PEPE'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED IN THE CUSTOMERS TOILET ROOM A CUP FILLED WITH HANDWASHING SOAP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVDE AN APPROPRIATE HANDWASHING CLEANSER DISPENSER IN THE SAID TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ICE BUILD UP IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER ON THE CONDENSER ABOVE THE SHELVING UNIT AND ON THE FLOORS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE ICE BUILD UP 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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED THE OUTDOOR GREASE RECEPTACLE WITH DRIED UP GREASE DROPLETS ON THE OUTERIOR OF THE GREASE RECEPTACLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING BY THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.

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 NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING BY THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.

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.