PEPE TACO Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE AT TIME OF INSPECTION.

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: OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED(STEAK, GROUND BEEF). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ASSIGN PERSON IN CHARGE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED TCS FOOD(GUACAMOLE, SLICED TOMATOES, SLICED ONIONS)AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE 52F. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AT COST OF $20 AND 2#.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL COLD FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME INSIDE 2-DOOR COOLERS ON DOORS AND SHELVING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO 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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.

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: OBERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.

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.