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POPEYE'S LOUISIANA KITCHEN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

POPEYE'S LOUISIANA KITCHEN (AKA: POPEYE'S LOUISIANA) 7250 S WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO 60636 Restaurant
May 3, 2024 Canvass License #2929866
20
Total Violations
11
Critical
2
Major
7
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

20
Violation #1
CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAI.(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.
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A VALID CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE NOR IDENTIFICATION WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN.COLESLAW,RICE,ETC).MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(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.
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
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.
Violation #6
CRITICAL
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: OBSERVED FEMALE FOOD HANDLER CHEWING GUM WHILE PREPPING FOOD MANAGER HER HER TO REMOVE GUM DURING INSPECTION (COS)
Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.
Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.
Violation #8
CRITICAL
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY MALE FOOD HANDLER OBSERVED HIM SWEEPING THE FLOOR AND THEN PUT ON GLOVES WENT INTO REACH IN FREEZER AND GRABBED A BAG OF FRENCH FRIES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS. MANAGER HAD EMPLOYEE TO WASH HANDS DURING INSPECTION.MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK IN MAIN PREP AREA WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED.SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
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.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE OBSERVED 2- ORANGE BUCKETS STORED INSIDE OF HAND SINK BASIN.MANAGER REMOVED BUCKETS DURING INSPECTION.MUST KEEP ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
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.
Violation #22
CRITICAL
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 22LBS. COLE SLAW IN PREPACKAGED FOOD CONTAINERS RANGING FROM 46.4F-47.5F INSIDE OF PREP COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX.22LBS. $10.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
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.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
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.
Violation #46
MAJOR
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT USING GLOVES PROPERLY.
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.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.CARDBOARD FROM DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVES.
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.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REACH IN FREEZER & WALK IN FREEZER,DAMAGED EXTERIOR TRIM ON ICE MACHINE.
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.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COMPRESSOR UNIT,LOWER SHELVING UNIT AT LOBBY SODA STATION CABINET,DRIVE THRU SODA STATION & DRIP TRAY.
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.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST GROUT FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES WHERE NEEDED.
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.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA AND NEAR DISH WASHING AREA.
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.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS AND PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF BULBS AT HEAT LAMPS.
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.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR 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.
Violation #60
CORRECTED MAJOR
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2581664 9/13/23 #49- : 4-601.11(C): (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, FRYER CABINETS, WHEELS AND BASES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, PREP COOLERS, SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.#53- 6-501.18 : INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN THE FIXTURES AND FLOORS IN THE WASHROOMS.#55-6-501.12 : FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEAN THROUGH OUT TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
Deviating from approved procedures removes critical safety controls.
Must comply with all approved plans and procedures.
Follow approved plans; Maintain required records; Operate as permitted; No unauthorized changes.
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
Violation #60
CORRECTED MAJOR
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2581664 9/13/23 #49- : 4-601.11(C): (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, FRYER CABINETS, WHEELS AND BASES OF FRYERS, PREP TABLES, PREP COOLERS, SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.#53- 6-501.18 : INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN THE FIXTURES AND FLOORS IN THE WASHROOMS.#55-6-501.12 : FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEAN THROUGH OUT TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
Deviating from approved procedures removes critical safety controls.
Must comply with all approved plans and procedures.
Follow approved plans; Maintain required records; Operate as permitted; No unauthorized changes.
This violation was corrected during the inspection.

Health Department Information

Department Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division Food Protection Program
Report Issues Call 311 or File Online
More Information CDPH Food Protection
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections