FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
PORTAGE GROUNDS COFFEE & TEA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
July 5, 2013
License
License #2232612
10
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Major
3
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: FRONT PREP AREA COOLER TEMP IS AT 60 F. MUST BE AT 40F OF LOWER.
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #8
CRITICAL
Violation Details
SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME - Comments: NO SANITIZER PROVIDED. MUST PROVIDE SANITIZER FOR DISHES, ALONG WITH PROPER SANITIZER TEST KIT.
Why This Matters
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Food Code Requirement
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-501.114, 4-702.11
Violation #9
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE - Comments: NO HOT RUNNING WATER THRU-OUT PREMISES. MUST HAVE RUNNING HOT WATER THRU-OUT PREMISES.
Why This Matters
Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.
Food Code Requirement
Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-101.11, 5-103.11
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: NEED TO PROVIDE SNEEZE GUARD BETWEEN CUSTOMER AND FOOD/DRINK PREP AT FRONT SERVING COUNTER.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #18
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: BROKEN WINDOW IN UTILITY ROOM AND NO PEST CONTROL LICENSE PROVIDED. NEED TO REPAIR BROKEN WINDOW TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LICENSE.
Why This Matters
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Specific Requirements
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-202.15, 6-501.111
Violation #24
MAJOR
Violation Details
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED - Comments: PLUMBERS PUTTY IN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AROUND DRAINS. MUST REMOVE PUTTY.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities prevent proper cleaning and sanitization of equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must meet design and operational requirements.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink with drainboards; Mechanical dishwasher with proper temperatures; Test strips; Thermometers; Adequate size.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-301.11, 4-501.14
Violation #32
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: NO SPLASH GUARD OR PROTECTIVE BARRIER BETWEEN EXPOSED HANDSINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST INSTALL WASHABL BARRIER.
Why This Matters
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Food Code Requirement
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Specific Requirements
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
CDPH Food Code: Section 8-103.12
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: LARGE HOLES GAPS AND CRACKS IN PREP AREA AROUND DUCT WORK , AND UTILITY ROOM. MUST FILL ALL GAPS, HOLES, AND CRACKS THRU-OUT PREMISES. SWING DOOR TO PREP AREA NEEDS TO BE SEALED AND FINISHED.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: NEEP TO PROVIDE SHIELDS OR PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR LIGHTS IN PREP AREA.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: NEEP TO PROVIDE SHIELDS OR PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR LIGHTS IN PREP AREA.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
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