PEPE'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago School

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC HAS NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. MUST PROVIDE

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 PERSON IN CHARGE OR EMPLOYEE ON DUTY WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHEN (TCS)FOODS,( BEEF TACOS,ETC) ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-012

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: : 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IN PLACE/ AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYEE HEALTH.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-010. REPEAT

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: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO CLEAN VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION ISSUED 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.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MOP SINK ON PREMISES REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO RE-INSTALL MOP SINK.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDERS CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED DATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO HAVE EMPLOYEES RE-TAKE TRAINING.

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 HANDERS CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED DATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO HAVE EMPLOYEES RE-TAKE TRAINING.

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.