PEPE'S TACO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED 20-30 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR IN SOUTHWEST CORNER UNDER SODA DISPENSER SHELVES, 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS IN SOUTHEAST CORNER BEHIND CARBON DIOXIDE TANKS, 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS ALONG NORTH WALL NEAR REAR DOOR, 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS ON UNUSED BEVERAGE DISPENSER ALONG SOUTH WALL, 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS ON SHELVING ALONG EAST WALL IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED, 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM OF DOOR, SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED.

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED PER MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO FROM REPORT #545777 ON 1-26-12. 38-MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROPERLY EXTEND WASTE LINE FROM THE ISLAND OASIS JUICE MACHINE INTO A FLOOR DRAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REMOVE RUST DEPOSITS INSIDE ICE MACHINE.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN STORAGE AREAS.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN CEILING AROUND PIPE FITTINGS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. STORE ALL STOCK AWAY FROM WALLS FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT BEVERAGE AREA.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK.

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.