POCHOS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED A PERSON IN CHARGE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012.

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: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (EGGS, BEEF) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.

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.

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: 3-301.11(B) OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER SLICING READY-TO-EAT AVOCADO WITH HIS BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED NEVER TO ALLOW BARE-HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. INSTEAD, USE TONGS, SPOONS, OR FOOD-GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES TO HANDLE ALL READY-TO-EAT FOODS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.

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: 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AVAILABLE AT THE REAR DISHWASHING AND REAR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

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.

GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: 3-304.15 OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITH ONE FOOD-GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVE ON AND USING THAT HAND TO HANDLE A KNIFE INSTEAD OF HANDLING READY-TO-EAT FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REVIEW PROPER GLOVE USE WITH ALL FOOD HANDLERS.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYER WITH MINOR ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

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: 5-501.15 OBSERVED AN OVERFLOWING OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER WITH BOXES ON THE GROUND AROUND THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO NEVER ALLOW OUTSIDE DUMPSTER TO OVERFLOW AND CLEAN THE GROUND AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(B).

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.11 OBSERVED THE COVING DEATTACHED FROM THE WALL UNDER A DRY STORAGE SHELF IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

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: 6-201.11 OBSERVED THE COVING DEATTACHED FROM THE WALL UNDER A DRY STORAGE SHELF IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

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.