PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
PEPE'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago School
May 19, 2022
Complaint
License #22951
4
Total Violations
1
Critical
2
Major
1
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
4
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT RANGING FROM 46.4F TO 52.8F, SUCH AS TOMATOES, LETTUCE, DICED TOMATOES, SHREDDED CHEESE, SOUR CREAM AND RAW BEEF. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 15LBS AT $100. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 51.4F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #43
MINOR
Violation Details
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP INSIDE OF CUP WHICH WAS INSIDE THE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CUP AND STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP OUTSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. COS
Why This Matters
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
Food Code Requirement
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Specific Requirements
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.12
Violation #43
MINOR
Violation Details
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP INSIDE OF CUP WHICH WAS INSIDE THE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CUP AND STORE ICE SCOOP HANDLE UP OUTSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. COS
Why This Matters
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
Food Code Requirement
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Specific Requirements
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.12
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection