POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: Found 2 prep coolers unable to maintain proper temperature of 40F or less. Found ambient air temperature of prep cooler 2nd from the left @ 49.3F and prep cooler 3rd from the left @ 54.5F. Must maintain ambient air temperature of 40F or less, inside all refrigeration units, at all times. All items removed. Coolers have been tagged and may not be used until repaired, and tag removed by Chicago Department of Public Health. Critical violation 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: Found the following potentially hazardous foods at improper temperatures in the front prep coolers: 1lb of eggs @ 51.1F; 3lbs of hummus @ 53.2F; 5lbs of chicken salad @ 51.0F; in the Hot holding unit in the front prep: 1/2lb of sausage @ 109.7F; 5lbs of meatballs @ 90.2F; in the walk in cooler: and 3lbs of chicken @ 60.8F. Instructed all potentially hazardous foods must be held at 40F or less, or 140F or more at all times. Operator voluntarily discarded denatured foods during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-005(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 AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Found excessive accumulation of ice build up on inside of chest freezer in rear of prep area. Must remove ice buildup, clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.

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 SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Found excessive accumulation of ice build up on inside of chest freezer in rear of prep area. Must remove ice buildup, clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.

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.