE USED ON SITE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: NO COMMERCIAL GARBAGE DISPOSAL SERVICE. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: NO COMMERCIAL GARBAGE DISPOSAL SERVICE. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN SAME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)

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.