PANCAKE CAFE/AJI SUSHI Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE 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 VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR SUCH A PERSON ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION 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.

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH AN OPEN BEVERAGE. REVIEWED PROPER AREAS, METHODS FOR EMPLOYEES TO CONSUME BEVERAGES AND FOODS.

Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.

Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED THE BAR HAND WASHING SINK FOUND BEING USED AS A SLOP SINK WITH A METAL STRAINER INSIDE THE SINK MAKING THE SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING USE. HAND SINKS MUST BE USED FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY AND ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.----NOTED THE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM ON THE SUSHI PREP HAND WASHING SINK MUST BE REMOVED. HAND SINKS MUST BE USED FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY. 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO PAPER TOWELS LOCATED AT THE BAR HAND WASHING SINK. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #10 FOR CITATION.

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.

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION - Comments: NO RECORDS OR DOCUMENTATION ON SITE OR AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW FOR PARASITE DESTRUCTION OF SUSHI FISH AND CUT/PORTIONED FROZEN SALMON WRAPPED IN PLASTIC WRAP, UNLABELED INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MUST PROVIDE THE PROPER PARASITE DESTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Uncorrected violations continue posing health risks and often worsen over time.

Previous critical violations must be corrected.

All previous violations corrected within required timeframes; Critical violations corrected immediately; Documentation of corrections maintained.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISH WASHING MACHINE NOT PROPERLY DISPENSING CHLORINE SANITIZER. NOTED AFTER SEVERAL WASH CYCLES LESS THAN 10 PPM CHLORINE WITH A FINAL RINSE TEMPERATURE OF 135.7F. INSTRUCTED TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL DISHWARE AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND PROPERLY DISPENSES CHLORINE, C.D.P.H CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 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.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: NOTED THE UPPER WATER RESERVOIR OF THE BASEMENT ICE MACHINE AND INSIDE THE BIN WITH PINK AND BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING DOWN INTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL SLIME, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 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 COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED THE FOLLOWING FOODS IN TWO COOLERS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: SAUSAGE INSIDE THE SMALL WALK-IN COOLER AT 45F, PRE-COOKED POTATOES AT 45.9F. IN THE COOKS LINE COOLER: HAM AT 48.9F, CORNED BEEF HASH AT 48F. ALL TCS FOODS DISCARDED IN BOTH COOLERS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: NOTED THE ABOVE MENTIONED COOKS LINE COOLER AND SMALL WALK-IN COOLER UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURES. WALK-IN COOLER AT 49.6F WITH PRE-COOKED POTATOES AT 45.9F. COOKS LINE COOLER AT 49.4F WITH HAM AT 48.9F. BOTH COOLERS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED, MAINTAINS AN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AND C.D.P.H CONTACTED BY WRITTEN REQUEST FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: BULK RICE CONTAINER IN THE SUSHI PREP MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: REAR EXIT SCREENED DOOR WITH TORN RUBBER STRIP ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD AND AN OPEN 1/4 INCH GAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE RUBBER STRIP AND PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.

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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED IN-USE COOKS LINE UTENSILS BEING STORED IN A CONTAINER OF WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF 87.8FF. IF STORED IN HOT WATER, MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 135F OR STORE ON/IN A CLEAN SURFACE/CONTAINER AND WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AS NEED OR EVERY 4 HOURS.

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.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE SUSHI BAR AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR FOR BLENDER ON SITE.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: METAL RACK SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE SMALL WALK-IN COOLER WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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 OR CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT.----TOP OF THE DISH WASHING MACHINE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS.----EXTERIOR OF THE COOKS LINE GARBAGE CANS WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS AND IN THE HANDLE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----ALL RAW WOODEN SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE SUSHI BAR PREP AREA IE: CABINETS, SHELVING ETC. MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED TO BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: LEAK UNDER THE DISH WASHING MACHINE INTO BUCKET. MUST REPAIR.--

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: COOKS LINE HAND WASHING SINK UNABLE TO DISPOSE OF WASTE WATER. SINK COMPLETELY CLOGGED AND DOES NOT NOT DRAIN ANY OF THE WASTE WATER. MUST REPAIR TO PROPERLY DRAIN AND DISPOSE OF WASTE WATER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.

All waste water must be properly disposed.

Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: BROKEN, CRACKED, MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE COOKS LINE AND DISH AREA. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR ALL AFFECTED AREAS.----MUST REMOVE ALL UNEVEN, SPRAY FOAM SEALANT ALONG BASEBOARD COVING THROUGHOUT THE SUSHI BAR AREA TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

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: OUTDOOR BUS PANS, WATER FOR CONSUMPTION DISPENSER, UNUSED COOKING EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE REAR OUTDOOR WALKWAY.----MOTORIZED SCOOTERS MUST NOT BE STORED IN THE SUSHI PREP AREA.----ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS INCLUDING CONTRUCTION MATERIAL STORED THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE AND REAR STORAGE AREAS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND ALL OTHER NEED ITEMS MUST BE STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED.

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: EXCESSIVE DUST/DIRT ON WALLS AND CEILING AT THE SMALL WALK-IN COOLER AND ENTRANCE TO DISH AREA.----DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN AT THE KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER THE DISH WASHING MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----HOLE IN THE WALL AROUND PIPING AT THE DISH WASHING MACHINE FILLED WITH TINFOIL. MUST PROPERLY SEAL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BAGS BEING STORED IN FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST PROVIDE DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE STORAGE NOT IN FOOD PREP OR FOOD CONTACT AREAS.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BAGS BEING STORED IN FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST PROVIDE DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE STORAGE NOT IN FOOD PREP OR FOOD CONTACT AREAS.

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.