PIZZA BY ALEX Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: Facility not maintaining proper temperature while storing potentially hazardous foods. Prep cooler internal temperature at 44.6F. Instructed that coolers must maintain 40F or below at all times. Critical citation issued 7-38-005(A).

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.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: Potentially hazardous foods does not meet temperature requirement during storage, preparation, display and service. Found potentially hazardous in cooler stated above at improper temperature. Italian beef 5lbs at 45.4F, Ham 1lb at 47.3F, Chicken 3lbs at 44.9F, sliced tomatoes 3lbs at 48.5F, Onion 2lbs at 47.4F and various sliced and various condiments. Instructed that potentially hazardous foods cold must be held at 40F or below. Manager voluntarily discarded and denatured. Approximately 14lbs and value $50.00. Critical citation issued 7-38-000(A).

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: Foods in coolers not labeld or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Gaskets on cooler doors not maintained. Instructed to replace gaskets to have tight fitting around cooler door frame. Storage shelves in inside walk in cooler rusted. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface.

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.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: Can opener, storage shelves inside coolers and prep table/counter not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.

Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.

All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.

Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: Floor in corners, behind equipement not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean. Floor inside walk in cooler not maintained. Instructed to remove rust from floor and apply non-toxic sealant.

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: Ventilation, light and fan covers thru-out and inside walk in cooler not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.

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.

TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS - Comments: Toilet room door near prep not self closing. Instructed to install self closing device.

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.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: Unneccssary articles stored on premises in rear stroage area and usused equipment. Instructed to remove all unused articles.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN - Comments: Food handlers and employees in prep area not wearing hair restraint. Instructed to provide proper hair restraint for all employees in prep area.

Unwashed produce can harbor pathogens and chemical residues.

Raw fruits and vegetables must be washed before use.

Wash thoroughly under running water; Before cutting, combining, cooking, or serving; Remove soil and contaminants.

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN - Comments: Food handlers and employees in prep area not wearing hair restraint. Instructed to provide proper hair restraint for all employees in prep area.

Unwashed produce can harbor pathogens and chemical residues.

Raw fruits and vegetables must be washed before use.

Wash thoroughly under running water; Before cutting, combining, cooking, or serving; Remove soil and contaminants.