PEPES MEXICAN RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH TCS READY TO EAT FOODS BY FEMALE EMPLOYEE.OBSERVED HER PUTTING TOMATO,CHEESE AND LETTUCE ON A ORDER OF FOOD WITH BARE HANDS.MUST PROVIDE UTENSILS,GLOVES OR DELI PAPER TO HANDLE FOODS.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)

Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.

Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.

Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER,SOAP AND TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD SHAKERS ,CONTAINERS AND SQUEEZE BOTTLES WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR NEXT TO ICE MACHINE,CO2 TANKS, HOT WATER TANK.APPX. 10 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON LOWER WALL UNDER SODA MACHINE AND FLOOR DARIN AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS.CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 7/18/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER & COOLER.MUST ELEVATE OFF OF FLOOR 6 INCHES 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.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED FEMALE FOOD HANDLER HANDLING TCS READY TO EAT FOODS WITH BARE HANDS.MUST PROVIDE GLOVES,UTENSILS OR DELI PAPER .(COS)

Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.

Single-use gloves must be used correctly.

Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING UNIT IN WALK IN FREEZER MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT.MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM LOWER SHELVES OF GRILL AND PREP TABLES.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AND BACK FLOW DEVICE ON 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND MOPSINK.MUST PROVIDE AN EXTENTION TO DRAIN LINE OF ICE MACHINE TO OPEN SITE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER ICE MACHINE.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES,WALL BASES,STAINED CEILING TILES IN VESTIBULE,DINING AREA,TOILET ROOM AND PREP AREAS.MUST GROUT FLOOR AROUND FLOOR DRAIN UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

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: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON CEILING OVER FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD OVER ICE MACHINE.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.