POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS LLC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: OBSERVED PREP COOLER AT AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 57.2F. AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION THE PREP COOLER HAD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SLICED TOMATO, CHICKEN) INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL REFRIGERATORS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PREP COOLER REACHED A TEMPERATURE OF 42F BY THE END OF THE INSPECTION. 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: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (CHICKEN, SLICED TOMATOES) AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES; 15 LBS OF CHOPPED LETTUCE T 53F, 3 LBS OF CHICKEN SALAD AT 53F AND 1/2 OF SLICED TOMATOES AT 53.1F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAID ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. 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.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR RODENT PROOFED AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AROUND TOP DOORS OF ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AND INSIDE OF REFRIGERATORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS, UNDER REFRIGERATION UNITS AND IN ALL CORNERS.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS, UNDER REFRIGERATION UNITS AND IN ALL CORNERS.

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.