PALETERIA Y NEVERIA LA MICHOACANA FRESA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF COOLERS IN PREP AREA AND DISPLAY COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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: OBSERVED PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH NO CURRENT REPORTS FOR 2025. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.

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.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STROE PROPERLY.

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: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF KNIVES AND SCISSORS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN REAR OF FACILITY NEAR THE FREEZER UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" FROM THE FLOOR.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED LIGHTBULBS OUT IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES NOT POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND POST.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES NOT POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND POST.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.