POZOLERIA EL MEXICANO INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED AN INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS - ADVISORY IS MISSING A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ADD A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CURRENT ADVISORY THAT SAYS "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS" OR "ITEMS ARE COOKED TO ORDER". PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE HOT WATER HEATER INSIDE THE MOP SINK/STORAGE ROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM SAID AREA, AND TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE ALL ACTIVITY FROM PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: FOUND BAGS OF ONIONS STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ELEVATE FOOD OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELF LINER IN THE COOKS LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD SO SURFACE IS SMOOTH, NON-ABORBENT, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: FOUND CRACKED EGGS, DIRT, AND OTHER OLD FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE THE REACH IN BEER COOLER IN THE BAR. COOLER IS CURRENTLY TURNED OFF. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REMOVE ALL OLD FOOD AND DETAIL 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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE STAFF WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT TOILET ROOM DOORS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING AND SELF CLOSING.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS FLOOR MATS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE FLOOR COVERINGS THAT ARE A NON-ABSORBENT, NON-CORROSIVE, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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: FOUND HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP IN THE CREVICES OF THE KITCHEN FLOOR MATS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR MATS AND MAINTAIN.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: FOUND HEAVY SOOT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: FOUND HEAVY SOOT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS AND MAINTAIN.

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.